the linkage to the position shown in fig4 wherein the short links 60 and 60 39 are in straight line relation with the connecting links 63 and 63 39 whereby the weight of an observer on the seat 40 acts directly on the straight line relation and the weight results in a pull on the linkage the seat can be maintained in operative position by a retractable latch pin 115 on the side rail 17 engaging within an opening in the short link when the short link is in the position shown in fig4 the stand is then erected in position against a tree with the tree engaging means 90 in engagement with the tree and the ladder at an angle whereby the firm support provided by the wide spacing of the side rails 15 and 16 together with the tree engaging means 90 provides a firm support for the observation stand the shroud is then opened to permit access to the observation station by operation of the zipper 111 and the foot support panel member 49 is folded back to the position shown in broken line in fig4 an observer then climbs the ladder and easily enters the observer 39 s station because of the nonobstructing relation of the foot support member and also because of the location of the seat 40 rearwardly of the ladder side rails also this enables the observer to.