The birds have been classed into color groups in the belief 
that this method, more than any other, will make identification 
most easy. The color of the bird is the first, and often the only, 
characteristic noticed. But they have also been classified accord- 
ing to the localities for which they show decided preferences and 
in which they are most likely to be found. Again, they have 
been grouped according to the season when they may be expected. 
In the brief paragraphs that deal with groups of birds separated 
into the various families represented in the book, the characteristics 
and traits of each clan are clearly emphasized. By these several 
aids it is believed the merest novice will be able to quickly identify 
any bird neighbor that is neither local nor rare. 
To the uninitiated or uninterested observer, all small, dull- 
colored birds are “common sparrows.” The closer scrutiny of 
the trained eye quickly differentiates, and picks out not only the 
Song, the Canada, and the Fox Sparrows, but finds a dozen other 
familiar friends where one who “has eyes and sees not” does 
not even suspect their presence. Ruskin says: “The more 1 
think of it, I find this conclusion more impressed upon me, that 
the greatest thing a human soul ever does in this world is to see 
something. . . . Hundreds of people can talk for one who 
can think, but thousands can think for one who can see. To see 
clearly is poetry, prophecy, and religion — all in one.” 
While the author is indebted to all the time-honored standard 
authorities, and to. many ornithologists of the present day, — too 
many for individual mention, — it is to Mr. John Burroughs her 
deepest debt is due. To this clear-visioned prophet, who has 
opened the blind eyes of thousands to the delights that Nature 
holds within our easy reach, she would gratefully acknowledge 
many obligations: first of all, for the plan on which “ Bird Neigh- 
bors ” is arranged ; next, for his patient kindness in reading and 
annotating the manuscript of the book; and, not least, for the 
inspiration of his perennially charming writings that are so largely 
responsible for the ready-made audience now awaiting writers on 
out-of-door topics. 
Neltje Blanchan. 
