74 AMATEUR ORNITHOLOGY. 
made observations, and in the whole ten years work have 
never seen the time when it was necessary ¢o strike—in- 
deed, it became an intellectual pleasure and a healthful recre- 
ation. I have learned that ornithology is a branch of 
natural science which, once entered into heartily, never be- 
comes stationary, increases in its demands and may be made 
a perpetual source of delight and profit. When looked at 
merely in the light of a hobby it becomes a splendid thing 
for a busy person. Of course I put it on much higher ground 
than this; yet there are instances when a professional man 
cannot make it anything else for himself but a hobby, partly 
owing to the bread and butter which he finds necessary to 
provide for himself and family ; and I think that for most of us 
to make our bread and butter out of ornithology would be 
a hard fight. 
In making observations my main study was to spot a bird 
the first time so as not to forget it. And when this failed it 
seemed necessary on the spur of the moment to use a little 
mustard-seed shot in a small gun, the better to take time to 
classify and remember. I did not do much of this cruel 
work. I soon discarded the gun, and have ever since used 
in its place a first-class field-glass, such as army officers use. 
Mine is a $12 glass with “ Lemaire, Paris” and “ Boeringer, 
St. Paul” around its rim. I found my heart growing ten- 
derer to all the bird creation. I hated to shoot them. I 
now despise shooting, and though formerly fond of Duck, 
Goose, Quail, and Pigeon hunting I have about made up my 
mind never to kill game or birds of any kind. 
Study of the flight, habits, and ways of birds adds every 
year to the main stock of knowledge. In the realms of 
nature it never ceases. It is as undying as the flow of Ten- 
nyson’s brook. After the period when it ceases to be merely 
a hobby or a fad, then the real life begins. To me it has 
been a great relief from many arduous and taxing occupa- 
tions, I am reminded, in this necessary change of duties, 
which is at times so acceptable to all of us, of Mr. Gladstone, 
