Ay Of, eer Zl ht; aS = St) tm ‘y. \ “=a, MLLUSTRATED By |S4ge 9 SOLOR =. X ‘A @ ON VAs BS ' PHOTOGRAPHY Zee) a (ee fae EO eT o> | PUBLISHED Cc 1 BY : NATURE STUDY PUBLISHING COMPANY CHICAGO- a) e - A, § 4 ; as 5 a. ; ¢ 4 6 e- oA - ~2 co —P SO DO IEP IE> DE IO IOS OOP DIODE IEP I< IEG io A BRDs Volume 1 January to June, 1897 NOW READY. _ A magnificent book, a work of art—complete in two hundred and twenty-four pages. - Sixty full page illustrations made by the new and wonderful process, Color Photography. Adapted to old and young. Bound in neat and durable form. For sale by all Newsdealers and Booksellers and by subscription. CLOTE: =. Sent by mail to any address in the United HALF-MOROCCO MOROCCO . . . $1.25 L795 225 * 2 States or Canada on receipt of price or three annual subscriptions for BIRDS for Cloth binding or four for Half- Morocco, and five for Full Morocco. Address mail orders to Nature Study Publishing Co. 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VA > WALTER F. WARE, 512 Arch St., Phila., Pa yy T5) 2)3y) 45501 O> 8, 10, 15, 30, 50 cents, all unused. The 11 Stamps for $1.90, i I, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 1ocents, used. The 8 Stamps for 30c. Packet No. 4, 200 different, for 50c. Postage Stamps Bought and Sold. F. WENDT, 75 State St., CHICAGO. / Please mention ‘‘BIRDS " when you write to Advertisers. BIRDS. ILLUSTRATED BY COLOR PHOTOGRAPHY. Worl. JUNE ar s8e7.- No. 6. BIRD SONG. “T cannot love the man who doth not iove, As men love light, the song of happy birds.” T is indeed fitting that the | imitator that it is hard to believe he is great poets have ever been the best interpreters of the songs of birds. In many of the plays of Shakespeare, especially where the scene is laid in the primeval forest, his most delicious bits of fancy are inspited by the flitting throng. Wordsworth and Tennyson, and many of the minor English poets, are pervaded with bird notes, and Shelley’s master- piece, ‘The Skylark, will long survive his greater and more ambitious poems. Our own poet, Cranch, has left one immortal stanza, and Bryant, and Longfellow, and Lowell, and Whittier, and Emerson have written enough of poetic melody, the direct inspiration of the feathered inhabitants of the woods, to fill a good-sized volume. In prose, no one has said finer things than Thoreau, who probed nature with a deeper ken than any of his contem- | ‘poraries. He is to be read, and read, and read. But just what meaning should be attached to a bird’s notes—some of which are ‘the least disagreeable of noises””—will probably never be dis- covered. ‘They do seem to express almost every feeling of which the human heart is capable. We wonder if the Mocking Bird understands what ali these notes mean. Heis so fine an not so not doing more than mimicking the notes of other birds, but rather that he really does mock them with a sort of defiant sarcasm. He banters them less, perhaps, than the Cat Bird, but one would naturally expect all other birds to fly at him with vengeful purpose. But perhaps the birds are sensitive as their human brothers, who do not always look upon imitation as the highest flattery. A gentleman who kept a note-book, | describes one of the matinee perform- ances of the Mocker, which he attended by creeping under a tent curtain. He sat at the foot of a tree on the top of which the bird was perched uncon- scious of his presence. The Mocker gave one of the notes of the Guinea- hen, a fine imitation of the Cardinal, or Red Bird, an exact reproduction of the note of the Phoebe, and some of the difficult notes of the Yellow-breasted Chat. ‘Now I hear a young chicken peeping. Now the Carolina Wren sings, ‘cheerily, cheerily, cheerily. Nowa small bird is shrilling with a fine insect tone. A Flicker, a Wood-pewee, anda Phoebe follow in quick succession. Then a ‘Tufted Titmouse squeals. To display his versatility, he gives a dull performance which couples the ‘go-back’ of the Guinea fowl with the 187 plaint of the Wood-pewee, two widely diverse vocal sounds. With all the performance there is such perfect self- reliance and consciousness of superior ability that one feels that the singer has but to choose what bird he will imitate next.” Nor does the plaintive, melancholy note of the Robin, that “pious” bird, altogether express his character. He has so many lovely traits, according to his biographers, that we accept him unhesitatingly as a truly good bird. Didn’t he once upon a time tenderly cover with leaves certain poor little wanderers? of the Morning?” well, for you can hear his sad voice long after the sun has himself retired. The poet Coleridge claims the credit | of first using the Owl’s cry in poetry, and his musical note Z7u-w/it, tu-who! has made him a favorite with the | poets. Tennyson has fancifully played upon it in his little “Songs to the Owl,” the last stanza of which | 1G OHGIS § ““T would mock thy chant anew ; But I cannot mimic it, Not a whit of thy tuhoo, Thee to woo to thy tuwhit, Thee to woo to thy tuwhit. With a lengthen’d loud halloo, Tuwhoo, tuwhit, tuwhit, tuhoo-o-o.”’ But Coleridge was not correct in his claim to precedence in the use of the Owl’s cry, for Shakespeare preceded him, and Tennyson’s “First Song to the Owl” is modeled after that at the end of ‘Love’s Labor Lost:” “When roasted crabs hiss in the bowl: Then nightly sings the staring Owl, Tu-who ; Tu-whit, tu-who, a merry note.”’ In references to birds, Tennyson is the most felicitous of all poets and the exquisite swallow-song in ‘The Princess” is especially recommended to the reader’s perusal. Birds undoubtedly sing for the same reasons that inspire to utterance all the animated creatures in the universe. Isn’t he called “The Bird | And evening as | Insects sing and bees, crickets, locusts, and mosquitos. Frogs sing, and mice, monkeys, and woodchucks. We have recently heard); even) au) Buclich Sparrow do something better than chipper; /semre very pretty) mokes escaped him, perchance, because his heart was overflowing with love- thoughts,and he was very merry, know- ing that his affection was reciprocated. The elevated railway stations, about whose eaves the ugly, hastily built nests protrude everywhere, furnish ainple explanation of his reasons for singing. Birds are more musical at certain times of the day as well as at certain seasons of the year. During the hour | between dawn and sunrise occurs the grand concert of the feathered folk. There, are no-concerts, |\durme @ tne day—only individual songs. After sunset there seems to be an effort to renew the chorus, but it cannot be compated to the morning concert when they are practically undisturbed by man. Birds sing because they are happy. Bradford Torrey has given with much felicity his opinion on the subject, as follows: ‘T recall a Cardinal Grosbeak, whom I heard several years ago, on the bank - of the Potomac river. An old soldier had taken me to visit the Great Falls, and as we were clambering over the rocks this Grosbeak began to sing; and soon, without any hint from me, and without knowing who theinv isible musician was, my companion remarked upon the uncommon beauty of the song. ‘The Cardinal is always a great singer, having a voice which, as European writers say, is almost equal to the Nightingale’s ; but in this case the more stirring, martial quality of the (strain) had’ “Given place tousan exquisite mellowness, as if it were, what I have no doubt it was, A Song of Love.” 0. (© Weeisics, [TO BE CONTINUED. ] 188 From col. F. M. Woodruff YELLOW -THROATED VIREO. rimeee