The Western Sandpiper 



approach of these trustful creatures. If the compliment were really 

 deserved, the cunning little souls would undoubtedly respond to the most 

 familiar advances short of actual handling. Slaughter in the name of 

 science may be justifiable, though there be those of us who have passed 

 up the solution of many nice problems here; but slaughter of these inno- 

 cents in the name of sport is mere Philistinism. The Italian method of 

 hunting is to shoot everything in sight. As a result, sunny Italy is a bird- 

 less desert in summer, and a nightmare during migrations. 



Fortunately, the camera is superseding the gun. Pressing the button 

 is not only more humane than shooting; it is more fun. Measured by its 

 devices, its strategies, its hopes and fears, its tantalizing failures and its 

 crowning triumphs — in other words, by its thrills — bird photography is 

 ten times better sport than gunnery. Its trophies, moreover, are perma- 

 nent and satisfying. In place of an emptied plate and an endless regret, 

 the camerist retains a record which delights the eye and ministers to the 

 spirit unceasingly. 



Taken in Washington 



Photo by the Author 



A MOMENTARY ALARM 



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