CAMERA HUNTING FOR TURKEYS 239 



were, moving slowly but watchfully toward 

 the creek and across the scope of the lens. My 

 finger was quick to reach the button as they 

 stepped to the sandy bank, and turned to note 

 that no enemy lurked behind. The click of the 

 shutter startled them but little, and they walked 

 quietly away. I knew I had a good negative, 

 as the late afternoon sun shone brightly on their 

 gorgeous plumage, and they were barely fifteen 

 feet from where I sat. 



Not one man in a million has ever had the 

 opportunity of viewing one of these birds in life 

 in the woods at ten to fifteen feet — nor ever will, 

 and to these I hope the photographs will be a 

 pleasure; for to see a ten-year-old gobbler so near, 

 when he is not frightened — and you with- 

 out gun or other means to injure him — so you 

 may enjoy the most majestic bird the eye of 

 man ever rested on, is not only a feast for the 

 eye, but a pleasant memory that will be with 

 you forever. 



In November, 1899, in Alabama,! began to hunt 

 with the camera, and for six months — with the 

 exception of one day only, on which a terrific 