Lo ie ee Eo pene THE YELLOW-THROATED VIREO. HE popuwiar name of this species of an attractive family is Yellow Throated Greenlet, and our young readers will find much pleasure in watching its pretty movements and listening to its really delightful song whenever they visit the places where it loves to spend the happy hours of summer. In some respects it is the most remarkable of all the species of the family found in the United, States) 9s lhe Birds ot Illinois,” a book that may be profitably studied by the young naturalist, states that it is decidedly the finest singer, has the loudest notes of admonition and reproof, and is the handsomest in plumage, and hence the more attractive to the student. : A recognized observer says he has found it only in the woods, and mostly in the luxuriant forests of the bottom lands. The writer’s experience accords with that of Audubon and Wilson, the best authorities in their day, but the habits of birds vary greatly with locality, and in other parts of the country, notably in New England, it is very familiar, delighting in the companionship of man. It breeds in eastern North America, and winters in Florida, Cuba and Central America. The Vireo makes a very deep nest, suspended by its upper edge, between the forks of a horizontal branch. /The eges are white, generally with a few reddish brown blotches. All author- ities agree as to the great beauty of the nest, though they differ as to its exact location. It is a woodland bird, loy- ing tall trees and running water, “haunting the same places as the Solitary Vireo.” During migration the Yellow-throat is seen in orchards and in the trees along side-walks and lawns, mingling his golden colors with the rich green of June leaves. The Vireos, or Greenlets, are like the Warblers in appearance and habits. We have no birds, says Torrey, that are more unsparing of their music; they sing from morning till night, and—some of them, at least—con- tinue theirs till the very end of the season. The song of the Yellow- throat is rather too monotonous and persistent. It is hard sometimes not to get out of patience with its ceasless and noisy iteration of its simple tune; especially if you are doing your utmost to catch the notes of some rarer and more refined songster. ‘This is true also of some other birds, whose occas- ional silence would add much to their attractiveness. 191 THE MOCKING BIRD. Some bright morning this month, you may hear a Robin's song from a large tree near by. A Red Bird answers him and then the Oriole chimesin. I can see you looking around to find the birds that sing so sweetly. All this time a gay bird sits among the green leaves and laughs at you as you try to find three birds when only one is there. litt) the Wockines sind or Mocker, and it is he who has been fooling you with his song. Nature has given him lots of music and gifted him with the power of imitating the songs of other birds and sounds of other animals. He is certainly the sweetest of our song birds. The English Nightingale alone is his rival. I think, however, if our Mocker eould hear the Nightingale’s song, he could learn it. The Mocking Bird is another of our Thrushes. By this time you have surely made up your minds that the Thrushes are sweet singers. 192 The Mocker seems to take delight in fooling people. One ventleman while sitting on his poreh heard what he thought to be a young bird indistress. He went in the direction of the sound and soon heard the same ery behind him. He turned and went back toward the porch, when he heard it in another direction. Soon he found out that Mr. Mocking Bird had been fooling him, and was flying about from shrub to shrub making that sound. His nest is carelessly made of almost anything he can find. The small, bluish-green eggs are much like the Catbird’s eggs. Little Mocking Birds look very much like the young of other Thrushes, and do _ not become Mockers lke their par- ents, until they are full grown. Which one of the other Thrushes that you have seen in Birps does the Mocking Bird resemble ? He is the only Thrush that sings while on the wing. All ‘of the others sing only while perching. From col. F. M. Woodruff. AMERICAN MOCKING BIRD. JUNE. Frank-hearted hostess of the field and wood, Gipsy, whose roof is every spreading tree, June is the pearl of our New England year, till a surprisal, though expected long, Her coming startles. Long she lies in wait, Makes many a feint, peeps forth, draws coyly back, Then, from some southern ambush in the sky, With one great gush of blossoms storms the world. A week ago the Sparrow was divine; The Bluebird, shifting his light load of song From post to post along the cheerless fence, Was as a rhymer ere the poet came ; But now, O rapture! sunshine winged and voiced, Pipe blown through by the warm, wild breath of the West, Shepherding his soft droves of fleecy cloud, - Gladness of woods, skies, waters, all in one, The Bobolink has come, and, like the soul Of the sweet season vocal in a bird, Gurglesin ecstasy we know not what Save June! Dear June! Now God be praised for June. —LOwELL. i k k | z e) a ae] ae eat = ro q O HH Z ‘ A cal a 5 (e) oe ; eo) td oO a thick covering of speckled down. If born on the ledge of a high rock, the chicks remain there until their wings enable them to leave it, but if they come from the shell on the sand of the beach they trot about like little chickens. During the first few days they are fed with half-digested food from the parents’ crops, and then with freshly caught fish. The Gull rarely flies soe though occasionally one is seen far away from the water soaring in majestic solitude above the tall buildings of the city. 198 *“SQOUSIIS “proy “1D Joo wo1y 3 Z a w 5 > eH S Q cq Ss p THE MOCKING BIRD. HE Mocking Bird is regarded as the chief of songsters, for in addition to his remarkable powers of imitation, he is without a rival in variety of notes. The Brown Thrasher is thought by many to have a sweeter song, and one equally vigorous, but there is a bold brilliancy in the performance of the Mocker that is peculiarly his own, and which has made him far excellence the forest extemporizer of vocal mel- ody. About this of course there will always be a difference of opinion, as in the case of the human melodists. So well known are the habits and characteristics of the Mocking Bird that nearly all that could be written about him would be but a repetition of what has been previously said. In Illinois, as in many other states, its distribution is very irregular, its absence from some localities which seem in every way suited being very difficult to account for. ‘Thus, accord- ing to “Birds of Illinois,” while one or two pairs breed in the outskirts of Mount Carmel nearly every season, it is nowhere in that vicinity a common bird. A few miles further north, how- ever, it has been found almost abund- ant. On one occasion, during a three mile drive from town, six males were seen and heard singing along the road- side, Mr. Hi. K. Coale says that he saw a mocking bird in Stark county, Indiana, sixty miles southeast of Chi- Caco Jantiaty 1, 1684 that Mir. Green Smith had met with it at Ken- sington Station, Illinois, and that sev- eral have been observed in the parks and door-yards of Chicago. In the extreme southern portion of the state the species 1s abundant, and is resident through the year. The Mocking Bird does not properly belong among the birds of the middle or eastern states, but as there are 201 many records of its nesting in these latitudes it is thought to be safe to include