^^ BIRD8 OF THE W'A'rER 



I knew something of the habits of birds, 

 but nothing of the camera's. For me the 

 perfect instrmnent is not yet in the mar- 

 ket, the camera that will give good results 

 through cap, closed shutter and undrawn 

 slide. 



To this day a glow of joy pervades my 

 frame, when, in the developing dish, the 

 first faint image dawns upon the plate. 

 Humbly I thank Heaven for its appearance 

 there, and phune myself on not being such 

 a very great idiot after all. 



After the completing of a hiding place, 

 it was my custom in the morning to walk 

 down to this shelter with a companion, 

 enter it quietly while he retired whistling 

 ostentatiously, and otherwise taking care 

 that the birds should notice his retirement. 



Birds apparently cannot count, and this 

 simple ruse was successful, but though it 

 was easy enough to deceive the Kingfishers' 

 sight, their sense of hearing could not 

 tolerate the burr and click of the machine 

 — one whole morning, indeed, was spent 

 winding up and freeing the garrulous 

 shutter to accustom them to the sound. 



