APPARATUS AND GENERAL ADVICE. 17 



lens has a chance of swinging across the field of 

 vision. 



The whole cost of making such a simple and 

 effective hiding arrangement as this is something 

 under a crown; and to anyone who is fond of 

 studying the habits of birds at close quarters, quite 

 apart from photographic considerations, I would 

 strongly recommend the making and using of it, 

 for in the spring it shields the observer from cold 

 winds, and in summer from the hot sun; and 

 watching a bird feed her chicks, and listening to 

 their clamour and her answering notes within two 

 or three feet of it all, are certainly delightful 

 experiences. 



A few general hints, especially to those who do 

 not possess the right to wander over property 

 suitable for hunting after natural-history subjects, 

 may not inaptly wind up this chapter. 



One of the most important things at the outset 

 is to place yourself on good terms with the farmers 

 upon whose land you would like to search, and, 

 once consent has been gained, carefully refrain 

 from wandering over fields when crops of any 

 kind are likely to be injured thereby. It is, per- 

 haps, unnecessary to add that in no case should 

 hedges be broken down or gates left open. My 

 brother and I have always been very particular 

 upon these points, and have, in consequence, got 

 on excellently with members of the farming com- 

 munity in all parts of the country ; and we have 



