I N T R O D U C T I O N .
B r i t i s h Birds t o t h e best of their ability. The quaint and old-fashioned Bewick is t h e most amusing
of these w r i t e r s , and his woodcuts and the type employed in his work are sure to a t t r a c t attention
and afford e n t e r t a i n m e n t to t h o s e wdio s t u d y his p r o d u c t i o n s . Under the heading of the Capercaillie
several extracts have also been made from Mr J. A. H a r v i e - B r o w n ' s work on 1 T h e Capercaillie in
Scotland,' published in E d i n b u r g h in 1 S 7 9 . I am a w a r e t h a t n a t u r a l i s t s have so frequently drawn
a t t e n t i o n to what they are pleased to s t y l e t h e ignorance displayed by gamekeepers, t h a t t h e y would
u t t e r l y condemn all in format ion acquired from such sources. During t h e time passed s e a r c h i n g over
t h e moors and also knocking about in stormy weather at sea I have, however, learned much
concerning the habits of many scarce species, t h a t I have subsequently proved t o be correct, from
keepers and foresters, as well as from fishermen and c o a s t - g u n n e r s.
Few r e m a r k s concerning t h e changes of p l u m a g e t h r o u g h which the v a r i o u s species pass are given,
unless the birds are several years in assuming their last attire. As most carefully coloured
d r a w i n g s of the soft p a r t s * and plumage of Eagles, Osprcys. Kites, H a r r i e r s , Goosanders. Gannets,
Skuas, as well as a fewr o t h e r species, were made for this w o r k , h a v i n g been taken either from life or
a t the time the b i r d s w e r e obtained, Mr. Neale has been enabled to give the most a c c u r a t e represent
a t i o n s of t h e various stages t h r o u g h which several species pass.
I take this o p p o r t u n i t y of r e t u r n i n g t h a n k s to those who have so k i n d l y r e n d e r e d g r e a t assistance
by g r a n t i n g me permission to explore their e s t a t e s or s h o o t i n g - r a n g e s ; without their help my
collection would have been small indeed. In conclusion, I must b e g those who study the contents of
t h e s e pages to make due allowance for t h e p r o d u c t i o n s of one who has been but little accustomed
t o indoor work.
E. T. BOOTH.
JGTJRLS87.
* This refers to the fleshy elevation! on the iM-aks, the prominent circles ROWUL llie eyes, mill the size and colouring or tlic legs
anil toes, nil of which rapidly contract and M A after death.
C O N T E N T S O F V O L . I.
White-tailed Eagle
OSPLIEL"
Common Buzzard
Kite
Peregrine Falcon-
Merlin
Kestrel •
Si'arr OIV-Hawk
M ujsii-JIarrier
Hen-Harrier -
Montagu's Hakrii:r.
Short-eared Owl
L ino-eared OWI,
Tawny Owl
Barn-O IV l
liiiD-r.AcK.KI> Shrike
Great Tit
Coal Tit -
Crested Tit
Blce Ti t •
Maksii-Tit
Long-tailed Tit