PREFACE TO THE NEW EDITION THE author of the following pages feels that something in the shape of an explanation at least, if not an apology, may justly be expected from him for the apparent presumption of reproducing a book which was written for, and addressed to, the Schoolboy Public' of no less than thirty-three years ago. His apology must be, not that the book met with an even flattering reception from the beginning, but that now, for several years past, correspondents new and old, and from many parts of the kingdom, who were boys themselves when the book first appeared, and who now have boys of their own, have inquired of him once and again as to his willingness to reproduce both the present volume and its sequel (Playhours and Half-Holidays), and perhaps the most grateful response he could make is that which is offered by the re-issue of the volumes in question. DANBY, 8th February 1892. CONTENTS. Elmdon School-Dr. Tickletail-Dr. Noble-Jack Edwards- Walk the First-Loach Hunt-Partridge Nest-The Warren-- Walk the Fourth-The Grove - The Hart-stone-The Raven School Examination-Walk the Fifth-Merlin's Eggs-Golden Plover's Nest-Stonechat's, Whinchat's, Common and Moun- Walk the Sixth-Sandpiper's and Magpie's Nests-Bush Mag- Fly-fishing Expedition—“Foxing the Fish -Chasing the Egg-hunting and Sea-fishing-Redshank's, Common Tern's, Oyster-Catcher's, Gull's, Ring-Dotterel's, and Reeve's Eggs- Afloat Bridlington Bay-Flamborough-Rockbirds and their Eggs-Berwick Bay-Eyemouth-The Fort-Asplenium St. Abb's Head-Breakfast-Rock doves-Overhanging Cliffs- Trip to the Bass-Dunbar-Phosphorescent Sea-Fishing in the |