BRITISH and AMERICAN GAME-BIRDS. By Hugh B.C. Pollard and Phyllis Barclay-Smith.

(1939) 1993 edition. 4to (195 x 272mm). Ppxii,48. Colour plates of game birds by Philip Rickman, marbled end-papers, gilt edges. Colour engraving of pheasants to gilt decorated green faux leather.

"It is one of the signs and portents of our times that the future of many species of ducks should be less dependent on their fate at the hands of nature than at the hands of man. ... Marshes are drained: bricks and mortar restrict the country, and where forty years ago (c1900) there was wild game, no wire fences and very little disturbance, to-day those conditions have gone. It is no good crying about it. The job of the present generation is to see that we stabilise affairs before they go too far." Hugh Pollard in the Introduction. The authors give the reader necessary background information for achieving this aim. Good colour illustrations. Chapters include: By Hugh Pollard - Grouse and Black Game; Partridges and Quail; Pheasants. By Phyllis Barclay-Smith - Wild Turkey, Woodcock and Snipe; Geese and Ducks. Shooting in Great Britain, by Hugh Pollard. Shooting in America, by Eugene V. Connett.