PREFACE 



N the fifty-two short essays of this volume 

 I have presented familiar objects from 

 unusual points of view. Bird's-eye 

 glances and insect's-eye glances, at the 

 nature of our woods and fields, will 

 reveal beauties which are wholly invis- 

 ible from the usual human view-point, 

 five feet or more above the ground. 



Who follows the lines must expect to find moods as 

 varying as the seasons; to face storm and night and cold, 

 and all other delights of what wildness still remains 

 to us upon the earth. 



Emphasis has been laid upon the weak points in our 

 knowledge of things about us, and the principal desire of 

 the author is to inspire enthusiasm in those whose eyes 

 are just opening to the wild beauties of God's out-of-doors, 

 to gather up and follow to the end some of these frayed 

 out threads of mystery. 



Portions of the text have been published at various 

 times in the pages of " Outing," " Recreation," " The 

 Golden Age," " The New York Evening Post," and " The 

 New York Tribune." 



C. W. B. 



