16 BIRDS OF SOUTH DAKOTA 
The initiative in bird study should be taken by school 
teachers. They are the natural leaders of the children in study, 
and pupils look to them for guidance. A little extra work here 
will amply repay any teacher by developing increased interest 
on the part of her scholars and will furnish a means of recreation 
and pleasure to them which she cannot measure. 
One of the best ways to study is to form bird clubs, which 
should hold periodic meetings. This gives companionship in 
study, benefits each by the observations of all, and furnishes 
opportunity for correcting possible mistakes. Societies should 
be organized in winter and our few winter birds learned before 
the spring migrations begin. It is important to have a simple 
but good book, with colored plates, for purposes of identifica- 
tion. The authors know none better than the pocket edition of 
Chester A. Reed’s “Bird Guide” for birds east of the Rocky 
Mountains, published by Doubleday, Page and Company, Gar- 
den City, New York. Farmers’ Bulletin 513, entitled “Fifty 
Common Birds of Orchard and Prairie,” gives splendid colored 
cuts of fifty common birds and especially emphasizes their econ- 
omic value. 
The University Museum at Vermillion is always glad to 
identify birds or nests to those sending in a description of them, 
and will answer inquiries about birds. 
Every bird club may receive material help by getting in 
touch with the National Association of Audubon Societies, 1974 
Broadway, New York City. Our county farm agents are al- 
ways glad to render assistance in bird study, and none appre- 
ciates the value of birds more than they do. An effective or- 
ganized relationship between our State Game Commission and 
all the active bird organizations of the State would be very help- 
ful. Bird clubs should distribute literature on the subject, have 
their county papers publish short articles, and use every effort 
in carrying on an educational campaign to change public senti- 
ment in favor of bird protection. 
It is obvious that those interested in birds must show to 
the public that our birds are worth while, and one of the best 
ways to acquire lasting results is to carry on educational propa- 
ganda in the graded schools. All teachers should be urged to 
spend at least one hour a week in bird study with their students. 
