PREFACE 



MR. BAYNES has written not only a very in- 

 teresting book but one that is really of capital 

 importance. We Americans have recklessly 

 wasted our national assets in the past. But 

 now there has come a change. We are trying 

 to preserve our forests and utilize our water 

 supply and care for the soil instead of merely 

 exhausting it. One of the pleasantest features 

 of the new movement is the constantly growing 

 interest in wild life, and especially in bird life. 

 The Meriden Bird Club has furnished a model 

 for all similar experiments in preserving bird life, 

 and Mr. Baynes writes in advocacy of a cause 

 which by practical achievement he has shown to 

 be entitled to the support of every sensible man, 

 woman, and child in the country. I say " child " 

 advisedly, for boys and girls have a peculiar part 

 to play in the crusade for the better protection 

 of our birds. There is sound economic reason 

 for protecting the birds; and in addition there 

 is ample reason for protecting them simply be- 

 cause they add immeasurably to the joy of life, 