it. Mrs. Osgood Wright states that individuals have often been seen in the city parks of the east, one hay- ing lived in Central Park, New York city, late into the winter, throughout a cold and extreme season. ‘They have reared their young as far north as Arlington, near Boston, where they are noted, however, as rare summer residents. Dr.J.A. Allen, editor ot Zhe Auk, notes that they occasionally nest in the Connecticut Valley. The Mocking Bird has a habit of singing and fluttering in the middle of the night, and in different individuals the song varies, as is noted of many birds, particularly canaries. ‘Thesong is a natural love song, a rich dreamy melody. The mocking song is imita- tive of the notes of vall “they birds-of field, forest, and garden, broken into fragments. The Mocker’s nest is loosely made of leaves and grass, rags, feathers, etc., plain and comfortable. It is never far from the ground. ‘The eggs are four to six, bluish green, spattered with shades of brown. Wilson’s description of the Mocking Bird’s song will probably never be surpassed: ‘‘ With expanded wings and tail glistening with white, and the bouyant gayety of his action arresting the eye, as his song does most irresist- ably the ear, he sweeps around with enthusiastic ecstacy, and mounts and descends as his song swells or dies away. And he often deceives the sportsman, and sends him in search of birds that are not perhaps within miles of him, but whose notes he exactly imitates.” Very useful is he, eating large spi- ders and grasshoppers, and the des- tructive cottonworm. THE LOGGERHEAD SHRIKE. RAMBLER in the fields and | woodlands durine early spring of autumn is often sur- prised at finding insects, erasshoppers, dragon flies, beetles of all kinds, and even larger game, inice, and small birds, impaled on twigs and thors. Ins IS apparemntihy cruel sport, he observes, if he is unacquaint- ed with the Butcher Bird and his habits, and he at once attributes it to the wanton sport of idle children who have not been led to say, With hearts to love, with eyes to see, With eurs to hear their minstrelsy; Through us no harm, by deed or word, Shall ever come to any bird. If he will look about him, however, the real author of this mischief will soon be detected as he appears with other unfortunate little creatures, which he requires to sustain his own life and that of his nestlings. ‘The offender he finds to be the Shrike of the northern United States, most properly named the Butcher Bird. Like all tyrants he is fierce and brave only in the presence of creatures weaker than himself, and cowers and screains with terror if he sees a falcon. And yet, despite this cruel proceed- iug, which is an implanted instinct like that of the dog which buries bones he never seeks again, there are few more useful birds than the Shrike. In the summer he lives on insects, ninety-eight per cent. of his food for July and August consisting of insects, mainly grasshoppers; and in winter, when insects are scarce, mice forma very large proportion of his food. The Butcher Bird has a very agree- able song, which is soft and musical, and he often shows cleverness as a mocker of other birds. He has been taught to whistle parts of tunes, and is as readily tamed as any of our domestic songsters. The nest is usually found on the 202 oe tae later joare | outer limbs of trees, often from fifteen to thirty feet from the ground. It is made of long strips of the inner bark of bass-wood, strengthened on the sides with a few dry twigs, stems, and roots, and lined with fine grasses. The eggs are often six in number, of a yellowish or clayey-white, blotched and marbled with dashes of purple, light brown, and purplish gray. Pretty eggs to study. Readers of Birps who are interested in eggs do not need to disturb the mothers on their nests in order to see and study them. Win alls the tencatem museums specimens of the eggs of nearly all birds are displayed in cases, and accurately colored plates have been made and published by the Smithsonian Institution and others. The Chicago Academy of Sciences has a fine collection of eggs. Many persons imagine that these institutions engage in cruel slaughter of birds in order to collect eggs and nests. ‘This, of course, is not true, only the fewest number being taken, and with the exclusive object of placing before the people, not for their amusement but rather for their instruction, specimens of birds and animals which shali serve for their identification in forest and field. The Loggerhead Shrike.and nest shown 1n this number were taken under the direction of Mr. F. M. Woodruff, at Worth, Il., about fourteen miles from Chicago. The nest was in a corner of an old hedge of Osage Orange, and about eight feet from the ground. He says in the Osprey that it took con- siderable time and patience to build up a platform of fence boards and old boxes to enable the photographer to do his work. ‘The half-eaten body of a young garter snake was found about midway between the upper surface of the nest and the limb above, where it had been hung up for future use. From col. Chi. Acad. Sciences. LOGGHRHEAD SHRIKE. THE BALTIMORE ORIOLE. AL/TIMORE Orioles are in- habitants of the whole of North America, from Can- aca (tO Wicscleo, Jae enter Louisiana as soon as spring commences there. The name of Baltimore Oriole has been given it, because its colors of black and orange are those of the family arms of Lord Baltimore, to whom Maryland formerly belonged. Tradition has it that George Calvert, the first Baron Balti- more, worn out and discouraged by the various trials and rigours of tem- perature experienced in his Newfound- land colony in 1628, visited the Vir- ginia settlement. He explored the waters of the Chesapeake, and found the woods and shores teeming with birds, among them great flocks of Orioles, which so cheered him by their beauty of song and splendor of plum- age, that he took them as good omens and adopted their colors for his own. When the Orioles first arrive the males are in the majority; they sit in the spruces calling by the hour, with lonely querulous notes. Ina few days however, the females appear, and then the martial music begins, the birds’ golden trumpeting often turning toa desperate clashing of cymbals when two males engage in combat, for ‘“‘the Oriole has a temper to match his flam- ing plumage and fights with a will.” This Oriole is remarkably familiar, and fearless of man, hanging its beau- tiful nest upon the garden trees, and even venturing into the street wher- ever a green tree flourishes. The materials of which its nest is made are flax, various kinds of vegetable fibers, wool, and hair, matted together so as to resemble felt in consistency. A number of long horse-hairs are passed completely through the fibers, sewing it firmly together with large and irreg- ular, but strong and judiciously placed stitching. In one of these nests an observer found that several of the hairs used for this purpose measured two ieee sol Meson “Wl solesie 7S shal ae form of a long purse, six or seven inches in depth, three or four inches in diameter ; at the bottom is arranged a heap of soft material in which the eggs find a warm resting place. The female seems to be the chief architect, receiving a constant supply of mater- ials from her mate, occasionally reject- ing the fibres or hairs which he may bring, and sending him off for another load more to her taste. Like human builders, the bird im- proves in nest building by practice, the best specimens of architecture being the work of the oldest birds, though some observers deny this. The eggs are five in number, and their general color is whitish-pink, dotted at the larger end with purplish spots, and covered at the smaller end with a great number of fine intersect- ing lines of the same hue. In spring the Oriole’s food seems to be almost entirely of an animal nature, consisting of caterpillars, beetles, and other insects, which it seldom pursues on the wing, but seeks with great activity among the leaves and branches. Its also eats ripe fruit. The males of this elegant species of Oriole acquire the full beauty of their plumage the first winter after birth. The Baltimore Oriole is one of the most interesting features of country landscape, his movements, as he runs among the branches of trees, differing from those of almost all other birds. Watch him clinging by the feet to reach an insect so far away as to require the full extension of the neck, body, and legs without letting go his hold. He glides, as it were, along a small twig, and at other times moves sidewise for a few steps. His motions are elegant and stately. 