288 WILD LIFE AND THE CAMERA 



animal except red squirrels, chipmunks, and such 

 common varieties. The instinctive dread of man, 

 resulting from his constant persecution, has of 

 course led animals, especially the fur-bearers, to 

 keep their tracks so well hidden that it is only in 

 the most remote parts of the country we can hope 

 to see mink, otter, and others possessed of valuable 

 fuT. Even in places where the only human habita- 

 tion is the isolated trapper's shanty, the sight of a 

 mink is rare, though the little creatures themselves 

 may be fairly abundant, while in the vicinity of 

 large cities one may scarcely expect to see any- 

 thing more rare than squirrels, rabbits, woodchucks, 

 and occasionally musk-rats. Yet, strange as it may 

 appear, a considerable number of mink and others, 

 as well as coons and opossums, are caught every 

 winter within less than twenty-five miles of New 

 York. I know of farmers who, living almost within 

 sight of the city, add considerably to their annual 

 income by trapping. These facts are given simply 

 to show that even those who are compelled to live 

 in, or near, a big town can, if they wish, find oppor- 

 tunities to study the ways of wild animals without 

 having to go to the uninhabited districts. 



The very best time to study the ways of all the 

 terrestrial animals is when a hght fall of wet snow 

 has covered the frozen ground ; then each footmark 

 is clearly defined. If the snow is too soft the 

 tracks are blurred, and consequently difficult of 

 identification ; if there is much wind the snow 

 covers the tracks, or at least partly obliterates 

 them, so it is advisable, if you would minimise 

 your difficulties, to start as soon as possible after 



