PREFACE 



gated, and many the narrow escapes. However, I 

 am yet alive, and the Wild-Fowl have thought it 

 best, in view of my persistency, to take me in some 

 measure into their confidence and divulge to me 

 some of their secrets. And now, after rounding out 

 a full quarter-century of these pryings, on land and 

 sea, I hope that I am not abusing the confidence of 

 my wild friends in telling what they have taught 

 me. The Robins and Chippies, with their kin, 

 have been popularized in books innumerable ; but 

 why should not the great Nature-loving public find 

 also interesting and instructive the lives and ways of 

 the Water-Fowl? In time past these have been 

 thought of largely as targets for the gun. Perhaps 

 they will pardon me for laying bare their lives to 

 scrutiny, as I protest to them, upon the first occa- 

 sion of our future meeting, that I am trying to raise 

 up friends for them, not foes. It will mark a new 

 era in our civilization when the now persecuted 

 Wild-Fowl can alight in the village pond and feed 

 in peace, the object only of friendly admiration. 



As yet they are fearful of that new, mysterious 

 Cyclops with its staring eye, the camera ; but I hope 

 they may learn to recognize in it a real friend, for 

 in thousands of hands this is taking the place of the 

 gun. Far be it from me to deny that there are 

 legitimate uses for the dead bird. But owing to 

 relentless, short-sighted slaughter, hitherto carried 

 on, it is coming to be a question of birds or no 

 birds. Every true sportsman will practise great 

 moderation in the capture of game, and every thought- 

 ful lover of wild life stand for its protection. Exer- 

 cise afield and contact with Nature are invaluable, 



viii 



