Laws recently enacted by most of the states for the better protection
of the game, imposing a nominal license for the privilege of hunting
it, have enabled us to take a census, as it were, of that vast number
of the American people who enjoy the health-giving sports of the
field. This census reveals the fact, that, of the whole population of
the Pacific Coast, nearly twenty per cent of all those over fifteen
years of age are licensed sportsmen. Add to these the large number of
anglers, not counted in this enumeration, and the rapidly increasing
number of young ladies who are learning to enjoy the exhilarating
sports of the field and stream, and this percentage will be
appreciably increased. It is, therefore, obvious that a study of the
game birds and game fishes must be one of interest to a very large
portion of our people, and especially to the younger generation whose
knowledge of the game they bring to bag is still in the formative
state.
Unlike all other works treating of the birds and fishes, this one is
written from the standpoint of the practical sportsman and angler,
rather than for the student of ornithology or ichthyology. I have,
therefore avoided the use of technical names as much as possible, and
employed in the description of the various species the plainest
language consistent with a clear understanding of their distinguishing
features. I have, however, for the benefit of those who wish to learn
their scientific names and genetic relationship, added after the
description of the members of each family, a tabulated form, giving
the Order, Family, Subfamily and Genus to which the several species
belong; together with their common names, general range and breeding
grounds. A new and convenient feature of ready reference.
The numerous illustrations, which are from photographs of the actual
birds, is a new feature of great importance to the student, as they
give the perfect markings of every feather, and the true gradation of
color as appearing in nature.
That, by placing within the reach of the younger generation of
sportsmen, such knowledge of the game birds and game fishes as I have
gained through more than half a century spent in their pursuit, may,
in a measure, liquidate the deep debt I owe for the many happy hours
and excellent health drawn from the exhilarating sports of the field
and stream, is the earnest wish of