CHAPTER II. 



APPARATUS. 



IF THERE is one point more likely than another 

 over which the beginner will stumble it is in the 

 selection of his apparatus, and in no class of camera 

 work is a suitable instrument more essential than 

 in bird-photography. Fortunately, it may be said 

 at once that this does not imply elaborate and 

 specially manufactured apparatus ; on the contrary, 

 any really good field-camera will answer admirably. 

 It seems to be generally taken for granted that 

 intricate cameras of special make are essential 

 for this work, and people are often almost dis- 

 appointed on learning that the major portion of 

 our work is done with so commonplace an instru- 

 ment as an ordinary |-plate stand-camera. 



The Camera. 



Photography has made such enormous strides 

 in popularity since the advent of the film hand- 

 camera, that as a result there is at present on the 

 market an almost incredible variety of models, 



