Pigs eating corn that has fallen from the huge crib. (Photo by Wallace Kirkland/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation)

Pigs eating corn that has fallen from the huge crib. (Photo by Wallace Kirkland/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation)

Most of the photographers herein started early with the camera, if only as a hobby. “Kirk,” however, followed many pursuits and was nearly 40 before he found his proper calling. Wallace Kirkland (1891-1979) quickly became an outstanding nature photographer, which was perhaps a reflection of his having been born and raised on a coconut plantation in Jamaica. He possessed such a sense of wanderlust that he carried a slate on which he wrote his name, the town he was in, the hotel and, if there was space, the date, then hung it at the foot of the bed. Thus could he effect a swift and accurate orientation each morning.

Adapted from The Great LIFE Photographers

People playing with a Ouija Board. (Photo by Wallace Kirkland/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation)

People playing with a Ouija Board. (Photo by Wallace Kirkland/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation)

A view of the overcrowded stockyard conditions in the Farm Glut. (Photo by Wallace Kirkland/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation)

A view of the overcrowded stockyard conditions in the Farm Glut. (Photo by Wallace Kirkland/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation)

A view of people touring the National Gallery of Art. (Photo by Wallace Kirkland/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation)

A view of people touring the National Gallery of Art. (Photo by Wallace Kirkland/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation)

Sassy, plump baby chicks heralding the spring. (Photo by Wallace Kirkland/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation)

Sassy, plump baby chicks heralding the spring. (Photo by Wallace Kirkland/The LIFE Picture Collection © Meredith Corporation)

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