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Birds are a special boon to child life, and a never-ending 

 source of entertainment to many children who live upon isolated 

 farms, where in summer or in winter the observation of birds 

 adds greatly to the rational enjoyment of existence. 



It is not a far cry from the poet to the philosopher, who also 

 sees a value in birds for the opportunity they afford for the 

 culture of the intellect. Every page of the book of nature is 

 educational; but, as Dr. Coues says, there is no fairer or more 

 fascinating page than that devoted to the life history of a bird. 

 The systematic study of birds develops both the perceptive 

 faculties and the analytical powers of the mind. The study of 

 the living bird afield is rejuvenating to both mind and body. 

 The outdoor use of eye, ear and limb necessitated by field 

 work tends to fit both the body and mind of the student for 

 the practical work of life, since it develops both members and 

 faculties. The beauty and grace of birds appeal to the eye; 

 their activity is inspiriting; their joyousness is contagious; and 

 their finest songs awaken the spirit of praise and devotion. 

 There is no purer joy in life than that which comes to those 

 who, rising in the dusk of early morning, welcome the approach 

 of day with all its bird voices. The nature lover who listens to 

 the song of the wood thrush at dawn, an anthem of calm, 

 serene, spiritual joy sounding through the dim woods, hears 

 it with feelings akin to those of the devotee whose being is 

 thrilled by the grand and sacred music of the sanctuary. And 

 he who in the still forest at evening harkens to the exquisite 

 tones of the hermit, that voice of nature expressing in sweet 

 cadences her pathos and her ineffable mystery, experiences 

 amid the falling shades of night emotions which must humble, 

 chasten and purify even the noblest of the sons of men. 



The uplifting influence that birds may thus exert upon tile 

 lives of men constitutes their greatest value and charm. A 

 growing appreciation of the esthetic and the educational value 

 of birds has sent many cultured folk to the woods, fields and 

 shores. People are turning toward nature study, and the ob- 

 servation of birds in the field is one of the most popular mani- 

 festations of an increased and abiding interest in animate 

 Nature. Students who have become familiar with the common 

 birds of their own vicinity long for new fields and new birds. 



