IN THE OPEN
INTIMATE STUDIES
AND APPRECIATIONS OF
NATURE BY
STANTON DAVIS KIRKHAM
AUTHOR OF
"WHERE DWELLS THE SOUL SERENE"
"THE MINISTRY OF BEAUTY"
curiosity, or any scientific
acquaintance, it is the
companionship of the woods
and fields which counts—
a real friendship for birds
and bees and flowers."
PAUL ELDER & COMPANY
SAN FRANCISCO AND NEW YORK
Copyright, 1908
by Paul Elder and Company
TO MY WIFE
MARY WILLIAMS KIRKHAM
THIS BOOK IS
AFFECTIONATELY
DEDICATED
PREFACE
There is an estate on which we pay no tax and which is not susceptibleof improvement. It is of indefinite extent and is to be reached bytaking the road to the nearest woods and fields. While this is quite asvaluable as any property we may possess, as a matter of fact few asserttheir title to it.
Nature is in herself a perpetual invitation to come into the open. Thewoods are an unfailing resource; the mountains and the sea,companionable. To count among one's friends, the birds and flowers andtrees is surely worth while; for to come upon a new flower is then inthe nature of an agreeable event, and a chance meeting with a bird maylend a pleasant flavor to the day.