The Audubon Societies 205 
My next move will be to have a permanent structure with a two-and-a-half 
foot glazed drain tile for legs, cemented to the wall. This shall have a roof for 
protection from sun and wind, and be out of reach of swaying branches. The 
winter shelf on the apple tree had a longer period of usefulmess; but, late last 
spring, I found to my disgust that a-pair of rats not only were able to climb up 
the slanting trunk, that leans after the manner of many apple-trees, but were 
making a home in an abandoned Bluebird’s hole directly above the food-shelf! 
_ This rash pair were promptly executed, and a broad zinc petticoat now 
encircles the tree trunk, much to the anger of the rodents. The moral of this all 
is: 1. To watch out and beware of feeding the destroyers of the birds that you 
wish to protect. 2. Choose trees that stand alone either for bird-houses or 
lunch-counter; protect the trunks with metal bands, as you would the legs of a 
granary; and do not forget that the sight and scent of food is as attractive to 
vermin as to the song-bird, so that, as usual, the full responsibility of open- 
eyed protection lies with us who, having eaten of the tree of knowledge, must 
not shirk. ; M. O. W. 
ANNOUNCEMENT TO SOUTHERN TEACHERS 
Through the generosity of Mrs. Russell Sage, the National Association of Audubon 
Societies is at present able to make the following offer of assistance to those teachers in 
the southern states who are interested in giving instruction to pupils on the subject of 
bird study. 
JUNIOR AUDUBON CLASSES 
To form a Junior Audubon Class for bird study, a teacher should explain to the 
pupils of her grade (and others if desired) that their object will be to learn all they can 
about the wild birds, and that every one who becomes a member will be expected to be 
kind to the birds and protect them. Each pupil will be required to pay a fee of 10 cents 
each year. When ten or more have paid their fees, the teacher will send their money to 
the Southern Office of the Association, Greensboro, N. C., and give the name of the 
Audubon Class and her own name and address. The Association will then forward to 
the teacher for each pupil whose fee has been paid the beautiful Mockingbird ‘‘Audubon 
Button,” and a set of ten colored pictures, together with outline drawings and leaflets. 
The teacher will also receive free of cost the magazine Birp-Lore, which contains many 
suggestions for teachers. It will be expected that the teacher give at least one lesson a 
month on the subject of birds, for which purpose she will find the leaflets of great value 
as a basis for the lessons. 
If the teacher wishes, the Audubon Class may have a regular organization, and a 
pupil can preside upon the occasions when the class is discussing a lesson. 
For details in regard to methods of organization and subjects for study, address 
T. Gilbert Pearson, Secretary, Greensboro, N. C. 
