XIV PREFACE. 



The experience of the Author as to the best mode of 

 cleaning guns, and also the clothing found most suitable, 

 is related. • 



The habits of our Canadian game birds have been but 

 little written on ; in this work the knowledge of their 

 habits, acquired by a close observation of over thirty 

 years, will be furnished the reader, which whilst it will 

 be invaluable to the young sportsman, must contain some 

 slight information for the older. 



Nothing can be more necessary to the prosecution of 

 successful and legitimate sport than a thorough know- 

 ledge of the habits of the game sought, and although it 

 may appear a paradox, it is equally valuable in, at all 

 events, retarding if not preventing that extermination 

 Avhich in some districts has become total. 



If the lines which will be found in this little volume 

 should serve to strengthen the love of field sports in those 

 who take up the gun as a means of health and recreation, 

 and should conduce to a legitimate pursuit of that sport, 

 I shall feel that I have not written in vain. 



The Author. 



July, 1881. 



