THE "QUEEN" RAIL 



Possibly I have made rarer studies of rarer birds, but into 

 many of them there enters an element of pure luck, over which 

 no control could be exercised. They were only obtained because 

 I happened to be on the spot at the right moment, and so ac- 

 quainted with the birds that I was able to snap, not for what 

 they were doing, but for what experience had taught me they 

 would do next. This picture was deliberate. I worked and 

 planned for it. The bird was superb, while I did not spare my- 

 self in my efforts to gain her confidence. I drove those ninety- 

 eight miles, and dragged my muck-laden feet by the hour through 

 the chilly swamp-water, in the hope that I should get something 

 nearly as good. I confess I never expected to do quite so well. 

 This study of the "Queen" Rail to me represents the acme of 

 what I have done with birds, in the way of winning their confi- 

 dence, and becoming friends. 







