262 HOW TO STUDY BIRDS 



ment is that teachers often go afield with their pu- 

 pils, and by so doing are not only able to guide their 

 observations and show them how to work, but also 

 come into friendly sympathy with them and thus se- 

 cure far more influence than contact in the school- 

 room would make possible. 



This informal study of birds as it is now being 

 conducted is accomplishing another very desirable 

 end in arousing a spirit of kindliness and thoughtful- 

 ness for the feelings of others. When boys are 

 taught to enjoy and appreciate birds and animals, 

 stoning, tormenting, and nest-robbing are no more. 

 The lessons of conservation and protection are well 

 learned, and presently there will have grown up a 

 strong body of sentiment which will reveal itself in 

 wise laws for the protection of bird and animal life, 

 and in further measures for the conservation of all 

 our national resources. Those who are thoughtful 

 of animals will also tend to respect the feelings and 

 rights of their own kind, so that these studies cannot 

 help but make better men and women. 



Only a small amount of time need be devoted to 

 these studies of the natural world, which, as has al- 

 ready been proved by actual test, can be gained 

 through a little economy here and there, without in 

 any way lessening the effectiveness of other branches. 

 Such studies come more as a relaxation than a bur- 

 den to young minds which naturally delight in out- 

 door things and are felt to be of inestimable value 



