12 
IIISTOUY A^’l) WORK OF THE 
by forwarding upward of a thousand bulletins and leaflets. 
Only those directly interested realize the splendid work the 
U. S. Biological Survey is doing in preserving our forests, 
in enriching the land, protecting wild animals and birds, 
teaching the farmer and fruit grower methods by which they 
increase the yield of grain and fruit, vegetables and other 
forms of useful life. The documents of the government have 
a convincing power, no others can carry, especially to the many 
practical ])eople who are inclined to cpiestion the claims of phi- 
lanthropic societies believing that they are guided by sentiment. 
These persons are aware that when the government takes the 
trouble to print and circulate documents that there is a good 
practical reason behind the labor. Consequently we are 
doubly fortified when we have a stock of government bul- 
letins on hand. 
A few colleges issue pamphlets on subjects of nature 
study, those of Cornell being the most notable, and occasion- 
ally a few of these are secured and circulated. They too 
have a good effect, as they are considered beyond the influence 
of mere sentiment. The State Agricultural Colleges follow the 
same plan, and their documents are of great benefit. The 
Normal schools occasionally take up nature studies. One of 
the most interesting and practical documents is published by 
the Eastern Illinois State Normal School, entitled: “Bird 
Study in the Rural School,” by Thomas F. Hawkinson, B. S. 
Our society secured a number of these booklets which were 
sent out in the state. Besides the various documents enu- 
erated, considerable literature has been received from the 
educational departments of various states in regard to 
methods of teaching nature study and the protection of birds 
and animals- and in observing Arbor and bird day. These 
documents are usually redistributed to teachers, superintend- 
ents of schools and active Audubon workers. 
A number have asked for buttons, the philosophy of wear- 
ing a button being that those who are attracted by the but- 
ton ask its meaning, and this gives an opportunity for the 
Audubonist to explain, where to open up the subject might 
be otherwise difficult. The button is of especial value among 
children ranging from 14 to 18 years, a period of life when 
habits of thinking are formed. The majority prefer the 
