This edition
of Ducks at a Distance is dedicated to the memory
of Robert W. Hines (1912-94), the internationally
renowned wildlife artist whose paintings appear in
this book.
Born in Columbus, Ohio, Bob Hines had virtually no
formal training in art or in wildlife science, yet
by the age of twenty-seven he was working as staff
artist with the Ohio Division of Wildlife, and in
1947 he accepted a similar position with the U. S.
Fish and Wildlife Service.
Rachel Carson was Bob's first supervisor in Washington,
D. C., and he illustrated her second book, The Edge
of the Sea. Over the years his work appeared in many
government-published books, pamphlets and posters
and in national magazines such as Sports Afield and
The New Yorker.
Bob loved the outdoors, particularly Alaska, and was
an avid hunter and fisherman, with deep reverence
and appreciation for fish and wildlife. His practiced
eye could see incredible details in a sunset or the
breast feather of a wild turkey.
Bob Hines was a charming, extraordinarily talented
artist. His personal friends included several Secretaries
of the Interior, who would occasionally slip into
his office to enjoy Bob's company and listen to tales
of his outdoor adventures. Bob was a kind and dependable
friend to all his coworkers, and his sense of humor
and relaxed, modest air belied his tremendous talent.
He was recognized by the Department of the Interior
with three Meritorious Service Awards and, on his
retirement from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
the Distinguished Service Award.
Bob Hines's works of art will be admired by generations
of people yet unborn. He was truly a national treasure.
-V.
Daniel Stiles, U. S. F&WS-
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