x PREFACE 



days in the case of some birds ; and then, when 

 near enough, to hide the camera underneath, the 

 operator being either 'concealed with the camera 

 or remaining some distance off with the pneumatic 

 tube connection. By this means a photograph can 

 often be obtained even of the most timid birds ; 

 although there are some which will still baffle all 

 attempts to photograph them. 



Another good plan, and one that I have found 

 to work well in practice, is to place the camera 

 well hidden under an improvised rubbish heap 

 much nearer the nest than is really necessary, and 

 to leave it there for several hours; then to move 

 it farther away, until the nest is the required 

 size on the focussing screen. It is really surprising 

 how soon some birds will then return. But no set 

 rules can be laid down, and it is as well for the 

 photographer, if possible, to observe the habits of 

 the birds he wishes to photograph, and any one 

 having a thorough knowledge of their ways will 

 be more successful than one who has not. 



For taking occasional snap-shots of birds, 1 use 

 what has been termed a gun-camera. This con- 

 sists of a camera made on the "reflector" principle, 

 fixed on a gun-stock. The bird one wishes to 

 photograph can be seen and focussed up to the 

 moment of exposure ; and for following restless 



