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AUTHOR’S PREFACE. 
T HE Roosevelt hunting expedition, which gives the special title to this 
work, is herewith described because its chief figure is not only an ex- 
President of the United States, but an American authority on wild 
animals who, in his ambition to become a world authority, thus ventured into 
some of the most famous hunting grounds of Africa. Another reason why 
unusual prominence is given to it, is that it is one of the most noteworthy 
expeditions ever organized to hunt big game and make scientific investiga¬ 
tions among the animals of perhaps the most important zoological division of 
the earth. 
From my earliest boyhood, wild animal life has had a fascination for me. 
I have been nearly over the globe and in most of the countries where wild 
animals have been least disturbed by civilization. 
I have carefully studied each wild animal with a view to becoming ac¬ 
quainted not only with its physical appearance, but with its habits and manner 
of living, with all the traits of its character and every detail of its private life. 
In describing the animals I have tried to avoid the use of all scientific 
words and terms so as not to confuse those readers who have made no special 
study of zoology. 
My experiences have taught me the truth of the Scriptural saying that 
‘‘man and the animals are kin,” and I hope and believe that I am doing a bene¬ 
fit to my fellow man, as well as giving him genuine enjoyment and pleasure, 
by bringing him into a closer acquaintance with God’s animal kingdom. 
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