BIRD STUDY 



97 



pupils would get a good idea of the task of feeding. Also 

 let the children observe, if possible, what the }'oung are fed 

 with. In this way they will get an idea of the usefulness of 

 birds as worm and insect exterminators. 



Discuss with the pupils the economic importance of birds. 



Fig. 15. Nest of Wood Thrush. 



Tell about the experiments and investigations made by orni- 

 thologists of the United States Department of Agriculture, 

 and by other bird students, which show the great usefulness 

 of birds to the gardener, fruit grower, and farmer, in ridding 

 them of many troublesome insect pests. Even if a bird does 

 take a little fruit or does some other harm, it should be 

 credited with the good it does. Counteract the prejudice 

 that many have toward certain birds which, on the whole. 



