PREFACE 
xi 
colonies of water-birds, from Maine to the Gulf of Mexico, and 
elsewhere. Some of these breeding-resorts, through the repre¬ 
sentations of this association, have been set off as government 
reservations by President Roosevelt, than whom the birds 
have no more friendly protector. 
It is a delightful experience for one who loves the birds to 
visit these protected colonies, once nearly annihilated for the 
millinery market, or in wantonness, but now swarming with 
bird-life. Other localities are still suffering in the same way 
as did these, largely because the “sinews of war” have not 
been supplied for their j^rotection. Here is a great economic 
and humanitarian movement which consecrated wealth has 
hitherto overlooked. If it could be properly endowed and 
supported, immense good would result. Our fields, woods, 
shores, and waters might abound afresh in beautiful wild life, 
and agriculture, our basal industry, would be spared increas¬ 
ing devastation and loss. 
If the portrayal of some of the delights which I have found 
amid beautiful nature, in the haunts of the birds, shall help to 
kindle in others the enthusiasm which has done so much for 
me with its rewards of health and happiness, and serve to 
gain new friends for the birds, I shall be more than satisfied. 
HERBERT K. JOB. 
Kent, Connecticut. 
April I, 1905. 
