and in which they are most likely to be found. Again, they have 
been grouped according to the season when they may be expected. 
In the brief paragraphs that deal with groups of birds separated 
into the various families represented in the book, the character- 
istics and traits of each clan are clearly emphasized. By these 
several aids it is believed the merest novice will be able to quickly 
identify any bird neighbor that is neither local nor rare. 
To the uninitiated or uninterested observer, all small, dull- 
colored birds are “common sparrows.” The closer scrutiny of 
the trained eye quickly differentiates, and picks out not only the 
Song, the Canada, and the Fox Sparrows, but finds a dozen 
other familiar friends where one who “has eyes and sees not” 
does not even suspect their presence. Ruskin says: “The more 
I think of it, I find this conclusion more impressed upon me, that 
the greatest thing a human soul ever does in this world is to 
see something. Hundreds of people can talk for ome who can 
think, but thousands can think for one who can see. To see 
clearly is poetry, prophecy, and religion—all in one.” 
While the author is indebted to all the time-honored standard 
authorities, and to many ornithologists of the present day—too 
many for individual mention—it is to Mr. John Burroughs her 
deepest debt is due. To this clear-visioned prophet, who has 
opened the blind eyes of thousands to the delights that Nature 
holds within our easy reach, she would gratefully acknowled 
many obligations; first of all, for the plan on which “ Bird Neigh- 
bors” is arranged; next, for his patient kindness in reading and 
annotating the manuscript of the book; and, not least, for the 
inspiration of his perennially charming writings that are so largely 
responsible for the ready-made audience now awaiting writers 
on out-of-door topics. 
It is hoped that the illustrations in this edition of “ Bird Nee: 
bors” will do much to add to the pleasure and profit of the reader. 
Through the courtesy of the National Association of Audubon 
Societies, the pictures painted yf Lic igeg: who are specialists in 
bird portraiture embellish this k. Each portrait has been 
examined and corrected when necessary by an authority. The 
birds are pictured as they are in life, each according to its own 
habit of existence. 
' The author takes this opportunity to express her appreciation 
of the work the National Association of Audubon Societies has 
done and is doing to prevent the slaughter of birds in all parts of 
the United States, to ptiee : bird sanctuaries and inaugurate 
protective legislation. Indeed to it, more than to all other agen- 
cies combined, is due the credit of eliminating so much of the 
Prussianlike cruelty toward birds that once characterized Ameri- 
can treatment of them, from the rising generation. 
NELTJE BLANCHAN. 