205 THE BALTIMORE ORIOLE. About the middle of May, when the leaves are all coming out to see the bright sunshine, you may sometimes see, among the boughs, a bird of beautiful black and orange plumage. He looks like the Orchard Oriole, whose picture you saw. in May “ Birds.” It is the Bal- timore Oriole. He has other names, such as “Golden Robin,” ‘Wire iBuecl, “idlame-smesi. Jl could tell you how he came to be called Baltimore Oriole, but would rather you’d ask your teacher about it. She can tell you all about it, and an interest- ing story it is, | assure you. You see from the picture why he ms. called ~ Inlameanesin Maybe you can tell why he builds his nest that way. The Orioles usually select for their nest the longest and slen- derest twigs, way out on the highest branches of a large tree. They like the elm best. From this they hang their bag-like nest. It must be interesting to watch then ould) ther mestam and: | it requires lots of patience, too, for it usually takes a week or ten days to build 1. | they They fasten both ends of a string to the twigs between which the nest is to hang. After fastening many strings like this, so as to cross one another, weave in other strings crosswise, and this makes a sort. of bag or pouch. Then they put in the lining. | Of course, it swings and rocks when the wind blows, and what a nice cradle it must be for the baby Orioles? Orioles like to visit orchards and eat the bugs, beetles and caterpillars that injure the trees and fruit. There are few birds who do more good in this way than Orioles. Sometimes they eat grapes from the vines and peck at fruit on the trees. It is usually be- cause they want a drink that they do this. One good man who had a large orchard and vineyard placed pans of water in dif- ferent places. Not only the Orioles, but other birds, would oo to the pan for a drink, instead of pecking at the fruit. Let us think of this, and when we have a chance, give the birds a drink of water. They will repay us with their sweetest songs. 206 From col. F. M. Woodruff. BALTIMORE ORIOLE. THE SNOWY OWL. EW of all the groups of birds have such decided markings, suchcharacteristicdistinctions, asthe Owl. There is a singu- lar resemblance between the face of an Owl and that of a cat, which is the more notable, as both of these crea- tures have much the same habits, live on the same prey, and are evidently representatives of the same idea in their different classes. ‘The Owl, in fact, is a winged cat, just as the cat is a furred owl. The Snowy Owl is one of the hand- somest of this group, not so much on account of its size, which is consider- able, as by reason of the beautiful white mantle which it wears, and the large orange eyeballs that shine with the lustre of a topaz set among the snowy plumage. It is a native of the north of Europe and America, but is also found in the more northern parts of England, being seen, though rather a scarce bird, in the Shetland and Orkney Islands, where it builds its nest and rears its young. One will be more likely to find this owl near the shore, along the line of salt marshes and woody stubble, than further inland. The marshes do not freeze so easily or deep as the iron bound uplands, and field-mice are more plentiful in them. It is so fleet of wing that if its appetite is whetted, it - can follow and capture a Snow Bunt- ing or a Junco in its most rapid flight. Like the Hawk Owl, it is a day-fly- ing bird, and is a terrible foe to the smaller mammalia, and to various birds. Mr. Yarrell in his “‘ History of the British Birds,” states that one wounded on the Isle of Balta disgorged a young rabbit whole, and that a young Sandpiper, with its plumage entire, was found in the stomach of another. In proportion to its size the Snowy Owlisa mighty hunter, having been detected chasing the American hare, and carrying off wounded Grouse before the sportsman could secure his prey. It is also a good fisherman, posting itself on some convenient spot overhanging the water, and securing its finny prey with a lightning-like grasp of the claw as it passes beneath the white clad fisher. Sometimes it will sail over the surface of a stream, and snatch the fish as they rise for food. It is also a great lover of lem- mings, and in the destruction of these quadruped pests does infinite service to the agriculturist. The large round eyes of this owl are very beautiful. Even by daylight they are remarkable for their gem-like sheen, but in the evening they are even more attractive, glowing like balls of living fire. From sheer fatigue these birds often seek a temporary resting place on passing ships. A solitary owl, after a long journey, settled on the rigging of a ship one night. A sailor who was ordered aloft, terrified by the two glow- ing eyes that suddenly opened upon his own, descended hurriedly to the deck, declaring to the crew that he had seen “Davy Jones a-sitting up there on the main yard.” 209 THE SNOWY OWL. Whatdo you think of this bird with his round, puffy head? You of course know itis an Owl. I want you to know him as the Snowy Owl. Dome soul tank Ins TACe us sone Ihkke we Ol wou Gasy This fellow is not full grown, but only a child. If he were full erown he would be pure white. The dark color you see 1s only XS OS Ol wne@ iwesrdoxers, om cant see his beak very well for the soft feathers almost cover it. His large soft eyes look very pretty out of the white feathers. What color would you call them ? Most owls are quiet during the day and very busy all night. The Snowy Owl is not so quiet day times. He flies about con- siderably and gets most of his food in daylight. A hunter who was resting under a tree, on the bank of a river, tells this of him: “A Snowy Owl was perched on the branch of a dead tree that had fallen into the river. He sat there looking into the water and blinking his large eyes. Suddenly he reached out and before I could see how he did it, a fish was in his claws.” | This certainly shows that he can see wellin the day time. He can see best, however, in the twilight, in cloudy weather or monoomlinalr, Jen as rine weany with your cat. : The wing feathers of the owl are different from those of most birds. They are as soft as down. This is why youcannot hear him when he flies. Owls while perch- ing are almost always found in quiet places where they will not be disturbed. — Did you ever hear the voice of an owl in the might? Ii you never have, you cannot imagine how dreary it