PREFACE 
viii 
uttering their shrill cries, which are softened in the undertone 
of the surf, strong wings make them masters of the elements. 
How I thrill as I watch them ! They and their lone surround¬ 
ings are the unsullied handiwork of God. No trace is here 
of man’s vandalism ; the wildness of the scene might well 
have been matched at Creation’s dawn. 
I cannot adequately explain the fascination which the wild 
birds have for me, and, in these days, for an increasing multi¬ 
tude of people. Is it their flight, so mysterious even yet to 
us, their grace and beauty, their fulness of abounding life, the 
interest of their nesting, the charm of their varied surround¬ 
ings, the exhilaration of the quest which lures us forth into 
the open ? It is all these and more, and fortunate are they 
who feel the thrill of enthusiasm for nature and in nature, be 
the special interest liirds or whatsoever it mav. In this age 
of strain and stress some pleasant incentive is needed to 
drive us from our toil and give the exercise in the pure open 
air which is absolutely essential to health and vigor. Added 
years and serenity of soul are the reward. 
Of all the various out-door recreations which I have tried, 
when it comes to genuine, exciting sport, give me himtiug 
zvith the camera. In past years I have tried shooting and 
collecting, but this new hunting entirely outclasses them. It 
reciuires more skill than shooting, and hence is a finer sport. 
The results are of more interest and value, and, withal, the 
lives of the wild creatures are spared for our further pleasure. 
This hunting is in season the year round, every living thing 
is proper “ game,” and the sport may be enjoyed by men and 
women alike. One may use l)oth gun and camera, if desired. 
