PREFACE. 



c^ " — 



T has become a universal custom to obtain and preserve the likenesses 

 ^ of one's friends. Photographs are the most popular form of these like- 



q) nesses, as they give the true exterior outlines and appearance, (except 



coloring) of the subjects. But how much more popular and useful docs 

 photography become, when it can be used as a means of securing plates from 

 which to print photographs in a regular printing press, and, what is more 

 astonishing and delightful, to produce the real COLORS of nature as shown in 

 the subject, no matter how brilliant or varied. 



We quote from the December number of the Ladies' Home Journal : 

 "An excellent suggestion was recently made by the Department of Agriculture 

 at Washington that the public schools of the country shall have a new holiday, 

 to be known as Bird Day. Three cities have already adopted the suggestion, 

 and it is likely that others will quickly follow. Of course, Bird Day will differ 

 from its successful predecessor, Arbor Day. We can plant trees but not birds. 

 It is suggested that Bird Day take the form of bird exhibitions, of bird exer- 

 cises, of bird studies — any form of entertainment, in fact, which will bring 

 children closer to their little brethren of the air, and in more intelligent 

 sympathy with their life and ways. There is a wonderful story in bird life, and 

 but few of our children know it. Few of our elders do, for that matter. A 

 whole day of a year can well and profitably be given over to the birds. Than 

 such study, nothing can be more interesting. The cultivation of an intimate 

 acquaintanceship with our feathered friends is a source of genuine pleasure. 

 We are under greater obligations to the birds than we dream of. Without them 

 the world would be more barren than we imagine. Consequently, we have 

 some duties which we owe them. What these duties are only a few of us 

 know or have ever taken the trouble to find out. Our children should not be 

 allowed to grow to maturity without this knowledge. The more they know of 

 the birds the better men and women they will be. We can hardly encourage 

 such studies too much." 



Of all animated nature, birds are the most beautiful in coloring, most 

 graceful in form and action, swiftest in motion and most perfect emblems of 

 freedom. 



They are withal, very intelligent and have many remarkable traits, 

 so that their habits and characteristics make a delightful study for all lovers of 

 nature. In view of the facts, we feel that we are doing a useful work for the 

 young, and one that will be appreciated by progressive parents, in placing 

 within the easy possession of children in the homes these beautiful photographs 

 of birds. 



The text is prepared with the view of giving the children as clear an idea 

 as possible, of haunts, habits, characteristics and such other information as will 

 lead them to love the birds and delight in their study and acquaintance. 



NATURE STUDY PUBLISHING CO- 

 Copyrighted, 1896. 