sounds. He surely is Lhe Bird ot the Nieht om col. Chi. Acad. BIRDS AND FARMERS. From the Forest and Stream. HE advocates of protection for our small birds present two sets of reasons for preventing their killing; the one senti- mental, and the other economic. The sentimental reasons are the ones most often urged; they are also of a kind to appeal with especial force to those whose responsibility for the destruction of the birds is greatest. The women and girls, for whose adorn- ment birds’ plumage is chiefly used, think little and know less about the services which birds perform for agri- culture, and indeed it may be doubted whether the sight ofa bunch of feathers or a stuffed bird’s skin suggests to them any thought of the life that those feathers once represented. But when the wearers are reminded that tere was suciL-a, lite. that it was cheery and beautiful, and that it was cut short merely that their apparel might be adorned, they are quick to recognize that bird destruction involves a wrong, and are ready todo their part toward ending it by refusing to wear plumage. The small boy who pursues little birds from the standpoint of the hunter in quest of his game, feels only the ardor of pursuit. His whole mind is con- centrated on that and the hunter’s selfishness, the desire of possession, fills his heart. Ignorance and thought- lessness destroy the birds. Every one knows ina general way that birds render most valuable service to the farmer, but although these services have long been recognized in the laws standing on the statute books of the various states, it is only within a few years that any systematic ‘investigations have been undertaken to determine just what such services are, to measure them with some approach to accuracy, to weigh in the case of each species the good and the evil done, and so to strike a balance in favor of the bird or against it. The inquiries carried on by the Agricultural Depart- ment on a large scale and those made by various local experiment stations and by individual observers have given results which are very striking and which can no longer be ignored. It is a difficult matter for any one to balance the good things that he reads and believes about any animal against the bad things that he actually sees. The man who witnesses the theft of his cherries by robin or eatbird, or the killing of a quail by a marsh hawk, feels that here he has ocular proof of harm done by the birds, while as to the insects or the field mice destroyed, and the crops saved, he has only the testimony of some unknown and dis- tant witness. It is only natural that the observer should trust the evidence of his senses, and yet his eyes tell him’ only a small part of the truth, and that small part a misleading one. It is certain that without the ser- vices of these feathered laborers, whose work is unseen, though it lasts from daylight till dark through every day in the year, agriculture in this country would come to an immediate stand- still, and if in the brief season of fruit each one of these workers levies on the farmer the tribute of a few berries, the price is surely a small one to pay for the great good done. Superficial persons imagine that the birds are here only during the summer, but this isa great mistake. It is true that in warm weather, when insect life is most abundant, birds are also most abundant. ‘They wage an effective and unceasing war against the adult insects and their larve, and check their active depredations; but in winter the birds carry on a campaign which is hardly less important in its results. 213 THE SCARLET TANAGER. NE of the most brilliant and striking of all American birds is the Scarlet Tanager. From its black wings re- sembling pockets, 1t 1s fre quently called tue “JRocket sie.” Woe Jeena Call me une % Carcchimeall,” The female is plain olive-green, and when seen together the pair present a curious example of the prodigality with which mother nature pours out her favors of beauty in the adornment of some of her creatures and seems niggardly in her treatment of others. Still it is only by contrast that we are enabled to appreciate the quality of beauty, which in this case is of the rarest sort. In the January number of BIRDS we presented the Red Rumped Tanager, a Costa Rica bird, which, however, is inferior in brilliancy to the Scarlet, whose range extends from eastern United States, north to south- ern Canada, west to the great plains, and south in winter to northern South America. It inhabits woodlands and swampy places. The nesting season begins in the latter part of May, the nest being built in low thick woods or on the skirting of tangled thickets ; very often also, in an orchard, on the horizontal limb of a low tree or sap- ling. It is very flat and loosely made of twigs and fine bark strips and lined with rootlets and fibres of inner bark. The eggs are from three to five in mimmloer, Amc Of a gaccemisia lolne, speckled and blotted with brown, chiefly at the larger end. The disposition of the Scarlet Tan- ager is retiring, in which respect he differs greatly from the Summer Tan- ager, which frequents open groves, and often visits towns and cities. A few may be seen in our parks, and now and then children have picked up the bright dead form from the green grass, and wondered what might be its name. Compare it with the Redbird, with which it 1s often confounded, and the contrast will be striking. His call is a warble, broken by a pensive call note, sounding like the syllables chzp-churr, and he is regarded as a Superior musician. “Passing through an orchard, and seeing one of these young birds that had but lately left the nest, I carried it with me for about half a mile to show it to a friend, and having pro- cured a cage,’ says Wilson, “ hung it upon one of the large pine trees in the Botanic Garden, within a few feet of the nest of an Orchard Oriole, which also contained young, hoping that the charity and kindness of the Orioles would induce them to supply the crav- ings of the stranger. But charity with them as with too many of the human race, began and ended at home. ‘The poor orphan was altogether neglected, andvas it 1etused: to bes ted bys mew was about to return it to the place where I had found it, when, toward the afternoon, a Scarlet Tanager, no doubt its own parent, was seen flutter- ing around the cage, endeavoring to get in. Finding he could not, he flew off, and soon returned with food in his bill, and continued to feed it until after sunset, taking up his lodgings on the higher branches of the same tree. In the morning, as soon as day broke, he was again seen most actively en- gaged in the same manner, and, not- withstanding the insolence of the Orioles, he continued his benevolent offices the whole day, roosting at night as before. On the third or fourth day he seemed extremely solicitous for the liberation of his charge, using every expression of distressful anxiety, and every call and invitation that nature had put in his power, for him to come out. This was too much for the feelings of ny friend. He procured a ladder, and mounting to the spot where the bird was suspended, opened the cage, took out his prisoner, and restored him to liberty and to his parent, who, with notes of great exultation, accompanied lis flight to the woods.” 