viii PREFACE 



in the tropics. Yet the forms in this latitude tell us the 

 same story of evolution as those of the hotter portions of the 

 earth. I realize that I may color the facts at times with 

 human imagination, but where there is danger of this I have 

 always endeavored to support my contentions or optical proof 

 with either photographic illustrations, or drawings from life, 

 of what I saw. I am satisfied to let the reader draw his own 

 conclusions. 



The work has been divided into sections mainly through 

 an endeavor to show the philosophy of evolution. First, I 

 have brought forward sketches showing special adaptations 

 and animal behavior. Secondly, by walks afield I have 

 attempted in a simple manner to show the application of 

 evolution to the objects viewed. In the table of contents will 

 be found other subdivisions of the subject. When not other- 

 wise stated, these word sketches have been drawn from my 

 diary notes covering many years, made at Lakeside, Berrien 

 County, Michigan. 



It afl'ords me great pleasure in this connection to acknowl- 

 edge the generous assistance received in the correction of the 

 manu.script to Professor Lillian V. Lambert, of the Iowa State 

 Teachers College. My .special obligation is al.so due Professor 

 William L. Tower, of the University of Chicago, for useful sug- 

 gestions while reading the manuscript, and to Dr. James W. 

 Walker for carefully making typographical corrections in the 

 page proofs. 



J. L. H. 

 Chicago, 



January, 1911. 



