CHAPTER XI 



EDUCATING THE GROWING GENERATION 



THIS education must begin in our public schools. 

 Every boy is a born bird student, but his natural 

 methods are too destructive for the birds. In the nat- 

 ure study work children must learn the habits of our 

 common birds and must learn of the benefits the birds 

 render us. Give them glimpses of the work of birds, 

 how they build their little homes, care for their young 

 and defend them at the risk of their own lives. Show 

 them to what dangers birds are constantly exposed and 

 how the fall and spring migrations always are long, 

 dangerous journeys. Too much direct forbidding and 

 preaching is harmful, for in the heart of every boy 

 sleeps the spirit of opposition. Soft sentiment or gush- 

 ing talk is also harmful. In connection with the study 

 read such articles as " Silverspot, the Crow," and " Red- 

 ruff, the Don Valley Partridge " in Thompson's " Wild 

 Animals I Have Known." Literature of that kind 

 creates true sympathy with nature and after that is 

 awakened, the boy is converted. 



Tell the children about the hardships that winter 

 birds are exposed to, and teach them how to feed birds 

 in winter and in unfavorable weather at other seasons. 

 Let the boys make nesting boxes and study the tenants 

 of the boxes. This bird study should not be mere 

 play, but should be made profitable although pleasant 

 96 



