The birds have been classed into color groups in the belief 

 that this method, more than any other, will make identification 

 most easy. The color of the bird is the first, and often the only, 

 characteristic noticed. But they have also been classified accord- 

 ing to the localities for which they show decided preferences and 

 in which they are most likely to be found. Again, they have 

 been grouped according to the season when they may be expected, 

 in the brief paragraphs that deal with groups of birds separated 

 into the various families represented in the book, the characteristics 

 and traits of each clan are clearly emphasized. By these several 

 aids it is believed the merest novice will be able to quickly identify 

 any bird neighbor that is neither local nor rare. 



To the uninitiated or uninterested observer, all small, dull- 

 colored birds are "common sparrows." The closer scrutiny of 

 the trained eye quickly differentiates, and picks out not only the 

 Song, the Canada, and the Fox Sparrows, but finds a dozen other 

 familiar friends where one who "has eyes and sees not" does 

 not even suspect their presence. Ruskin says: "The more I 

 think of it, 1 find this conclusion more impressed upon me, that 

 the greatest thing a human soul ever does in this world is to see 

 something. . . . Hundreds of people can talk for one who 

 can think, but thousands can think for one who can see. To see 

 clearly is poetry, prophecy, and religion — all in one." 



While the author is indebted to all the time-honored standard 

 authorities, and to many ornithologists of the present day, — too 

 many for individual mention, — it is to Mr. John Burroughs her 

 deepest debt is due. To this clear-visioned prophet, who has 

 opened the blind eyes of thousands to the delights that Nature 

 holds within our easy reach, she would gratefully acknowledge 

 many obligations: first of all, for the plan on which " Bird Neigh- 

 bors " is arranged; next, for his patient kindness in reading and 

 annotating the manuscript of the book; and, not least, for the 

 inspiration of his perennially charming writings that are so largely 

 responsible for the ready-made audience now awaiting writers on 

 out-of-door topics. 



Neltje Blanchan. 



