MIClIKiAX Al'DlMOX SOCIETY. 
37 
! ifds during- the winter, esiiecially if provision is made for 
food. If boxes are properly placed, bluebirds, wrens and 
purple martins may nest in them during the spring. This 
will help make the school surroundings cheerful. The Audu- 
bon literature will give full information as to boxes, study 
of birds, etc. 
The children should be taught that it is not their place 
to kill even those birds that may be considered objectionable, 
as the English sparrow or crow. They should be impressed 
with the fact that the United States Government is spending 
thousands of dollars yearly by the employment of experts to 
study birds and instruct the farmers, fruit growers and citi- 
zens generally as to their value and explaining why they 
should be protected. Many of the State governments, 
through their agricultural colleges, are doing the same. 
Nearly all the States have protective laws. The children 
should know this, and that a campaign is being carried on in 
Europe, Australia, South America and other parts of the 
civilized world for the protection of wild bird life. Make the 
children feel that they are taking a part in the movement for 
the advancement of civilization, and at the same time help- 
ing to make our country and its crops of more worth to the 
people. The fact that birds have been of immense interest 
to scientists and poets should not be forgotten, and that 
consequently birds have had a potent influence in cultivating 
the esthetic sense. This has been true from the dawn of 
history, as may be learned from the ancient poets. 
The best general book on animals, including birds, is “The 
America Natural History,’' by Wm. T. Hornaday. Where 
there are a number of teachers in nearby schools, this book 
would not be so expensive if one book were purchased for 
the use of all. 
Eor those who desire a start in bird study, the season 
and locality of a few common birds is here given ; 
Wdnter Birds — English Sparrow, Tree Sparrow, Junco 
till middle of December, Song Sparrow occasionally. Blue 
Jay, Northern Shirke Red Poll, Crow, Chickadee, Nuthatch 
('white breasted). Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, 
Red-headed Woodpecker some winters. Goldfinch, Golden 
Crowned Kinglet during mild winters. 
