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 THE MOUNTAINS 173 THE FOREST 185 THE SEA 196 INDEX 209 _A flock of wild geese on the wing is no less than an inspiration. When that strong-voiced, stout-hearted company of pioneers pass overhead, our thoughts ascend and sail with them over the roofs of the world. As band after band come into the field of vision--minute glittering specks in the distant blue--to cross the golden sea of the sunset and disappear in the northern twilight, their faint melodious honk is an Orphean strain drawing irresistibly._ AFTER THE PAINTING BY LOUIS AGASSIZ FUERTES [Illustration] THE POINT OF VIEW