IN NATURE'S CONFIDENCE. 



In making observations do nothing in a hurry too 

 much eagerness may spoil all. If you wish to gain the 

 confidence of the fields and woods you must do so 

 quietly and calmly, otherwise you create distrust among 

 these wild creatures, excite their suspicion, and cause 

 their hasty retreat. Meet them in the same spirit as 

 they meet you confidence begets confidence ; and it is 

 surprising how soon animals get to know a friend from 

 an enemy. Successful observation needs no small 

 amount of presence of mind. If the observer comes 

 unawares upon a bird or an animal, in nine cases out of 

 ten he will suddenly stop to look more closely, when a 

 rapid stampede invariably follows ; but, if he has the 

 nerve to continue walking on, the creature will be made 

 to feel that it is still unseen, and the chances are that it 

 will remain rooted to the spot, although its eye will 

 never for a moment leave him until he is at a safe 

 distance. Again, birds may generally be approached in 

 a sidelong direction, say when they are in open fields, 

 or on mudflats and salt-marshes. I have repeatedly 

 approached Hooded Crows, Dunlins, Knots, and other 

 shore birds in this manner, keeping almost straight on 

 as if to pass them without turning my head, but 

 gradually getting nearer as I went. Wild creatures are 

 also little afraid of horses, sheep, and cows ; and I have 

 sometimes approached them when leading a horse 

 across the fields, or driving a flock of sheep. 



