This book is a faithful account of the life and adventures of a character familiar to sportsmen and others who frequent the Adirondacks. It has been my endeavor to collect and put in form the numerous stories and anecdotes told by one of the pioneers of New York State; though in my desire to vindicate the qualities of Nat Foster, I have given considerable not actually identified with his adventures, but having a bearing on his life.
The hardy race of men who followed the chase for a livelihood in the wilds of Northern New York, has passed away. With the men has gone the knowledge of many of their exciting adventures. It is not too late, however, to gather from old residents and descendants, many of the experiences connected with their profession. This is what I have endeavored to do in this book; taking pains, as the reader will see, to gather only such notes of Foster's life as the trustworthy sources assured me of their genuineness. The assumption that Foster is the hero of James Fenimore Cooper's Leatherstocking Tales I think is well founded. I believe the reader will agree with me, that the character of Nat Foster as portrayed by the facts here presented, and the character of Natty Bumfo of Cooper, are wonderfully similar; which, taken with the unbiased opinions of men of Foster's time, are weighty arguments in favor of the idea advanced. I am sure my labors will be appreciated by those interested. And as Jerome K. Jerome observed in his "Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow," that "some of my relations having promised to buy the book, if it ever came out;" so I would say that many persons interested in the Adirondacks, having expressed a desire to own the book "if it ever came out," I feel justified in inflicting it on the public. I would in conclusion express my thanks to those who have in any way contributed to the material that makes up the book.