die ^utiution ^otittki 



SCHOOL DEPARTMENT 



Edited by ALICE HALL WALTER 



Address all communications relative to the work of this depart- 

 ment to the Editor, 67 Oriole Avenue, Providence, R. I. 



A NEW YEAR'S GREETING 



" 'Tis always morning somewhere, and above 

 The awakening continents, from shore to shore 

 Somewhere the birds are singing evermore!" 



— Henry W. Longfellow 



A STEP FORWARD 



The year 191 8 brings with it many new problems but an equal number of 

 possibilities in the way of real progress. It has long been the wish of the School 

 Department that our State Audubon Societies might be more closely brought 

 together, so that, individually, each might share the benefit of a knowledge 

 of what all collectively are doing. At present, many valuable leaflets, bulletins 

 and larger publications are being issued by State Audubon Societies which do 

 not reach the audience of which they are worthy. 



There could not fail to be an added zeal in our State Audubon work if 

 more intimate exchanges of reports and observations of bird-study were pos- 

 sible. Take, for example, the recent bulletins in magazine form, published by the 

 Ilhnois Audubon Society. Here is a wealth of carefully prepared, recent observa- 

 tions and lines of work carried on in the state, which would be valuable and 

 most suggestive to any other State Audubon Society. These bulletins 

 certainly show a decided step forward in the recognition of workable material 

 and Uve observation. Without attempting to review them, a brief outline of 

 the different aspects of bird-study with which they deal may suggest to other 

 State Societies an improved point of departure. First, these bulletins are charm- 

 ingly illustrated with pictures showing the discriminating photographer and 

 nature-lover. Second, certain broad fields of study are definitely approached, 

 covering areas within the state which deserve particular notice either on account 

 of their natural beauties and advantages or their possibilities of reclamation 

 and ultimate productivity. Thus 'The Ozark Region of Illinois' is described 

 historically in connection with its ecological and ornithological significance, 

 as one of several tracts, which should be put "under the public care at a time 

 when purchase would incur but little expense," and the Illinois Audubon 

 Society is particularly named as the proper sponsor of a movement to pre- 

 serve this tract as "a refuge for wild life and as a source of pleasure to coming 

 generations." Similarly, an article dealing with farm and orchard surveys, 



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