PREFACE 
gated, and many the narrow escapes. However, I 
am yet alive, and the Wild-Fowl have thought it 
best, in view of my persistency, to take me in some 
measure into their confidence and divulge to me 
some of their secrets. And now, after rounding out 
a full quarter-century of these pryings, on land and 
sea, I hope that I am not abusing the confidence of 
my wild friends in telling what they have taught 
me. ‘The Robins and Chippies, with their kin, 
have been popularized in books innumerable; but 
why should not the great Nature-loving public find 
also interesting and instructive the lives and ways of 
the Water-Fowl? In time past these have been 
thought of largely as targets for the gun. Perhaps 
they will pardon me for laying bare their lives to 
scrutiny, as I protest to them, upon the first occa- 
sion of our future meeting, that I am trying to raise 
up friends for them, not foes. It will mark a new 
era in our civilization when the now persecuted 
Wild-Fowl can alight in the village pond and feed 
in peace, the object only of friendly admiration. 
As yet they are fearful of that new, mysterious 
Cyclops with its staring eye, the camera; but I hope 
they may learn to recognize in it a a friend, for 
in thousands of hands eee taking the place of the 
gun. Far be it from me to ae that there are 
legitimate uses for the dead bird. But owing to 
relentless, short-sighted slaughter, hitherto carried 
on, it is coming to be a question of birds or no 
birds. Every true sportsman will practise great 
moderation in the capture of game, and every thought- 
ful lover of wild life stand for its protection. Exer- 
cise afield and contact with Nature are invaluable, 
Viil 
