90 Bird -Lore 



wherever there are seeded weeds and grasses, and mingle their exquisite httle 

 piping song with that of the Purple Finch and Vesper Sparrows; while the 

 Song Sparrow, that was perhaps present as an individual all winter, becomes 

 legion in a single night, and presently the tremolo of the Chipping Sparrow, 

 insectlike though of different quality, sounds at dawn from the ground or a 

 low bush where he sits with head thrown back in rapture. 



In April, toward the middle of the month, the Swallows return to us, 

 with their pretty call notes and lispings, and the ear and eye are often piqued 

 by the voices and plumage of many Warblers. The Myrtle, that has been with 

 us at intervals all winter, is easily named ; then there comes the Pine Warbler 

 and the Louisiana Water-Thrush, a Warbler that suggests the larger Wood 

 Thrush. The Black-throated Green and the Black and White Creeping 

 Warblers, the latter mistaken frequently by the novice for a diminutive 

 Woodpecker, may be expected, and, should the last week in April be fair 

 and the leaves of the birches and swamp maples old enough to throw a faint 

 shadow, in reply to the golden signal of the willows, we may prepare to 

 welcome deputations from the families of Thrushes, Wrens and Thrashers, 

 the Wood-Thrush, Catbird, Brown Thrasher and House Wren; and when 

 we see the latter tip-tilting and scolding about the repairs necessary to his 

 last year's residence, we know that spring, in all its promise and fullness, is 

 but lingering around the corner, coyly arranging her drapery before dancing 

 into our sight. — M. O. W. 



NATURE STUDY ORGANIZATIONS 



The value of nature study, properly conducted, as a training to the powers 

 of observation has long been conceded; moreover, its direct value in teach- 

 ing the true economic relations to man of objects animate and inanimate is 

 well established. The more we study nature the better we learn that part 

 of nature's balance which best conserves human interests. Such studies 

 have enabled us to distinguish between friends and enemies among the lower 

 creatures; to realize how the former are beneficial and the latter harmful. 



It must be conceded, also, that "in union there is strength"; that 

 properly conducted organizations for the study and preservation of the lower 

 forms of life accomplish more than scattered individual effort. 



Admitting all this, conscientious teachers are anxious to provide for the 

 nature-study needs of the pupils under their charge, but they sometimes are 

 at a loss to create that interest which must underlie all successful educational 

 work. The writer belongs to a natural history society which is remarkable 

 because of its success in maintaining deep interest among its members, and 

 the consequent good attendance at meetings, two things unfortunately rare 

 in such organizations. 



