METHOD AND EQUIPMENT 29 



quietly resting and preening their feathers. The 

 glass brought them so " near " to me that I could see 

 when one opened its bill, and clearly distinguished 

 every motion. 



In an open place one can watch a warbler in the top 

 of a tall tree, and see every detail of form and color 

 from such a distance that without a glass the bird 

 would be practically invisible. There is a hawk 

 watching for prey, outlined against the sky on the 

 bare limb of a tree far across the fields. It would 

 not allow us to approach within a hundred and fifty 

 yards, but with the glass we can tell what it is almost 

 as well as though we could walk right up to it. One 

 is fortunate to have a glass of this sort, especially as 

 the glass is light and compact. But if not, there is 

 no need to be discouraged, for some of the very best 

 ornithologists get along with an ordinary glass, and 

 for work in thick places one will do better with the 

 latter than with the former. 



As to the handbook of ornithology, one that is 

 small and concise, having condensed descriptions 

 which make clear the distinguishing characteristics of 

 the species, is the best one for the beginner. These 

 also will have a brief sketch of each bird's habits, with 

 condensed information about its nesting, notes, and 

 other items. Frank M. Chapman's " Handbook of 

 Birds of Eastern North America " is the best general 

 one for that territory, and Mrs. Florence Merriam 

 Bailey's "Handbook of Western Birds" for the 

 West. Ralph Hoffman's Handbook is excellent for 



