APPENDIX. 



CHAPTER I. 



COLLECTING AND PRESERVING BIRDS. 



Section I. How to collect. — First, let me say a few 

 words to the young Naturalist. When I last appeared 

 before him as an adviser, I rather intimated, that 

 members of our brotherhood were looked upon by the 

 world at large as slightly insane, or at best, as very 

 foolish. This was much more the case then, than it 

 is to-day. Noio, the tables are turned, as it were ; the 

 scientist need no longer dread the scoffs of the '-'prac- 

 tical men," for the knowledge which he possesses is the 

 "open sesame" for him to all ranks of society. The 

 tide of popular opinion now flows strongly towards 

 the gate of learning opened by modern zoological 

 science, and all are eager to listen to what may fall 

 from the lips of our eminent professors. 



Thus, many obstacles which were formerly thrown in 

 the path of the young and enthusiastic collector, are 

 removed. A word to parents or guardians, however, 

 may not come amiss just here. I have often been 

 asked, "Do you think the study of Natural History 

 will prove beneficial to my son ? " My answer is, 

 ' ; Most certainly it is beneficial ; but, aside from direct 

 benefits, which are, perhaps, too numerous to mention, 

 there is one important point which ought to be kept 

 in mind. While your son is engaged in this enchant- 

 ing studv, his mind will be so fully occupied with the 



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