214 eA et Rakai fy From col. F. M. Woodruff. SCARLET TANAGHR. THE SCARLET TANAGER. What could be more beautiful to see than this bird among the ovreen leaves of atree? It almost seems as though he would kindle the dry mb upon which he perches. This is his holiday dress. He wears it during the nesting season. After the young are reared and the summer months gone, he changes his coat. Wethen find him dressed in a dull yellowish green—the color of his mate the whole year. Do you remember another bird family in which the father bird changes his dress each spring and autumn? The Searlet Tanager is a soli- tary bird. He likes the deep woods, and seeks the topmost branches. He likes, too, the thick evergreens. Here he sings through the summer days. We often pass him by for he 1s hid- den by the green leaves above us. He is sometimes called our * Bird of Paradise.” 217 Tanagers feed upon winged insects, caterpillars, seeds, and berries. ‘To get these they do not need to be on the ground. For this reason it is seldom we see them there. Both birds work in building the nest, and both share in car- INO thes little: womese methine nest is not a very pretty one— not pretty enough for so beauti- ful a bird, I think. It is woven so loosely that if you were stand- ing under 1, you could see light through it. Notice his strong, short beak. Now turn to the picture of the Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks in April Birps. Do you see how much alike they are? They are near relatives. T hope that you may all have a chance to see a Scarlet Tana- eer dressed in his richest scar- let and most jetty black. THE RUFFED GROUSE. HE Ruffed Grouse, which is called Partridge in New Eng- land and Pheasant in the Middle and Southern States, is the true Grouse, while Bob White is the real Partridge. It is unfortu- nate that they continue to be con- ols, Ine ioe jolene Ci lous grouseship, however, which we here present should go far to make clear the difference between them. The range of the Ruffed Grouse is eastern United States, south to North Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, and Arkansas. They hatch in April, the young immediately leaving the nest with the mother. When they hear the mother’s warning note the little ones dive under leaves and bushes, while she leads the pursuer off in an opposite direction. Building the nest and sitting upon the eggs constitute ae Chines Ol WS VeiTalle, wae ineles during this interesting season keeping separate, not rejoining their mates until the young are hatched, when they begin to roam as a family. Like the Turkey, the Ruffed Grouse has a habit of pluming and strutting, and also makes the drumming noise which has caused so much discussion. This noise “is a hollow vibrating sound, beginning softly and increasing as if a small rubber ball were dropped slowly and then rapidly bounced on a drum.” While drumming the bird contrives to make himself invisible, andetimseen it is cdiitenlttonceteEne slightest clue to the manner in which the sound is produced. And observers say that it beats with its wings ona log, that it raises its wings and strikes their edges above its back, that it claps ‘them against its sides like a crowing rooster, and that it beats the air. The writer has seen a grouse drum, appear- ing to strike its wings together over its back. Butthereis much difference of opinion on the subject, and young observers may settle the question for themselves. When preparing to drum he seems fidgety and nervous and his sides are inflated. Letting his wings droop, he flaps them so fast that they make one continuous humming sound. In this peculiar way he calls his mate, and while he is still drumming, the hen bird may appear, coming slyly from the leaves. The nest is on the ground, made by the female of dry leaves and a few feathers plucked from her own breast. - In this slight structure she lays ten or twelve cream-colored eggs, specked with brown. The eyes of the Grouse are of great depth and softness, with deep expand- ing pupils and golden brown iris. Coming suddenly upon a young brood squatted with their mother near a roadside in the woods, an observer first knew of their presence by the old bird flying directly in his face, and then tumbling about at his feet with frantic signs of distress and lameness. In the meantime the little ones scat- tered in every direction and were not to be found. As soon as the parent was satisfied of their safety, she flew a short distance and he soon heard her clucking call to them to come to her again. It was surprising how quickly they reached her side, seeming to pop up as from holes in the ground. 218 aig side. Mla sa i From col. F2 M) Woodruff. .) RUFFED GROUSE. THE RUFFED GROUSE. At first sight most of you will think this is a turkey. Well, it does look very much like one. He spreads his tail feathers, puffs himself up, and struts about lke a turkey. You know by this time what his name is and I think you can easily see why he is called Ruffed. This proud bird and his mate live with us during the whole year. They are found usually in grassy lands and in woods. Here they build their rude nest of dried grass, weeds and the like. You will generally find it at the foot of a tree, or along side of an old stump in or near swampy lands. The Ruffed Grouse has a queer way of calling his mate. He stands on a log or stump, puffed up like a turkey—just as yousee himinthe picture. Then he struts about for a time just as you have seen a turkey gob- bler do. Soon he begins to work his wings—slowly at first, but faster and faster, until it sounds hke the beating of a drum. His mate usually answers his call by coming. They set up housekeeping and build their rude nest which holds from eight to fourteen eggs. As soon as the young are hatched they can run about and find their own food. So you see they are not much bother to their parents. When they are a week old they can fly. The young usually stay with their parents until next Spring. Then they start out and find mates for themselves. I said at the first that the Ruffed Grouse stay with us all the year. In the winter, when it 18 very cold, they burrow into a snowdrift to pass the night. During the summer they always roost all night. THE BLACK AND WHITE CREEPING WARBLER. HIS sprightly little bird is met with in various sections of the country. Itoccursin all parts of New England aud New York, and has been found in the inter- ior as far north as Fort Simpson. It is common in the Bahamas and most of the West India Islands, generally as zl soomesapeye § soe IESAS. atin ine Ibavebiayal Territory, in Mexico, and throughout eastern America. Dr. Coues states that this warbler is a yery common stmmer resident near Washington, the greater number going father north to) breeds, (iney ariivye there during the first week in April and are exceedingly numerous until May. In its habits this bird seems to be more of a creeper than a Warbler. It is an expert and nimble climber, and rarely, if ever, perches on the branch ofatree or shrub. In the manner of the smaller Woodpecker, the Creepers, Nuthatches, and ‘Titmice, it moves rapidly around the trunks and larger limbs of the trees of the forest in search of small insects and their larvae. It is graceful and rapid in movement, and is often so intent upon its hunt as to be unmindful of the near presence of man. It is found chiefly in thickets, where its food is most easily obtained, and has been known to breed in the im- mediate vicinity of a dwelling. The song of this Warbler is sweet and pleasing. It begins to sing from its first appearance in May and con- tinues to repeat its brief refrain at intervals almost until its departure in August and September. At first it is a monotonous ditty, says Nuttall, uttered in astrong but