PREFACE. 



'T^HE following sketches, like the " Ways of Wood Folk," 



-*- are the result of many years of personal observation in 



the woods and fields. They are studies of animals, pure and 



simple, not of animals with human motives and imaginations. 



Indeed, it is hardly necessary for genuine interest to 

 give human traits to the beasts. Any animal is inter- 

 esting enough as an animal; and has character enough of 

 his own, without borrowing anything from man — as one 

 may easily find out by watching long enough. 



Most wild creatures have but small measure of gentleness 

 in them, and that only by instinct and at short stated sea- 

 sons. Hence I have given both sides and both kinds, the 

 shadows and lights, the savagery as well as the gentleness 

 of the wilderness creatures. 



It were pleasanter, to be sure, especially when you have 

 been deeply touched by some exquisite bit of animal devo- 

 tion, to let it go at that, and to carry with you henceforth an 

 ideal creature. 



But the whole truth is better — better for you, better for 

 children — else personality becomes confused with mere 



