Wilmer M. (Wilmer Mateo) Ely
The Boy Chums in the Forest; Or, Hunting for Plume Birds in the Florida Everglades
"The Boy Chums in the Forest; Or, Hunting for Plume Birds in the Florida Everglades" by Wilmer M. Ely is a fictional adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows a group of young boys, including Charley West and his companions, as they embark on a journey into the wilds of Florida, focusing on the thrill of hunting for plume birds. The narrative captures their excitement, camaraderie, and the challenges they face while navigating both the natural elements and potentially dangerous encounters. At the start of the tale, Charley and Captain Westfield set up camp in a Florida forest, where they prepare for an expedition. Charley is eager and full of inquiries, but there is an air of mystery surrounding their mission. The duo is later joined by Walter Hazard and a little darky named Chris, who bring additional energy and dynamics to the group. As they settle in for the night, the captain reveals their motive tied to hunting down plume birds—a pursuit with potential danger lurking around them. The opening establishes their unique friendship and foreshadows the adventures and challenges that lie ahead in the wilderness as they face wild creatures and possibly menacing elements.