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work of identification will be difficult at first, — far more 

 difficult than it would be in the study of botany or geology, 

 for the birds will not always stay to be studied. But in time 

 one learns to recognize many species at the first glance, until, 

 almost unconsciously, he comes to a time when most of the 

 birds he sees or hears are old friends. With me the day has 

 long since passed when new bil-ds could be seen or heard almost 

 daily. I have traveled thousands of miles and have endured 

 many hardships to see and hear new birds. But you who are 

 just beginning this study may meet a new bird any spring day 

 merely by walking out into the pleasant fields and green woods. 

 For you the keen delight of search, discovery, and pursuit are 

 close at hand. Surprises await you at every turn. Delay not, 

 then, but turn at once to the woods and fields. 



