74 PHOTOGRAPHY FOR BIRD-LOVERS. 

 string, and the remainder of the opening pinned 

 together in a few moments. It is quite unnecessary 

 to make any peep-holes, for they will generally be 

 found not to be in exactly the right place, and 

 the small blade of a pen-knife will do all that is 

 needed in this direction, just where it is most con- 

 venient. Later on, when the tent has seen some 

 service, the front and sides will be plentifully 

 riddled with little holes and slits. 



The material of which the tent is made is of less 

 importance than the colour, which should be dark- 

 brown, green, or grey ; but, above all, it must be 

 a fast colour. I well remember once the exclama- 

 tions of astonishment and mirth from some rustics 

 whom I passed when returning at the end of one 

 pouring wet day spent in a tent. On arriving home 

 I discovered the cause of their mirth, for on con- 

 fronting a mirror I found that face, collar, and shirt 

 were streaked a vivid green by the drippings 

 from the cloth, and though the dye was far from 

 fast in its appointed place, yet it appeared to have 

 gained tenacity by the change of situation, and 

 henceforth defied all laundry skill to remove it. 



The Framework of the Tent. 



As to the framework to support the cover, an 

 impromptu one may often be made from branches 

 on the site, and its shape and size will, of course, 



