CHAPTER XI 



AT HOME 



ONLY a few men, comparatively speaking, lead their 

 lives in the wilderness; only a few others, again speak- 

 ing comparatively, are able to take their holidays in the 

 shape of hunting trips in the wilderness. But all who 

 live in the country, or who even spend a month now 

 and then in the country, can enjoy outdoor life them- 

 selves, and can see that their children enjoy it in the hardy 

 fashion which will do them good. Camping out, and 

 therefore the cultivation of the capacity to live in the 

 open, and the education of the faculties which teach ob- 

 servation, resourcefulness, self-reliance, are within the 

 reach of all who really care for the life of the woods, 

 the fields, and the waters. Marksmanship with the rifle 

 can be cultivated with small cost or trouble; and if any 

 one passes much time in the country he can, if only he 

 chooses, learn much about horsemanship. 



But aside from any such benefit, it is an incalculable 

 added pleasure to any one's sum of happiness if he or 

 she grows to know, even slightly and imperfectly, how to 

 read and enjoy the wonder-book of nature. All hunters 

 should be nature lovers. It is to be hoped that the days 

 of mere wasteful, boastful slaughter, are past, and that 

 from now on the hunter will stand foremost in working 



