9ti 



most competent people to act as ornithological pioneers," says Baron 

 von Berlepsch, with a clear understanding of the matter ; and teachers, 

 as well as ornithologists, must acknowledge that not only the cause of 

 the protection of birds, but the character and disposition of the children 

 are greatly benefited by suitable instruction in this subject. 



It is not a question of inflicting a new burden or a worthless 

 theory on teacher and pupil. It is possible to combine the awakening 

 of an understanding for a sound protection of birds mth the usual 

 school routine ; and, besides, we are not dealing with experiments, but 

 with estabhshed facts that have been well tested. 



A teacher need not necessarily become a naturalist in order to further 

 the cause of bird-protection. He must possess a love of the cause, be 

 an attentive observer of Nature, and must conscientiously prepare for 

 every lesson. It is by no means necessary to study learned works, 

 as this book gives sufficient information. No addition need be made 

 to the time-table. Undoubtedly, it would be a good thing if certain 

 subjects deahng only remotely with natural history could be omitted, 

 and others on the birds of the country could take their place in the 

 curriculum. 



The necessary instruction in the protection of birds can be given 

 easily in connection ■with other subjects of the lesson. Por instance, 

 when the woodpecker is mentioned, natural and artificial nesting-holes 

 can be explained ; and the nightingale can be connected with breeders 

 in the open and shelter- woods for birds ; the birds in \vinter with winter 

 feeding, and so on. But, above all things, if our aim is really to be at- 

 tained, we must throw aside the pedantry which not only fails to arouse 

 the child's understanding of the beauties of Nature, and the wonderful 

 arrangements of Nature, but even kills the existing interest. Only 

 biological instruction can arouse enthusiasm, and only by its means 

 can we attain what the " General Instructions " require of natural 

 history lessons : — " The children should be accustomed to close 

 observation, and trained to contemplate Nature thoughtfully." During 

 walks taken together, in the playground and school garden, the children 

 should be led to observe Nature carefuUy. 



It is essential that they have an opportunity of doing actual work 

 for the protection of birds, such as hanging up nesting-boxes, laying 

 out and caring for shelter-woods for birds, winter-feeding, etc. 



