INTRODUCTION Vv 
within his power to set aside some portion of otherwise 
non-usable land to afford shelter and concealment for 
many birds, and to protect those useful species that 
select and require special locations in which to rear 
their young. ‘The presence of birds in a locality lends 
a charm to the landscape which nothing else can lend. 
An abundance of useful and attractive species may be 
encouraged to remain and breed if heed is paid to their 
requirements, and efforts to disturb them in their or- 
derly pursuits be prevented. With shght care such 
species as are not a detriment or nuisance can be as- 
sisted, and thus the value of birds as a feature of the 
landscape, as insect destroyers, and as vocalists can be 
more and more demonstrated and appreciated. 
There is a book, large and bulky, yet within the 
reach of every one; little work is required to handle 
it, for its pages are always open, and it is written in 
the universal language. It costs nothing to read many 
chapters, yet, as in all good things, a lttle patience 
and some experience will assist greatly in acquiring a 
fair understanding of its contents. In this great Book 
of Nature will be found much concerning that rich and 
varied division of animal life to which has been given 
the name ot Birds, and its relation to the welfare and 
enjoyment of humanity. 
Certain helps have been invented by the experiences 
and intelligence of man to assist those who through in- 
