Rough notes and memoranda relating to the natural history of the Bermudas

Preface

In giving these Notes to the public, I think it right to state that some of them have already appeared in a little work, entitled, “The Naturalist in Bermuda,” by the late John Mathew Jones, published in 1859; Mr. Jones having first visited Bermuda in 1854-

Although my father landed in the Bermudas in October, 1840, it was not until September, 1846, that he really commenced his Notes on the natural history of the islands; the responsibilities of his office being very onerous during those first six years, he was then prevented. But in 1846, circumstances having changed, he was more at liberty to follow his own inclinations than hitherto.

The late Mr. Hunt Marriott, then an officer in the same department, being, like my father, imbued with a taste for natural science, observing that he thought it was a pity so little was known of the natural history of the islands, my father proposed an effort should be made to work it out; whereupon Mr. Marriott at once offered his assistance, saying he would do his best in collecting and describing the various forms of insect life, if my father would take the birds; and so far as my father individually was conconcerned, he continued it up to the period of his departure from Bermuda, in May, 1855.

The Notes now date back many years; but I can only hope that, like old wine, they may not prove to the natur-

VI.

Preface.

alist the less palatable for age, more especially to those who may be now residing in Bermuda.

Many of those mentioned have long since gone to their rest, while the few that remain are known by other designations.

To the late Colonel H. M. Drummond-Hay (the Captain Drummond, whose name so often appears), my best thanks are due, as his kind encouragement and aid induced me to publish this little volume.

H. J. Hurdis.

Southampton,

January, 1897.