PREFACE. 



TT may be of interest to some of our readers to know under 



^ what guidance they are to make this Uttle journey into the 



borders of Bird World. 



First, then, the plan and direction come from the author 



of some books they have known as the Stickney Readers. It 



may be thought worth while to venture on this new pleasure 



trip under the same leadership. 



Second, a gentleman has been found to act as special 



conductor, — one who has lived closer to Bird World than any 

 of us. For years he has known by sight and sound all our 

 New England birds, and many, if not most, of our chance 

 summer and winter visitors, beside having particularly intimate 

 acquaintance with some which we too shall be glad to meet. 

 A number of the stories which follow are based upon his own 

 personal observations. You will find his name upon the title 

 page. He is a director in the Audubon Society for the Pro- 

 tection of Birds, which makes it certain that the citizens of 

 Bird World are as safe in his hands as are we. You have thus 

 the combined powers of two who are both friends of young 

 people and of birds. 



