PREFACE. ix 
Is it not possible that, with more rational tendencies in edu- 
cation, a deeper and more widely-spread interest in the lower 
forms of life about us may be developed? The dawn of such 
a day seems to be coming, to be at hand. 
I take this opportunity to express my vivid sense of obliga- 
tion to my long-time friend, Mr. Samuel H. Putnam of the firm 
of my publishers, whose persistent kindness, sympathetic en- 
couragement and genial enthusiasm at the beginning and during 
the progress of this work have been a constant source of pleasure 
to me and will form one of my most cheering recollections. 
It gives me great pleasure also to acknowledge the generous 
and ready help and’ kindly interest of my friend, Dr. Charles 
L. Nichols, whose love of outdoor life is not contracted by 
the exigencies of a busy profession. 
For the artistic effects in the photographs from which the 
plates were prepared I am indebted to the good taste and skill- 
ful manipulation of my friend, Mr. J. C. Lyford, for whose 
zeal and patience in securing the best results and hearty codp- 
eration in everything pertaining to success in this work I am 
truly grateful. 
For the comparative freedom from errors in these pages, the 
typographic beauty and the artistic make-up of this book, Iam 
indebted to the good taste and unwearying interest of my 
printer, Mr. Franklin P. Rice, whose unvarying courtesy and 
patience I wish here gratefully to acknowledge. 
And now, little Book, go forth into the world and bring what 
pleasure to others thou canst, even as thou hast been a pleasure 
to me. J.J. 
WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS, 
November, 1894. 
