THE WXTHNSION 3 
Many state biological surveys have likewise added their 
quota to the accumulating data along similar lines of local 
study. The introduction of bird study in its varied phases 
into the public schools has been a most important means of 
reaching not only the rising generation of children but 
through them extending the message and spirit to the older 
generation. 
Many clubs and organizations not primarily devoted to 
bird study have also rendered valuable assistance in the pro- 
gress of this movement through the presentation of special 
papers and lectures upon topics related to bird life and 
habits as numbers upon their regular programs. 
The recognition within recent years of the fact that 
much of our best education and the most fundamental les- 
sons of life come not from the reading of books alone but by 
learning first-hand from nature has given a new trend and 
a more helpful attitude toward life out of doors. The s:z- 
nificance of alert attentiveness to the varied forces at work 
among living things is being realized and made a prominent 
factor in human development. 
Bird Study for All—The availability and suitability of 
bird study for all ages and conditions of mankind has made 
this an especially attractive field. The little child less than 
two years old will shout and clap its hands with glee as it 
toddles along toward a bird on the lawn. In response to the 
same deep seated instinct of their nature the growing boys 
and girls full of superabundant energy may find suitable 
and helpful occupation in the pursuit of these elusive crea- 
tures in their varied haunts. Proper direction of his ac- 
tivities is usually all that is necessary to transform the nor- 
mal boy into one of the most useful bird protectionists. As 
mature age is reached a still enlarging field of interest opens 
up. The study of individual birds and species, their abund- 
ance, distribution, migrations, nesting and feeding habits 
and their intricate relation to human life and affairs affords 
avenues from which each may select according to taste and 
inclination. Rich or poor, healthy or infirm, the invalid re- 
elining at a window, the hardy persons who tramp afield 
and those who employ the space-defying automobile, all may 
find in the birds lines of interest suited to their needs and 
opportunities full of possibilities of enlarging the horizon 
of their lives. Such worthy examples as the venerable John 
Burroughs show that with advancing years these life-long 
interests may be pursued with undimished ardor and_ en- 
thusiasm adding zest and richness to what should be, but 
too often is not, the crowning period of life. 
