BIRDS OF OUR BUSH 



The pictures themselves have a decided advantage over 

 the results of most other forms of sport. They are lasting, 

 and there can be no doubt that they form a most efficient 

 and easily distributed means of education. More especially 

 is their value apparent where young people are concerned. 



The Nature photographer, too, is, or should be, a fairly 

 thorough observer. The time and patience required to 

 achieve success in the photography line leave plenty of 

 opportunity for studying the habits of the subjects. In 

 fact, success very often depends on the photographer's 

 knowledge of such matters. 



Our chief argument in favour of photography as a 

 means of observation, however, is that the photographer, 

 in gaining his ends, need leave no trail of destruction in his 

 wake. The collector, whether he shoots the birds or takes 

 their eggs, has only desolation in one form or other upon 

 which to pride himself should he contemplate the result of 

 his day's work. The photographer, on the other hand, 

 leaves, or should leave, his subjects just as he found them, 

 and no worse for his interference. He may go back again 

 if he wishes, to observe the progress of his friends or to 

 picture some new phase of their lives. 



As we read over what we have so far written regarding 

 our method of collecting and the other methods mentioned, 

 we are "amazed at our own moderation." We could say 

 much more were it not that we consider the foregoing 

 arguments sufficient for most people. One thing we will 

 admit. We have not attempted to find any respects in 

 which these other methods may be an improvement upon 

 ours. But we grudge no egg or skin collector his 

 undoubted right to enlarge on the subject from his stand- 

 point. 



When carried out with sound common sense the pursuit 

 of such a necessarily out-door occupation as Nature 

 photography cannot be otherwise than healthy, biit such 

 practices as lying on wet ground and standing in water are 

 often indulged in by enthusiasts. Sane persons, however, 

 will not risk their health in these directions. We have, so 

 far, felt no ill effects as a result of a fair experience of such 

 foolishness, but others may not be so fortunate. The 

 amount of out-door exercise which the production of the 

 pictures in this book has involved would probably come as 

 a surprise to most. Certainly it goes a long way towards 



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