PUBLISHERS' PREFACE 



" The daily consumption of chiefly noxious insects in Meissachusetts 

 is twenty-one thousand bushels. This estimate is good for about five 

 months in the year, Maj' to September, inclusive ; during the remainder 

 of the year the insects, eggs, and larvae destroyed by our winter, late 

 fall, and early spring migrants will be equivalent to nearly half this 

 quantit}'. It is the duty, and should be the pleasure, of every citizen 

 to do all in his or her power to protect these valuable creatures, and 

 to encourage them to remain about our homes. The author believes 

 that the best means of protection is the disseminating of knowledge 

 concerning them, and the creating of an interest in their habits and 

 modes of life." 



Nearly' one thousand color specimens of Plants, Animals, and Min- 

 erals are given. These, together with the bird specimens, and the 

 interesting and instructive descriptions, ought to stimulate in the most 

 dormant a love for the great out-of-doors. 



The publishers believe with Dr. Albert Schneider that " the true 

 object of nature study is to develop a love for all living things. This 

 should, however, not be carried to extremes, for the universal struggle 

 for existence makes this at best a cruel world. Wantonly killing or 

 injuring any living thing should be condemned. The spirit should be 

 promptly and Intelligently discouraged and in its place a feeling of 

 sj'mpathy cultivated." 



Should the reader of these volumes question the accuracy of the 

 color plates, or the amount or qualltj' of the text, let him wander out 

 with Mother Nature where he will for himself discover 



" Tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, 

 Sermons in stones, and good in everything." 



Chicago, April 2, 1914. 



