The Audubon Societies 



59 



even with a large class. At feeding-stations, Chickadees and Nuthatches often 

 learn to eat from one's hand. 



In this number of Bird-Lore you will find the result of the Christmas 

 'bird census.' Perhaps you will find a record from your own town or at least 

 from one not far distant. If you will read these records you will learn which 

 birds you can expect to see on your rambles this winter. In many places there 

 seems to be an unusual number of the more uncommon winter visitors this 

 winter, especially the Northern Shrikes. Tell the children to be on the lookout 

 for them. 



A number of requests have come to the Editor of this Department for 

 suggestions as to a graded course of bird-study for the schools. In New York 



A BIRD CLASS AT A FEEDING STATION. THE CHICKADEE SOON 

 MAKES FRIENDS 



State and in cities where a nature study supervisor is employed, a syllabus 

 for the guidance of teachers is ordinarily supplied. Some teachers like to 

 have their work outlined for them; others do not like to be thus hampered. 

 The chief difficulty with the ordinary graded course of bird-study lies in the 

 lack of flexibility of the syllabus. The conditions under which bird-study 

 must be given are not alike in any two localities nor the same two years in 

 succession. The best teachers take advantage of each opportunity as it arises 

 and teach from it according to the development of their pupils and without 

 regard to any fixed syllabus. It is for this reason that thus far, in this De- 

 partment of Bird-Lore, we have discussed general principles that might be 

 applicable to any birds or any circumstances. We would be glad, however, 

 to publish your experiences with graded courses of bird-study for the benefit 

 of those who like to have their work outlined for them. If you have tried 



