11 
TE]M porary introduction. 
specimens, recently killed by others, showing various interesting stages of plumage that have 
never yet been depicted; but, owing to the difficulty of knowing where to draw a line if 
my original idea was once broken through, I have decided (as in the case of the collection, 
where every bird now figured may be seen) to limit the drawings in these ‘ Notes solely to 
specimens I have myself obtained. 
It is, I consider, presumptuous to state one’s intentions with regard to the future : if, 
however, ‘ Rough Notes ’ should be continued to further Parts, the description of the various 
species (with the exception of certain classes) will be somewhat curtailed ; and possibly eight 
or ten Parts, with between sixty and seventy Plates, will suffice to give an account of the 
species (about 230) that I have met with up to the present date. 
I have devoted the greater portion of my time to studying the habits of the larger Birds of Prey, 
Highland Game, Waders, Wildfowl, and Sea-birds. Concerning the remaining families my experience 
is comparatively limited, and many will have to be treated with simply a few passing remarks. 
I take this opportunity of tendering my best thanks to those gentlemen and sportsmen who have 
so kindly assisted me by granting permission to explore their estates or shooting-ranges ; without 
their help my collection would have been small indeed. 
In conclusion, I must beg my readers to make due allowance for the productions of one who is 
but little accustomed to indoor work. 
E. T. BOOTH. 
September 1881. 
[At the last moment (too late for insertion in Part I.) I have decided to add a drawing of the 
adult male Kite. This Plate will appear in a future Part.] 
