37 



wood is broken underfoot. They talk, laugh, and even shout 

 with a loud voice. Standing erect, they are exposed to the 

 view of birds for a mile or more around. Some of them wear 

 large headgear, adorned with long feathers, and turn their 

 heads about quickly. They swing their arms, and move about, 

 pointing, gesticulating, and assuming attitudes all of which 

 seem menacing and fearsome to the shyer birds. 



Even such students will see birds, for many of our feathered 

 friends have become accustomed to strange sounds and antics. 

 But the expert who sees all the birds has taken lessons from 

 the fox; he hunts alone. When one is in the company of 

 others, nature never completely enthralls him. His attention 

 is more or less distracted by his companions, he fails to see 

 and hear all. 



The bird student should attend entirely to the birds, and then 

 they will requite his singleness of purpose. When alone, he has 

 no one to converse with and no interruptions. The human 

 voice warns all creatures from afar of the approach of their 

 arch enemy, man; let it be stilled, and nature is at peace. ^ 



There are many women interested in the study of birds who 

 may be too timid to go out alone. In such cases much may be 

 gained at first by employing an experienced teacher; but a 

 party of women having some knowledge of birds can go out 

 together and then separate, remaining within call. They will 

 then be safer in the woods than in the city. 



We may muffle the tread by wearing rubbers, or, better, 

 shoes with rubber heels and rubber or fiber soles. Those having 

 merely an outer lift and tap of rubber on heel and toe are best. 

 The rubber will prevent the feet from slipping on rocks and 

 pine-clad hillsides. The light canvas "sneakers" commonly 

 used are not sufficient protection to the feet on rough, stony 

 ground. Leather footgear should not be stift' or squeaky. We 

 may avoid the rustling of dry leaves by choosing for our 

 tramps the early morning, when the dew is on, or the hour 

 succeeding a light shower. Care should be taken not to tread 

 on dry sticks so as to break them, as sharp sounds alarm all 

 wild creatures. 



In dressing avoid black, white, and all striking colors and 



1 It should be understood that the more familiar birds are not likely to be much alarmed by 

 common conversation. 



