The Audubon Societies 



69 



visit my feeding-house, in a town of 5,000. I am eleven years old. — Nevin 

 G. Nicholson, Grove City, Pa. 



[Readers of the School Department will be interested, it is hoped, to report on the 

 amount of interference with other birds, caused by the English Sparrow at winter feed- 

 ing-counters. All such observations will be gladly received and compared. — A. H. W.] 



The boys of the Junior Audubon Nature-Study Club, Bellefontaine, Ohio, dec- 

 orated a tree for the birds on December 23. Pop-corn, suet, cranberries, bread, etc., were 

 hung on the tree, with Xmas bells. — Daniel McMillen, President, Bellefontaine, Ohio. 



BIRDS ON A STATUE 



I watched some birds across a city street 



Affrighted at the sound of coming feet. 



They scorned the teamster's proffered grain to share, 



Viewing each lure askance as though a snare. 



While little children brought their crumbs in vain. 



Eager some mark of confidence to gain. 



Distrustful of each human move, at last 



They flew upon a statue where they passed 



Long restful minutes on the arms and head 



That, never having moved, they knew were dead. 



O what a travesty on gentle Man! 



That even little birds have learned to scan 



Him first, if he indeed be flesh and bone, 



Or, harmless bronze, or cold protecting stone. 



— E. J. Sawyer, 