shrill and filing tone.. ‘hese notes, as the season ad- vances, become more mellow and warbling. The Warbler’s movements in search of food are very interesting to the observer. Keeping the feet together they move in a succession of short, rapid hops up the trunks of trees and along the limbs, passing again to the bottom by longer flights than in the ascent. They make but short flight from tree to tree, but are capable of flying far when they choose. They build on the ground. One nest containing young about a week old was found on the surface of shelv- ing rock. It was made of coarse strips of bark, soft decayed leaves, and dry grasses, and lined with a thin layer of black whan > her parents: ted= tment young in the presence of the observer with affectionate attention, and showed no uneasiness, creeping head down- ward about the trunks of the neigh- boring trees, and carrying large smooth caterpillars to their young. They search the crevices in the bark of the tree trunks and branches, look among the undergrowth, and hunting along the fences for bunches of eggs, the buried larvae of the insects, which when undisturbed, hatch out millions of creeping, crawling, and flying things that devastate garden and orchard and every crop of the field. mul i F i wieee CHICAGO COLORTYPE CO. BLACK AND WHITE CREEPING WARBLER. From col. Chi. Acad. Sciences. VOLUME I. INDEX. Birds, The Return of the . Bird Song ; Bird Day in the Sehonls Birds and Farmers : Black Bird, Red-winged, pees Pines : Blue Bird, Szaha Szahs . Navassa Bobolink, Dolichonyx Oryzivorus . Bunting, Indigo, Passerina Cyanea . Catbird, Galeoscoptes Carolinensis . : Chickadee, Black-capped, Parus Aonaaplles : Cock of the Rock . : Crossbill, American, Lora Cipbindira Crow, American, Cine Americanus .. Duck, Meier, A. Galericulata . Flicker, Colaptes Auratus . . . gals Fly-catcher, Scissor-tailed, Meas Lo Gallinule, Purple, /onornis Martinica Grebe, Pied-billed, Podilymbus Podiceps Grosbeak, Rose-breasted, Habia Ludoviciana . Grouse, Ruffed, Bonasa Umbellus . ~ Gull, Ring-billed, Larus Delawarensis . . talows live)’. : ; Hawk, Marsh, Czrcus ST oa Hawk, Night, Chordeiles Virginianus Heron, Black-crowned, Wycticorax Mycitopoe: Nan he Jay, American Blue, Cyanocitta Cristata . Jay, Arizona Green, Xanthoura Luxuosa . _ Jay, Canada, Perzsoreus Canadensis Kingfisher, American, Ceryle Alcyon ... Lark, Meadow, Sturnella Magna . Longspur, Smith’s, Calcarius Pictus Lory, Blue Mountain JANUARY TO JUNE, 1897. pages IOI «C 187-8 LAO BE) 213 64-68—70-71 75-76-78 2am NTA) 183-—4—6 164—5-7 19-21 126-7 97—8-100 8—9-II 89-90 161-3 120-1 LO Ome, LI3-115 218-220-221 198-199 150 158-159 175—6-8 196-7 Somes 146-148 II6-17—Iy 60-61-63 105—7-8 A) = 66-67 Mocking Bird, American, M@mus Polyglottos . . Mot Mot, Mexican Nesting Time : Nonpareil, Passerina Ciris Oriole, Baltimore, /cterus Galbula Oriole, Golden, /cterus Icterus Oriole, Orchard, /cterus Spurius Owl, Long-eared, Asto Wilsonianzs Owl, Screech, Megascops Asio Owl, Snowy, Myctea Nivea Paradise, Red Bird of, Paradisea Rubra Parrakeet, Australian Parrot, King : Pheasant, Golden, P. Peis : Pheasant, Japan Red Bird, American, Cardinals Cardinals . Robin, American, Merula Migratoria Roller, Swallow-tailed, Indian Shrike, Loggerhead, Lanius Ludovicianus ..... . Swallow, Barn, Chelidon Erythrogaster Tanager, Red-rumped, 7auagride Tanager, Scarlet, Piranga Erythromelas Tern, Black, Hydrochelidon Ingra Surinamensis Thrush, Brown, Harporhynchus Rufus . Thrush, Wood, Zurdus Mustelinus Toucan, Yellow-throated, Ramphastos Trogon, Resplendent, 7vogonide Vireo, Yellow-throated, Vireo Hlavifrons . Warbler, Black-and-white Creeping, WMmiotdlta Varia Warbler, Prothonotary, Protonotaria Citrea Wax Wing, Bohemian, Ampels Garrulus Woodpecker, California, Welanerpes Formiciworus Boe. : Woodpecker, Red-headed, Melanerpes Erythrocephalus Wren, Long-billed Marsh, Czstothorus Palustris . pe 192-1 93-201 49-51 149-150 I—3-I5 205—6-7 34-36 LSA 5) IOQ—LII-I12 LO om 209-210-211 22-23-25 » 16-18 cme 12-13 86-88 ae 55-6-7-9 42-43 202-203 79-80 STE 3S) 214-216-217 103-104 82-83-84 179-180-183 26-27-29 ae] 189-191 222-224 168-169-171 140-141 I 30-1 31-133 45-46-47 142-144-145 ‘SAV LYVHy 13 OSeIIY) “2211S SWEPY G6 “WU2SV 323PEL ‘AHH.LNOS ‘N ‘OD “IA 0} susAjdde Aq pey aq urd uoHeUMojUy zgqeyes pue IPH AVAATIVA TNVd aS. 7% dAeSOV AV TIA “ODVDIHD 4) Aq ayes : uo Mou aie ‘S}UIOg Deg Sues] je pue‘euyy‘uede( ‘eyse]V 0} osye ‘erquunjo; YsHiq pure ‘u0saJC ‘u0}sur “ysepy ‘eurjuopy ‘erusoy Ve ‘opesojor ‘uesryoryAy *“ejOSauUTTAT ‘UISUODSTA\ JO S}]OS2I BY} 0} S}JOHOE T UOSIN IX A adANA ial )s i Please mention ‘‘BIRDS"' when you write to advertisers. P worms otk Please mention * Binws § woen you write to advertisers. N.O. LAWSON, — & Linen Marker win THE CHEAPEST IN THER WORLD. OLE C 4, All work guaranteed equal to the highest priced. Soe Che OA Me (Loy . ad e 50c. Specimens, Thrushes, Blackbirds, Blue Jays, Woodpeckers, Swallows, Larks, etc. Send for price list. Any 2 or 3 letter Monogram or } GENEVA, ILL. Name in a handsome script type GOLUMBIAN DENTAL GOLLEGE, | JU je Gsccempics) complete with ear, S.-W. cor. Quincy & State Sts., CHICAGO, ILL. prepaid on receipt of 50c. Postage The College year begins Oct. 1, 1897, aud closes April accepted. I, 1898. . Students corresponding with the Dean will please be GS careful to give full address, and direct their letters to e L. SA F FO fee D 9 GEO. T. CARPENTER, M.D. D., D. S., Dean. ANDREW W. ROGERS, D.D.S, Sec’y, ; MANUFACTURER OF RUBBER STAMPS, 103 State Street (Columbus Memorial Bldg.) 175 [Madison St., CHICAGO. THE... Or Ninety Subscriptions to «‘Birds.’’ DIAMOND OR DROP FRAME. This wheel is made especially for the Nature Study Publishing Co., to be used asa premium. It is unique in design, of material the best, of workmanship unexcelled, No other wheel on the market can compare favorably with it for less than $100.00. SPECIFICATIONS FOR 1897 “‘BIRD’’ BICYCLE. | Frame.—Diamond pattern; cold-drawn seamless steel tubing; 14% inch tubing in the quadrangle with the exception of the head, which is 1% inch. Height, 23, 24, 25 and 26inches. Rear triangle 34 inch tubing in the lower aud upright bars. Frame Parts.—Steel drop forgings, strongly reinforced connections. Forks.—Seamless steel fork sides, gracefully curved and mechanically reinforced. Steering Head.—g, 11 and 13 inches long, 144 inches diameter. Handle Bar.—Cold-drawn, weldless steel tubing, 7% inch in diameter, ram’s horn, upright or reversible, adapted to two positions; Handles.—Cork or corkaline; black, maroon or bright tips. Wheels.—28 inch, front and rear. Wheel Base.—43 inches. Rims.—Olds or Plymouth. Tires.—Morgan & Wright, Vim, or Hartford. Spokes. —Swaged, Excelsior Needle Co.’s best quality; 28 in front and 32 in rear wheel. Cranks.—Special steel, roundand tapered; 6% inch throw. Pedals.—Brandenburg; othersonorder. Chain.—14 inch, solid link, with hardened rivet steel centers. Saddle.—Black, attractive and comfortable; our own make. Saddle Post.—Adjustable, style ‘“‘ T.” Tread.—4% inches. Sprocket Wheels.—Steel drop forgings, hardened. Gear.—68 regular; other gears furnished if so desired. Bearings.—Made of the best selected high-grade tool steel, carefully ground to a finish after tempering, and thoroughly dust-proof. All.cups are screwed into hubs and crank hangers. Hubs.—Large tubular hubs, made from a solid bar of steel. Furnishing.—Tool-bag, wrench, oiler, pumpand repair kit. Tool Bags.—In black or tan leather, as may be preferred. Aandle bar, hubs, sprocket wheels, cranks, pedals, seat post, spokes, screws, nuts and washers, nickel plated over copper; remainder enameled. Weight.