CHAPTER XI 
EDUCATING THE GROWING GENERATION 
THis education must begin in our public schools. 
Every boy is a born bird student, but his natural 
methods are too destructive for the birds. In the nat- 
ure study work children must learn the habits of our 
common birds and must learn of the benefits the birds 
render us. Give them glimpses of the work of birds, 
how they build their little homes, care for their young 
and defend them at the risk of their own lives. Show 
them to what dangers birds are constantly exposed and 
how the fall and spring migrations always are long, 
dangerous journeys. Too much direct forbidding and 
preaching is harmful, for in the heart of every boy 
sleeps the spirit of opposition. Soft sentiment or gush- 
ing talk is also harmful. In connection with the study 
read such articles as ‘** Silverspot, the Crow,” and “ Red- 
ruff, the Don Valley Partridge” in Thompson’s “ Wild 
Animals I Have Known.” Literature of that kind 
creates true sympathy with nature and after that is 
awakened, the boy is converted. 
Tell the children about the hardships that winter 
birds are exposed to, and teach them how to feed birds 
in winter and in unfavorable weather at other seasons. 
Let the boys make nesting boxes and study the tenants 
of the boxes. This bird study should not be mere 
play, but should be made profitable although pleasant 
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