THE BIRDS OF NEW JERSEY. 



BIRD DAY IN THE SCHOOLS. 



The following is a copy of a circular issued in July last 

 by the Division of Biological Survey of the United States 

 Department of Agriculture: 



The observance of Arbor Day by the schools has been so 

 successful that it has been suggested that a Bird Day, to 

 be devoted to instructing the children in the value of our 

 native birds and the best means of protecting them, might 

 with propriety be added to the school calendar. The idea 

 of setting apart one day in the year for the planting of 

 trees was first suggested nearly twenty-five years ago by 

 the Hon. J, Sterling Morton, now Secretary of Agricul- 

 ture. More than a million trees were planted on the first 

 Arbor Day, and the importance of the day has gradually 

 increased until it has come to be observed in nearly every 

 State and Territory in the Union. One of the greatest 

 benefits of Arbor Day is the sentiment and interest 

 aroused in the subject of trees and in the broader study of 

 nature. It is believed that the observance of a Bird Day 

 would appeal to our people — particularly our youth — even 

 more strongly. 



HISTORY OF BIRD DAY. 



Bird Day is more than a suggestion. It has been already 

 adopted in at least two cities with marked success, but as 

 yet it is still an experiment. Apparently the idea origi- 

 nated with Prof. C. A. Babcock, superintendent of schools 

 in Oil City, Pa., who wrote to the Department of Agricul- 

 ture in 1894 urging the establishment of such a day, and 

 stating that May 4 would be observed as Bird Day in Oil 

 City. In reply, the Secretary of Agricultui*e sent the fol- 

 lowing letter : 



