:SlKIU(iAN Al'Dl'HOX SOCIKTY. 
31 
sesscs. They kill a robin in a cherry tree as a pest, yet fail 
to give that bird credit for the immense good it does. These 
men are not competent to judge of the value of a bird and 
should be supi)lied with government bulletins, giving the 
economic value of the bird they condemn. 
It is well to have the children observe a bird day, or to 
add that feature to arbor day. Literature on the usefulness 
of birds should be supplied, and a talk or recitation given 
touching upon the subject. Bird boxes should be built and 
erected by the children under supervision in cemeteries, 
public grounds, etc. By erecting these boxes they will have 
opportunity to study bluebirds, house wrens and purple 
martins and sometimes other forms. The three mentioned 
are all very interesting and well worthy of study. A common 
cracker or soap box will answer, with a hole for entrance, 
and this hole should be small, except for martins. No nest- 
ing material is needed, as the birds prefer to supply their 
own. The pole on which the box is erected should be firmly 
fastened so as not to sway with the wind. Children should 
be interested in birds, but the interest should take into con- 
sideration the rights of the bird, and not be governed wholly 
by the child’s pleasure or curiosity. 
Protecting birds from hunters is not so difficult, except 
where hunters are in large numbers in the community. A 
letter from a public official, such as a prosecuting attorney, 
or game warden, often clears the air in such cases. The fact 
that the schools in the community are teaching the children 
the value of birds and their right to protection often has an 
influence for good among the fathers and friends of the chil- 
dren. The knowledge of an Audubon Society in their midst 
often makes these men more circumspect. 
Under the law it is not necessary to seek an officer. Any 
person may make coni])laint to a justice of the peace, but in 
order to convict he must appear as a complaining witness. 
Sometimes the people in a community will bear with great 
annoyance before instituting a suit. Those who may seek to 
avoid such unpleasantness should at least inform the prose- 
cuting attorney of the county, and request him to write the 
offender. He should also inform the county deputy game 
warden. Under the law, it is also the duty of the sheriff and 
