Author
Douglas Dewar
1875-1957
Douglas Dewar (1875-1957) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaBooks by Douglas Dewar
Birds of the Indian Hills
"Birds of the Indian Hills" by Douglas Dewar is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This work serves as a comprehensive guide to the bird species found in the mountainous regions of India, specifically focusing on the Himalayas and other hill stations. Dewar’s text aims to help readers, including non-ornithologists, identify and understand the diverse avifauna of these unique habitats, highlighting key species that can be observed in the area. The opening of the book introduces the rich avifauna of the Himalayas, emphasizing the variety and distinctiveness of the birds that inhabit this mountainous region. Dewar explains his targeted approach in describing only those species likely to be encountered regularly during the summer at elevations between 5,000 and 7,000 feet. He discusses the dramatic change in landscape—from the flat plains of India to the towering peaks of the Himalayas—resulting in a rich biodiversity that varies significantly with altitude. Dewar’s descriptions paint a vivid picture of the geography and conditions that define the habitats of Himalayan birds, setting the stage for a detailed exploration of their characteristics and behaviors in the subsequent sections.
Jungle Folk: Indian Natural History Sketches
"Jungle Folk: Indian Natural History Sketches" by Douglas Dewar is a collection of natural history essays written in the early 20th century. This work focuses on the lesser-known fauna of India, particularly birds, showcasing their characteristics, behaviors, and the interactions they have with their environment. Dewar's keen observation and wit promise an engaging and informative exploration of the vibrant life found in Indian jungles. The opening of the work introduces the author's intent to focus on the smaller and often overlooked members of the animal kingdom, particularly birds such as mynas, babblers, and cuckoos, rather than the more commonly celebrated larger wildlife. Dewar describes the rich diversity of Indian birds, emphasizing the unique behaviors and traits of various species. He sets a light-hearted and informative tone, promising readers an entertaining journey through the quirks and beauties of Indian avifauna as he shares his observations and insights from personal encounters with these creatures in their natural habitats.
Birds of the Plains
"Birds of the Plains" by Douglas Dewar is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The book serves as an exploration of various bird species found in the plains of India, detailing their characteristics, behaviors, and the ecological significance of their interactions. Dewar presents a unique angle by comparing British birds with those found in India, likely appealing to naturalists and bird enthusiasts alike. At the start of the work, the author introduces the concept of birds as cosmopolitan creatures, pointing out that while many birds share similarities across regions, each habitat supports its unique species. He emphasizes his personal affinity for British birds when he encounters them in India, using examples like the sparrow and the barn owl to illustrate the subtle distinctions and adaptations between familiar species in differing environments. The tone is informative yet engaging, with anecdotes that connect the reader's experience to the broader study of ornithology.
Indian Birds: Being a Key to the Common Birds of the Plains of India
"Indian Birds: Being a Key to the Common Birds of the Plains of India" by Douglas Dewar is a scientific publication likely written in the early 20th century. This guide serves as a practical resource to help enthusiasts and budding ornithologists quickly identify common birds in India through visual cues rather than technical descriptions. Dewar aims to provide a clear classification system based on colors, features, and habits of the birds, making it accessible for general readers interested in avian life. The opening of this work provides insight into Dewar's motivation and method for composing the guide. He shares his experiences while working in India, highlighting the challenges he faced and the reasons for the delay in its publication. Dewar explains that many existing ornithological works presuppose the reader has access to specimens to examine closely, which does not align with the needs of casual observers. As a solution, he outlines a key-based approach that allows users to identify birds by their appearance and behavior, thus making birdwatching a more immediate and rewarding experience. The prefaces lay the groundwork for a complete field guide that combines practicality with a personal touch reflecting Dewar's passion for birdwatching.
Glimpses of Indian Birds
"Glimpses of Indian Birds" by Douglas Dewar is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The book presents an extensive overview of various species of birds native to India, detailing their characteristics, behaviors, and habitats. Dewar critiques prevailing theories of bird coloration and offers insights based on his observations from nature, making this work a combination of personal narrative and ornithological study. At the start of the book, the author enthusiastically describes a delightful experience in an Indian grove filled with a vibrant array of bird species. He paints a vivid picture of the life and sounds within this natural setting, mentioning various birds such as sunbirds, bulbuls, and flycatchers, and detailing their behaviors and interactions. Dewar’s passion for ornithology is evident as he critiques established theories and emphasizes the importance of direct observation in understanding avian life, setting the tone for further exploration of specific bird species throughout the book.
The Making of Species
"The Making of Species" by Douglas Dewar and Frank Finn is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The book engages with evolutionary theory post-Darwin, critiquing various schools of thought such as Wallaceism, Lamarckism, and Neo-Darwinism. It aims to clarify the complexities and deficiencies of these theories while proposing new insights into biological evolution and the processes involved in the making of species. The opening of the book presents a preface that discusses the state of biological science in the context of evolution and critiques established evolutionary theories. The authors argue that the existing frameworks, including Darwin’s natural selection, are insufficient to explain various biological phenomena. They present their intention to provide a more balanced perspective by integrating multiple factors into the discussion. The beginning sets the stage for a detailed exploration of how species arise through evolution, emphasizing the need for unbiased analysis and new avenues of thought in understanding the complexity of life's development.
A Bird Calendar for Northern India
"A Bird Calendar for Northern India" by Douglas Dewar is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This work explores the avian life of northern India through the lens of a monthly calendar, describing the behaviors, calls, and nesting patterns of various bird species throughout the year. It is likely to appeal to ornithologists, bird watchers, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of bird life and the seasonal changes in their behaviors. The opening of the book sets the stage for the ensuing monthly observations by providing an overview of January in northern India. Dewar paints a vivid picture of the climate and scenery during this month, highlighting the diversity and abundance of bird species as they navigate the cool bracing weather. He offers insights into the activities of various birds, such as the calls they use to communicate and the nesting patterns they begin to establish. Additionally, the descriptive prose showcases the intricate relationship between the birds and their environment, inviting readers to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the avian world in this region.