Page:Bird-lore Vol 08.djvu/297

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Educational Work 247 and give in a brief but popular way the chief characteristics of the bird, its nesting and food habits, and such other matter as will give the reader a very comprehensive idea of the life history of the bird and its value to man, while the picture printed in the natural colors of the bird serves to familiarize the reader with the bird so it can be recognized when seen in life in its natural surroundings. A series of questions is appended for the use of teachers, and good reference books are suggested for the student. Accom- panying each Leaflet is an outline drawing of the bird which the child is expected to color; this not only serves to interest the pupil, but still further impresses upon its mind the form and colors of the bird. It is believed that when an interest in the live bird has been firmly established in the mind of a young person, it makes an earnest advocate for the protection of the bird. The value of these Leaflets from the viewpoint of educators is best shown by a few extracts from commendatory letters that have been received : " I am more than delighted that I can have these Leaflets for my teachers, for I know of nothing which will help them more to keep in touch with the great work of economic ornithology, which is a work that lies before each one who is to be a teacher or an educated farmer. (Signed) Anna Botsford Comstock, Bureau of Nature Study, Cornell University." "It is my impression from past experience that the Leaflets with colored plates should be of very great educational value in the hands of an interested teacher. Certainly, they teach the distinguishing colors of the birds as well as furnish information about the economic value of the species. (Signed) M. L. Fisher, Assistant in Agriculture, Purdue University, Indiana." "We think the Educational Leaflets, with colored plates and outlines for pupils, very valuable in school work and in nature study. (Signed) Ida Lee Castleman, Herndon Seminary, Va." The Association has made a good beginning with its plan to secure the cooperation of the teachers, as its bird Leaflets and outlines are now in use in nearly 100 schools. It is true that this is but a small part of the thousands of such institutions, but it is a beginning, and from it the work must spread until their use is universal. The active Audubon Societies will be expected to carry on the work of introducing the Leaflets and outlines in the schools of their states. This should be done systematically, by first ascertaining the names of the county superintendents and enlisting their sympathy and aid. In the states where the Audubon Society is not strong or active, help will be given by the National Association to enable them to do the work; and in states where there is no Audubon Society, the work will be assumed by the Association for the present or until such time when it can be transferred to a strong local organization. The members of this Association and the members of the State Societies must always bear in mind that the ultimate success of the bird protection movement lies in educating the youth of the country to the love of nature and kindness to her helpless creatures.