74 AMATEUR ORNITHOLOGY. 



made observations, and in the whole ten years work have 

 never seen the time when it was necessary to 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, 



