The Audubon Societies 221 



appropriate, dedicatory speech to the birds and then father Robin steps forward and 

 responds thus: "We thank you for your kindly interest in our behalf. May this bath be 

 a blessing to many thirsty birds." [Turning to the school, which is seated on benches]: 

 "And now pupils of the (John B. Allen) School, in view of the countless perils confront- 

 ing us, and of our helplessness before them, we implore your help in creating a way of 

 deliverance, through better knowledge of us and of our value, more thoughtfulness for 

 us, and more sympathy with our weakness and our love of life." The school then gives 

 the following bird pledge: "We promise to do all that we can for our native birds by 

 treating them with kindness and by providing them with food, water, and homes." 



The orchestra plays a selection, and a child comes forward with a flag. The whole 

 audience stands, giving the flag salute and pledge, singing "The Star Spangled Banner" 

 in conclusion. 



[Those teachers who are interested to train their pupils to give a simple pageant, 

 presenting few practical difficulties in staging, will be glad to know that the above was 

 so favorably received, when given by the John B. Allen School at Seattle, Washington, 

 that visitors in the audience urged its publication. 



"In regard to further instructions concerning the costumes and the bird's nest, see 

 pictures of children dressed as birds in 'Bird Children' by Elizabeth Gordon. The cos- 

 tumes used were all made of lining, except those of the Hummingbirds, who were cos- 

 tumed in cheese-cloth. Most of the costumes completely covered the arms, while a few 

 had straps to run the fingers through. The tails were wired so as to make them stand 

 out. Each child was measured and the costume made large enough to be worn over the 

 clothing. The cat's costume was cut like a child's sleeping-suit and a stuffed tail was 

 sewed on made of black lining. 



"The bird's nest was made by placing a log across the front and setting a few stakes 

 between which were woven twigs. The whole was covered with old grass. This was 

 placed on a small elevation on the field chosen for the pageant. If there should be no 

 elevation a small platform could be erected and covered with boughs." — A. H. W.] 



FOR AND FROM ADULT AND YOUNG 

 OBSERVERS 



THE STORY OF 'BEAUTY'— OUR TAME ORIOLE 



One morning late in June my little sister, while playing in the school-yard, 

 saw a baby Oriole fall from a tree. She picked it up and placed it in some 

 bushes where she hoped it might be safe. As soon as school was out she found 

 it and brought it home, just a httle fluffy ball of tan and hght yellow, with two 

 rows of white feathers like dandelion down along the sides of its head. One of 

 its feet had been injured, for the toes were very much inflamed and one nail 

 was missing. 



Mother had read, Tirst Aid to Birds' in the Youth's Companion, and she 

 thought she would like to try helping the little one. We made a mush of egg- 

 yolk and boiled potato, and, placing the bird in a berry basket lined with grass, 

 we fed it from the end of a pointed orange-spoon. Drops of water were given 

 in the same manner and an occasional bit of berry or worm. For the first 

 few feedings it was necessary to force open the bill by a sUght pressure at the 



