XXY1 
INTBODUCTION. 
productus) among tlie Parrots, also mourn, in New Zealand and 
Pliillip’s Island, the decadence of their expiring race.” The Apteryx, 
or Kiwi-kiwi, will also soon share the same fate as the Dodo. 
It is now a matter of doubt whether the “wingless” Auk (Alca 
impennzs )—of which I will speak again later—still lives among 
the storm-beaten islands and headlands of the Arctic Ocean; for 
since the last bloody onslaught of a ship’s company thirty years 
ago against these poor birds, so helpless ashore, we have not 
been able to obtain the slightest evidence as to whether any are 
still in existence or not. The most magnificent of all European birds 
of prey, the Lammergeier [Gypaetos barbatus), of the Swiss Alps, becomes 
rarer and rarer every day; and, owing to the unceasing persecution of 
relentless man, there remains but little prospect of its existence 
extending over many years. The same may be said of many birds 
that still continue to adorn our woods, meadows, and waters. The 
oft-lieard plaint that many birds are disappearing is no mere empty 
phrase:—“It is man that strives most ruthlessly to break the links 
of life, and who seeks to disturb the balance which Nature, pure from 
the first, so beautifully adjusted.” The poet’s words are indeed full 
of truth:— 
“ Die Welt ist vollkommen iiberall, 
Wo der Mensch nickt hinkommt mit seiner Qual.” 
“ The world is perfect everywhere, 
When still unblemished by man’s ruthless hand.” 
