142 NATURE-STUDY 



intelligently and sympathetically during the early spring, 

 let Bird Day be observed. It will then be appreciated 

 better and be more effective. 



The following are suggestions for Bird Day programmes, 

 which can be modified according to the age of the children. 



Original essays, giving descriptions of certain local birds, 

 bird habits, bird haunts, bird food, etc. Discussions on the 

 benefit and harm from birds. Reading of the game laws, 

 and their explanation. Reading of the laws protecting song 

 birds. Reading of Senator Hoar's petition of the birds to 

 the Legislature of Massachusetts. Impersonations by the 

 children of certain birds, the description of their habits, 

 and the guessing of their names. Reading of literature 

 published by the Audubon and other protective societies 

 descriptive of the destruction of the birds and the use of 

 plumage in the millinery trade. A discussion of the natural 

 enemies and dangers of birds. The account of personal ex- 

 periences with the birds by the children and others. Recita- 

 tions of poems and readings of prose selections about the 

 birds. An excellent feature would be an illustrated lantern- 

 slide lecture by some one who has made a study of the 

 birds. The room could be decorated with nests (old ones), 

 colored pictures of the native birds, children's drawings of 

 canaries, and parrots, etc., in cages. The reading of Long- 

 fellow's "Birds of Killing^vorth " is especially appropriate 

 or the day. 



In places where the birds are much persecuted it would 

 be well to make special effort on Bird Day to interest old 

 and young in its observance. School patrons, and other 

 citizens, civic authorities, etc., should be invited to attend, 

 and beneficial legislation might result in the end. 



