OUR BIRDS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR 367 
bird life among old and young. ‘Their prestige as ornithologists 
should easily fit the members of this society for such a mission. 
In what way may this mission be best fulfilled? Undoubtedly 
I think the most effective way of achieving this praiseworthy 
object is to try to arouse not only interest, but even enthusiasm, 
for the study of arnithology among the teachers of our schools. 
Without doubt we can succeed in awakening both interest and 
enthusiasm for this branch of study in a body of men and women 
to whom the ideals of life make an especially strong appeal. And 
among the ideals that should enlist the devotion of every refined 
person is the visible expression of the beautiful in the life of our 
native birds. Lo make the acquaintance of the feathered denizen 
of our fields and forests is to be made like them—happy the live- 
long day. 
Here then is the great mission for the Chicago Ornithological 
Society. Why should its members not take the initiative in every 
thing that can promote the study of birds among the teachers 
of our schools? By lectures the members can show the importance 
of this branch both from an economic and an aesthetic stand- 
point. By leading expeditions out into the country these naturalists 
can create a genuine enthusiasm for the study of the living 
bird in its native haunts. And after all, the chief object of all 
our efforts lies in this one point—to arouse enthusiasm. If we 
succeed in this, all else must be successful. 
It may not be amiss to give you my own experience in doing 
what I could to create both interest and enthusiasm in the study 
of our birds. Besides what I may have done toward this object 
by the publication of my articles on bird life in THE AMERICAN 
MiIpLaANnpD NaTurRALIsT, I had last autumn the opportunity of 
guiding the teachers of the South Bend Training School in their 
study of ornithology. Every Thursday afternoon I met the young 
ladies of this institution at 4 p. m., and led them through fields 
and groves on the banks of St. Joseph River. These trips con- 
tinued until the weather grew unfavorable for further observations. 
Next April we propose to resume our study, and hope to do much 
better work, for spring is always more suitable than autumn for 
finding a great abundance of bird life. 
So far what I have said to you is mostly by way of suggestion. 
Men of experience know the value of wise suggestion and always 
welcome it. If I may offer advice at any time to the members 
