Note to the Reader 



THESE STORIES are true. Although I 

 have left the strict line of historical truth in 

 many places, the animals in this book were all 

 real characters. They lived the lives I have 

 depicted, and showed the stamp of heroism and 

 personality more strongly by far than it has been 

 in the power of my pen to tell. 



I believe that natural history has lost much 

 by the vague general treatment that is so com- 

 mon. What satisfaction would be derived from 

 a ten-page sketch of the habits and customs of 

 Man ? How much more profitable it would be 

 to devote that space to the life of some one 

 great man. This is the principle I have en- 

 deavored to apply to my animals. The real 

 personality of the individual, and his view of 

 life are my theme, rather than the ways of the 



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