PREFACE 
but require an incentive. If the destruction of life 
can be minimized by the finding of some satisfac- 
tory substitute for the gun, no one will be the loser. 
Such a substitute I myself have found in the 
camera, which fully satisfies my hunter’s instinct. 
Far more skill and resource are required to photo- 
graph a wild creature than to shoot it, and the pic- 
ture, when secured, is, ordinarily, of far greater 
value than a few mouthfuls of flesh. As I recall 
successful shots at fowl from the gunning-stand, I 
would give much to have the pictures now to en- 
thuse me, in exchange for fleeting memory. Would 
it not be wise policy to interest our boys in Nature- 
study, and the camera as applied to it, and discour- 
age shooting at living things? Real acquaintance 
with a harmless and beautiful wild creature, I can 
testify, makes one less and less disposed to take its 
life. 
Hence I would most cordially commend to my 
fellow sportsmen and bird-lovers this noble instru- 
ment. An expensive outfit is entirely unnecessary. 
In case my own experience may be of any encour- 
agement, let me say that all my pictures in this 
book were taken with an ordinary 4 by 5 focusing 
camera, rapid rectilinear lens, and bellows of 12 
inches draw, that cost me less than $20. I consider 
the 4 by 5 size just right for field work. Equipped 
with such a camera and any good make of rapid 
plates, with a little careful study and practice of 
photographic method, following out some such plans 
afield as are described in this and other volumes, 
joined with real love for the birds and Nature, there 
is no reason why anyone may not succeed better 
1X 
