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SCHOOL DEPARTMENT 



Edited by MABEL OSGOOD WRIGHT 



Address all communications to the Editor of the School Department. National 

 Association of Audiihon Societies. 141 Broadw.ny. New York City 



FEBRUARY HINTS 



II'" the ground is snow-covcrcd in I'"ehruai"\', \()U will prohahK' be Irouhled 

 in your walks and watching of birds for the glare and reflection of light, 

 for not without cause did the Red Men call February the "month of snow- 

 blindness." A very simple flcvice maybe added to the field- or opera-glass that 

 will give both relief from the glare and added keenness to the vision, thus: 

 From strong, yet flexible cardboard make a pair of tubes of a size that will fit 

 closely over the large end of the glasses and project about tluee inches beyond 

 the frames; line these tubes smoothly with unglazed black paper, — that which 

 comes wrapped about photograph plates will do nicely. These tubes cut off 

 the side light and prevent cross reflection upon the lenses, and have somewhat 

 the same effect upon the eye as the 'stopping down' of a photographic lens has 

 upon the sensitive plate — greater clearness and accuracy of detail. Nor is the 

 value of the contrivance confined to winter alone, for it is equally useful when 

 looking at birds across water or against the light, as one must do sometimes, 

 or lose the view of a rare species. Those who find these tubes satisfactory may 

 have them duplicated in leather so that they will form part of the permanent 

 field-going equipment. 



This last calendar month of the winter that never really ends until the spring 

 equinox of March 21, is an excellent time for doing a little technical bird study. 

 If the student only knows half a dozen birds, such as the Robin, Barn Swallow, 

 Crow, English Sparrow, domestic Pigeon and one of the common Woodpeckers, 

 he has the framework for studying the differences of the six families to which they 

 belong, by the aid of books and pictures, even if mounted museum specimens 

 are not within reach, and in this way he will be less puzzled in naming new- 

 comers. Plumage varies more or less in many species according to season, 

 but general build, the shape of beak and claws and the conformation of the 

 tail remains the same the year through. 



If you have not already put up nesting-boxes do it now or your labor is likely 

 to be in vain, except in the case of the Wrens who ask no questions and will cheer- 

 fully adapt to their needs a home large enough for an Owl by cramming it full 

 of twigs and then squeezing their nest into one corner. The Wren is a most 



comfortable bird in spite of its restlessness and quick temper, for it has no tra- 



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