STALKING. 55 



that time. This slow, smooth advance is a sore 

 trial to the muscles, especially when one has to pull 

 oneself imperceptibly from ledge to ledge, rising 

 on one bent leg while the other is gradually pulled 

 up. At the slightest indication of the bird's 

 intention to depart one must " freeze r and 

 remain motionless or retreat stealthily a little, 

 until it has regained composure, when again the 

 slow advance may be resumed. The secret of 

 successful bird-stalking lies in an imperceptible 

 approach. 



Imperceptible Movement. 



Ordinarily we move so carelessly and thought- 

 lessly that when first attempting stalking we are 

 surprised at our clumsiness. The best way to 

 learn the " art " is to consider each arm and leg 

 as a separate unit to be dealt with independently. 

 Suppose one is on all fours, with the camera slung 

 in front. Gradually take the weight off one hand 

 and work it forward so slowly that the bird will 

 hardly notice that it is moving, then allow the 

 weight to gather on it, and in the same way bring 

 up the opposite leg ; then the other hand is put 

 forward, in turn to be followed by the other leg. 

 By now the bird has become accustomed to the 

 first hand in its new position, and it may again be 

 worked forward, and so almost imperceptibly the 

 whole body steals along. If, however, from the 



