306 NATURE STUDY AND AGRICULTURE 



Likewise, when the boys clearly see and appreciate the 

 value of birds in orchard, field, and forest, the collecting of 

 eggs and the use of air guns and sling shot will cease. 



While the first practical reason is a strong one for 

 urging bird study in the schools it is not the only one. The 

 study is worth while because of its educational value; it 

 quickens ears and eyes, as well as sharpens the intellect 

 and develops patient self-control. 



Its aesthetic value is hard to estimate. Few natural 

 objects are so well adapted to touch the finer chords of ones 

 being. The beauty of form and color and song stimulates 

 the imagination and awakens the poetic sense. 



Suggestions for Bird Study. — Bird study to be successful 

 must be a study of living birds in their natural haunts. 

 In no other way can we hope to establish a permanent 

 interest in the subject. While out-of-door observations 

 are essential, it may not be practicable for classes to make 

 these observations during school hours, nor is this neces- 

 sary. A little planning makes it possible to do the work 

 with ease outside of school hours. For the lower grades a 

 short trip at the close of school now and then is sufficient. 

 With the older classes early morning excursions will prove 

 very profitable. This is easily accomplished in towns and 

 villages where the children may come together without 

 going long distances. In rural districts the pupils may 

 start earlier than usual some morning and have an hour's 

 study before nine o'clock, or they may take time after school 

 for a short ramble. Numerous field trips are not neces- 

 sary. The study is so attractive in itself that usually two 

 or three excursions are sufficient to arouse the enthusiasm 

 to such a pitch that the teacher finds herself almost over- 



