PUBLISHERS' PREFACE 



There have been published recently so many excellent works upon 

 the subject of Nature that it might seem presumptuous on the part 

 of the publishers of Nature Neighbors to bring out such a work at 

 the present time. The publishers have thought this matter over very 

 carefully, and their answer is this : 



" Shall the sparrow cease to sing 

 While mocking-birds are caroling? " 



There is, however, at least one unique claim the publishers make 

 for this work. There is no other work obtainable which contains the 

 vast number of classified, accurate specimens in natural colors upon 

 the subject of Birds, Plants, Animals, and Minerals of North America 

 which can be purchased at a price within the reach of well-nigh all 

 who earnestly desire it. It has been the aim of the publishers to pre- 

 sent a work upon these subjects that would be highly acceptable to 

 the average reader. Long technical descriptions, however desirable 

 they may be to the specialist, are not to be found in Nature Neighbors. 

 The descriptions of the various nature subjects here given average 

 only about three hundred words each, and are generally gauged to 

 the comprehension of the average grammar school or high school 

 student ; and by having an excellent natural color specimen of each 

 subject treated, the information may be obtained quickly and 

 accurately. 



Over five hundred bird specimens are here illustrated true to life. 

 These illustrations, together with the excellent descriptions, should 

 prove a most desirable aid to the study and appreciation of birds. 

 Our feathered friends, on account of their great economic value, are 

 given a most important division of this work. In discussing this 

 economic status of the birds Chester A. Reed says in his " Bird Guide " : 