—22 and 24 pounds. Send for Specifications for Diamond Frame. \ NATURE STUDY PUBLISHING CO. Agents Wanted in every Town and City to represent “BIRDS.” CHICAGO. Please mention ‘‘BIRDS"’ when you write to advertisers. “The Quad’’ Camera Known the world around Takes pictures 3% x 334 inches. Has the simplest action. Is easy to handle. Quickest to reload. Uses glass plates. Never gets out of order. Neat and durable. Given for 9 Subscriptions for « Birds,’’ or sold on receipt of price. Anyone can secure ninesub- criptions for our beautiful magazine. $5.00, or Nine Subscriptions for “Bird : The Odorless Standard Cycle Lamp None better. Highly finished. Hand-ground Lens Perfect Reflector. Burns benzine or kerosene. Filled from iy the outside. ‘‘Outshines them all,’’? and always stays lit. Price $3.00. Given for Five Who can’t get five acquaintances to take ‘‘ Birds” for Subscriptions for “ Birds.” one year at $1.50? We give below a list of publications, especially fine, to be read in connection with our ne : magazine, and shall be glad to supply them at the price indicated, or as premiums for Suse tions for ‘‘ Birds.” ‘Birds Through an Opera Glass”’ : : 75c. or 2 subscriptions. “Bird Ways” . oh 5 : . Goel 2 “Tn Nesting Time”’ : : et de OL 25.6823 ue “A Bird Lover of the West ” : : 3 WeAls O83 $s sd ‘‘Upon the Tree Tops’’ . 3 : ; ep) « : ‘Wake Robin ’’ 3 3 : 5 TOO? sf ‘‘Birds in the Bush ”’ ; : ; : Ty25e if “ A-Birding on a Bronco’’ , TQ Space us ‘‘Land Birds and Game Birds of New England? B50) (FS) ay “Birds and Poets” . ; i i Teoh) oes es ‘‘ Bird Craft ”’ : ; : 4 : Boro) OG SS ‘“‘The Story of the Birds”’ 165 #2) @ “ “Hand Book of Birds of Eastern North eee HV oe) 1G) “ eee See our notice on another page concerning Bicycles. Our ‘‘ Bird’? Wheel is one of the best. on the market—as neat and attractive as ‘‘ Birds.”’ bee We shall be glad to quote a special price for teachers or clubs. We can furnish any article or book as premium for subse apuens for ‘‘ Birds.’’ Address, Nature ae Publishing Co. oh ee ae ani ae ee OTE COO ag ‘ ees = . eis: i ae Sa pe ee Se ge 5 ed eee - | Nature Study Publishing Company. ized to furnish correct reproductions of the colors and forms of nature to families, schools, and scientists. Having secured the services of artists who have succeeded in photo- graphing and reproducing objects in their natural colors, by a process whose principles are well known but in which many of the details are held secret, we obtained a charter from the Secre- tary of State in November, 1896, and began at once the preparation of photographic color plates for a series of pictures of birds. The first product was the January number of ‘‘BIRDS,” a monthly magazine, containing ten plates with descriptions in popular language, avoiding as far as possible scientific and technical terms. Knowing the interest children have in our work, we have included in each number a few 6: Nature Study Publishing Company is a corporation of educators and business men organ- _ pages of easy text pertaining to the illustrations. These are usually set facing the plates to heighten the pleasure of the little folks as they read. Casually noticed, the magazine may appear to be a children’s publication because of the placing of this juvenile text. Butsuch is not the case. Those scientists who cherish with delight the famous handiwork of Audubon are no less enthusiastic over these beautiful pictures which are painted by the delicate and scientifically accurate fingers of Light itself, These reproductions are true. There is no imagination in them norconventionialisn. In the presence of their absolute truth any written description or work of human hands shrinks into insignificance.. The scientific _ value of these photographs can not be estimated. To establish a great magazine with a world-wide circulation is no light undertaking. We have been steadily and successfully working towards that end. Delays have been unavoidable. What was effective for the production of a limited number of copies was inadequate as our orders increased. The very success of the enterprise has sometimes impeded our progress, Ten hundred teachers in Chicago paid subscriptions in ten days. Boards of Education are subscribing in hundred lots. Improvements in the process have been made in almost every number, and we are now assured of a brilliant and useful future. When “BIRDS” has won its proper place in public favor we shall be prepared to issue a similar serial on other natural objects, and look for an equally cordial reception for it. PREMIUMS. To teachers we give duplicates of all the pictures on separate sheets for use in teaching or for decoration. To other subscribers we give a color photograph of one of the most gorgeous birds, the Golden Pheasant. - _ Subscriptions, $1.50 a year including one premium. Those wishing both premiums may. - receive them and a year’s subscription for $2.00. We have just completed an edition of 50,0co back numbers to eames those who wish | their subscriptions to date back to January, 1897, the first number. We will furnish the first volume, January to June inclusive, well bound in cloth, postage paid, for $1.25. In Morocco, $2.25. AGENTS. 10,000 agents are wanted to travel or solicit at home. ‘We have prepared a fine list of desirable premiums for clubs which any popular adult or child can easily form. Your friends will thank you for showing them the magazine and offering to send their money. The work of getting subscribers among acquaintances is easy and delightful. Agents can do well selling the bound volume. Vol. 1is the best possible present for a young person or for anyone specially interested in nature. Teachers and others meeting them at institutes do well as our agents. The magazine sells to ' teachers better than any other publication because they can use the extra.plates for decoration, language work, nature study, and individual occupation. NATURE STUDY PUBLISHING COMPANY, 277 Dearborn Street, CHICAGO. SORE SEE AISE'S UR PREMIUMS ee a THE GOLDEN PHEASANT, a picture of : wonderful beauty, almost life-size, in a natural scene, plate 13 x 18 inches, on card 19 x 25 inches, is given to Annual Subscribers. The price on this picture in art stores is $3.50. - Instead. of the GOLDEN PHEASANT, Gide who prefer may have duplicate pictures of each bird each mostly, “s on a separate sheet, to use in the school-room. oad To subscribers whose cash for subscriptions reaches __ us before September 1, 1897, we will send both the : Golden Pheasant and the duplicate pictures. The Golden Pheasant is admired by every one as a work of art. The dupli- cate pictures can be framed with good effect, or given to some of your friends. Through June, July and August, we are sending 2 these pictures to all our subscribers. Enclose them in letters to — your friends, and ask them to subscribe through you. Tell them you are getting subscrptions for “Birds,” in order to secure some ee premium—a choice book, a camera with complete outfit, a bicycle ot anything else you want, whether in our list or not. Duting the summer vacation, any one can get ninety subscriptions, which — will insure you one of the best wheels you or your friends ever have ridden. ¢ Price of “Birds,” with Golden Pheasant and one hun- , * dred and twenty pictures (ten each month), Dee _ This offer — 3 is made until September 1, 1897. eee _ Nature Study Publishing Come CHICAGO, ILL. KBB BILE | fie ain cpm & lM 3186 mi 3 9088