A Suggestion for Bird Protection 



Nellie Harrington 



Washington, D. C. 



A student-teacher in a city Normal School wrote the following 

 letter to the 3B Grade in which she was receiving her training, as a 

 device for arousing interest in birds. It was enclosed in an enve- 

 lope, directed to the school, stamped, and postmarked "Bird- 

 land." A messenger from the principal delivered it, just as the 

 spring bird study began. The children's answers came spontane- 

 ously. A few of them are published just as they were passed 

 to the teacher, showing that feeding birds is a child's first idea of 

 the protection for which she pleads. "A little child shall lead 

 them." It is only an unnatural spirit that would torture or destroy 

 the lives that he has fed. 



Dear Boys and Girls of 3B Grade: 



We know more about you than you think we do. We know how 

 good you are. We have hopped about the roofs, and looked in at 

 your windows. 



We have built our nests in the trees, and sung many a song as we 

 flew about the gardens and parks. 



We are Americans, just as you are. Birds like us welcomed 

 Captain John Smith and his men when they came here many years 

 ago. 



Now we have a sad story to tell you. Thoughtless people are 

 trying to destroy us. They kill us because our feathers are beauti- 

 ful. If this goes on much longer, all your song birds will be gone. 



Now we ask you to do your part in saving us. If you will, we 

 know how to pay you. We will play about your flowers — ourselves 

 like flowers on wing. We will destroy the insects and worms that 

 spoil your cherries, apples, and roses. We will give you our best 

 songs, and make the spring more beautiful. 



Every morning when you go out, the Robin will fly after you. 

 The Song Sparrow will tell you how grateful we are. We know 

 where we are safe. 



Your feathered friends, Robin, Song Sparrow, Bluebird, Cardi- 

 nal, Woodpecker, Swallow, and Oriole. 



All our relatives on wing. 



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