Part 1

IN THE OPEN

INTIMATE STUDIES AND APPRECIATIONS OF NATURE BY

STANTON DAVIS KIRKHAM

AUTHOR OF

"WHERE DWELLS THE SOUL SERENE" "THE MINISTRY OF BEAUTY"

"Over and above a healthy 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 susceptible of improvement. It is of indefinite extent and is to be reached by taking the road to the nearest woods and fields. While this is quite as valuable as any property we may possess, as a matter of fact few assert their title to it.

Nature is in herself a perpetual invitation to come into the open. The woods are an unfailing resource; the mountains and the sea, companionable. To count among one's friends, the birds and flowers and trees is surely worth while; for to come upon a new flower is then in the nature of an agreeable event, and a chance meeting with a bird may lend a pleasant flavor to the day.

CONTENTS

PREFACE v

THE POINT OF VIEW 1

SIGNS OF SPRING 11

BIRD LIFE 22

SONGS OF THE WOODS 40

WILD GARDENS 56

WEEDS 69

INSECT LORE 78

THE WAYS OF THE ANT 94

AUTUMN STUDIES 113

PASTURE STONES 127

NEIGHBORS 136

THE WINTER WOODS 153

LAUGHING WATERS 164