M TWO BIRD-LOVERS IN MEXICO B-"""" 



■with a sense of humour, and much to charm and in- 

 terest every one in this strange hmd, which is yet so 

 near a neighbour of ours. 



As to horseback, my theory is that all one has to do 

 is to get on and ride. I have little patience with spend- 

 ing months learning to ride. I had never ridden before, 

 but I simply got on and rode off. Of course for the 

 first few times one cannot ride long distances, but that 

 soon comes with a little practice. The rule for a good 

 dancer applies equally to a good rider — do not be 

 rigid, let yourself go. In the case of riding let youi-- 

 self go with your horse, and above all, do not be afraid. 

 Pluck and a philosophic spirit will soon make a good 

 rider, and a good camper, and a very happy person 

 indeed. 



We did not burden ourselves with carrying our own 

 saddles. We found the Mexican saddles comfortable, 

 provided you see to it that you get one the stirrups 

 of which can be lengthened or shortened at Avill. We 

 hired our animals and when we had made camp, sent 

 them home with the guide, with orders to return every 

 few days with our mail and with oranges, lemons, and 

 other supplies. 



Thouofh I were to write a volume I could not ade- 

 quately picture the great charm of our wild free life in 

 camp ! One lives so near the heart of Nature, and in 

 this simple natural life learns many a great truth. The 

 pure joy of life itself is ever present. Every possible 



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