X PREFACE 



On the principal outing trips, hereafter described, I have 

 been happy in my companions. Usually these were C. ,S. 

 Day, of Boston, and A. C. Bent, of Taunton, Massachusetts, 

 and occasionally Dr. L. B. Bishop, of New Haven, Con- 

 necticut, or Dr. E. E. Murphey, of Augusta, Georgia. All 

 are fellow members with me of the American Ornithologists' 

 Union. They are familiar with all my methods, and have 

 shared with me the excitement of the taking of many of my 

 most successful pictures. The presence of responsible wit- 

 nesses in hunting with the camera is not unimportant in 

 these days, when the recognized \alue of successful camera- 

 shots leads so many of the unscrupulous to attempt short 

 cuts to success that there is often need of careful scrutiny 

 to distinguish the tares from the wheat. 



Most of the following chapters have been used, with more 

 or less variation, as articles in " ( )uting" and "Country Life 

 in America," and one in " Tiic Twentieth Centiu'v Home," 

 but many of the illustrations have never yet been published. 



Every lover of birds realizes the great need there is for 

 their protecti(^n. For the accomplishment of this end, organ- 

 ization is absolutely essential, and it has been secured in the 

 forming and recent incorporation of "The National Associa- 

 tion of Audubon Societies for the Protection of Wild Birds 

 and Animals," under the laws of the State of New York. 

 Largely through its agency, with the cooperation of right- 

 minded sportsmen, excellent laws have been passed in most 

 of the states of the LInion. Through the untiring agency of 

 its president, Mr. \A'illiam Dutcher, some money has been 

 raised and wardens have been hired to guard certain great 



