reads every word you write, and then she goes out into the fields and woods and finds all them you speak about and

more too.

I. I am glad she is able to find so many, and that you take such an interest in them. How old is your little granddaughter?

F. She's only twelve, but she's bright and smart for her age. She likes to be out o' doors and learning about all these wild things. She takes solid comfort doing it. We hope you will keep right on doing as you have, because there are other folks besides us that are interested too.

I thanked him for his kindly appreciation and, after a little further conversation on outdoor matters, he drove on. I will not deny that this unexpected expression of interest and earnest injunction to "keep right on " have been sometimes in my mind in the preparation of this book, and are a sufficient explanation of the dedication.

The love of Nature is a deep-seated one. To all real children the world is a world of wonders: plant and animal life is full of mystery. To thinking adults the world is as full of wonders as it is to children, only the wonders are more wonderful, the mysteries of Life more mysterious. Contemplation of Nature is a source of endless delight to him whose eyes have in them the power of seeing. Some are born with this keen insight; others acquire it through accidents of environment or education. In this connection I wish to express here my feeling of indebtedness to my friend of many years, Dr. George C. Webber of Millbury, in congenial association with whom and in recognizing the real gratification he drew from an all-round interest in Nature-studies I found the inspiring cause of my awaking to a deeper and more intelligent interest in these same studies.

Is it not possible that, with more rational tendencies in education, a deeper and more widely-spread interest in the lower forms of life about us may be developed? The dawn of such a day seems to be coming, to be at hand.

I take this opportunity to express my vivid sense of obligation to my long-time friend, Mr. Samuel H. Putnam of the firm of my publishers, whose persistent kindness, sympathetic encouragement and genial enthusiasm at the beginning and during the progress of this work have been a constant source of pleasure to me and will form one of my most cheering recollections.

It gives me great pleasure also to acknowledge the generous and ready help and kindly interest of my friend, Dr. Charles L. Nichols, whose love of outdoor life is not contracted by the exigencies of a busy profession.

For the artistic effects in the photographs from which the plates were prepared I am indebted to the good taste and skillful manipulation of my friend, Mr. J. C. Lyford, for whose zeal and patience in securing the best results and hearty coöperation in everything pertaining to success in this work I am truly grateful.

For the comparative freedom from errors in these pages, the typographic beauty and the artistic make-up of this book, I am indebted to the good taste and unwearying interest of my printer, Mr. Franklin P. Rice, whose unvarying courtesy and patience I wish here gratefully to acknowledge.

And now, little Book, go forth into the world and bring what pleasure to others thou canst, even as thou hast been a pleasure J. J.

to me.

WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS,

November, 1894.