viii PREFACE 



uttering their shrill cries, which are softened in the undertone 

 of the surf, strong wings make them masters of the elements. 

 How I thrill as I watch them ! They and their lone surround- 

 ings are the unsullied handiwork of God. No trace is here 

 of man's vandalism ; the wildness of the scene might well 

 have been matched at Creation's dawn. 



I cannot adequately explain the fascination which the wild 

 birds have for me, and, in these days, for an increasing multi- 

 tude of people. Is it their flight, so mysterious even yet to 

 us, their grace and beauty, their fulness of abounding life, the 

 interest of their nesting, the charm of their varied surround- 

 ings, the exhilaration of the quest which lures us forth into 

 the open ? It is all these and more, and fortunate are they 

 who feel the thrill of enthusiasm for nature and in nature, be 

 the special interest birds or whatsoever it may. In this age 

 of strain and stress some pleasant incentive is needed to 

 drive us from our toil and gixc the exercise in the pure open 

 air which is absolutely essential to licalth and vigor. Added 

 years and serenity of soul are the reward. 



Of all the various out-door recreations which I have tried, 

 when it comes to genuine, exciting sport, give me hunting 

 -a'itli the camera. In past years I have tried shooting and 

 collecting, but this new hunting entirely outclasses them. It 

 requires more skill than shooting, and hence is a finer sport. 

 The results are of more interest and value, and, withal, the 

 lives of the wild creatures are spared for our further pleasure. 

 This hunting is in season the year round, every living thing 

 is proper " game," and the sport may be enjoyed by men and 

 women alike. One mav use both gun and camera, if desired. 



