NATURE STUDIES 
FOR 
NEW HAMPSHIRE SCHOOLS 
No. 2 Spring, Summer, or Autumn 
THE MISSION OF THE BIRDS 
BY CLARENCE MOORES WEED 
The living things in this world of ours are related to each other 
in numberless ways. In the last analysis animals depend upon 
plants for food, but to a very great extent this food supply is indi- 
rect, animals eating animals through varying degrees before the 
plant-feeding animal is reached. In a general way we may say that 
the world of birds obtains its food from the world of insects, for 
while some birds live whollv upon vegetation, and others wholly 
upon animals other than insects, the great majority of birds find 
among the insects their staple diet. It is the purpose of this leaflet 
to indicate how close this relation is, and to show how it mav be 
made an excellent topic for at least part of a term’s work in spring 
or autumn in Nature Study in our New Hampshire schools in any 
grade above the fourth. The special relation between birds and 
seeds is reserved for a leaflet upon Winter Birds. 
The topic should be developed through the observations of the 
children. Set aside if possible a part of the blackboard for this 
purpose, drawing upon it such a sketchy outline of the different 
parts of a New Hampshire farm as is shown on the opposite page. 
If blackboard space is not available make the sketch upon a large 
sheet of paper or cardboard fastened to the wall. Then ask the chil- 
dren to observe what sorts of insects are especially found in the 
different situations, and also what birds they can see in the same 
places. As the observations are reported write them in the proper 
place on the board so that after some weeks you shall get some such 
