PREFACE 



The importance of attracting birds around 

 our homes was first impressed upon the author 

 through his experience with children in connec- 

 tion with the work in nature-study in the public 

 schools. This was encouraged chiefly from the 

 child's standpoint, on account of the educative 

 value of this kind of work on the child. Further- 

 more, from the standpoint of the birds, this means 

 of encouraging and protecting them is a very 

 ef&cient one, which may be applied by all bird- 

 lovers, adults as well as children. 



Hence this book has been written from two 

 view-points, that of birds and that of human 

 beings ; for the protection of the former and the 

 pleasure of the latter. 



The author has not attempted to restrict him- 

 self to his own experiences, but has drawn freely 

 upon the experiences of any who could be reached. 

 And, indeed, the chief value of these pages lies 

 in the fact that they represent the results of so 

 many observers, giving a brief summary of the 

 work that is being done throughout the country. 



To those who have assisted him in the prepar- 

 ation of this book, the author wishes to extend 



