1 8 INTR OD UCTION. 



and watch migrants, go early in the morning, earlier 

 as the days grow warmer. If the morning hours are 

 occupied, the late afternoon ones will be found profit- 

 able, as the birds sing again when the heat of the day 

 is over. In watching nests you have more latitude, 

 as there is generally plenty to see at all hours of the 

 day. 



Year by year as one's field experiences accumulate, 

 the pleasures of bird study deepen. Not only does 

 the acquaintance of one year become the friend of the 

 next, but drawn more to the woods and fields by the 

 delight of our new interest in the birds themselves, 

 all unwittingly we come closer and closer to nature 

 and are blessed by her healing touch. 



FLORENCE A. M*ERRIAM. 

 WASHINGTON, D. C., June 75, 



