FIELD ORNITHOLOGY 



Field ornithology must lead the way to systematic and descriptive 

 ornitholog}'. The study of birds in the field is an indispensable 

 prerequisite to their scientific study in the library and the museum. 

 Directions for observing and collecting birds, for preparing and pre- 

 serving them as objects of natural history, will greatly help the 

 student to become a successful ornithologist, if he will faithfully 

 and intelligently observe these rules. It is believed that the practical 

 instructions which the author has to give will, if followed out, 

 enable any one who has the least taste or aptitude for such pursuits 

 to become proficient in the necessary qualifications of the good 

 working ornithologist. These instructions are derived from the 

 writer's own experience, reaching in time over thirty years, and 

 extending in area over large portions of North America. Having 

 made in the field the personal acquaintance of most species of North 

 American birds, and having shot and skinned with his own hands 

 several thousand specimens, he may reasonably venture to speak 

 with confidence, if not also with authority, resj)ecting methods of 

 study and manipulation. Feeling so much at home in the field — 

 with his gun for destroying birds, and his instruments for preserv- 

 ing their skins — he wishes to put the most inexperienced student 

 equally at ease ; and therefore begs to lay formality aside, that he 

 may address the reader as if chatting with a friend on a subject of 

 mutual interest. 



§ 1.— IMPLEMENTS FOR COLLECTING, AND THEIR USE 



The Double-barrelled Shot Gun is your main reliance. Under 

 some circumstances you may trap or snare birds, catch them with 

 bird-lime, or use other devices ; but such cases are exceptions to 



