Bird Portections in Schools

Values of Bird-study. - The values of bird-study in its influence on child-life are many. It has a practical value in showing the great economic service which birds render man, as a result of which knowledge the child will become a more serviceable citizen ; it has a training-value in teaching the child to become an accurate observer, as a result of which his later mental development will be more complete ; it has a very distinct aesthetic value, as a means of arousing an interest in nature, which may form a life-long source of enjoyment, in which respect it is excelled, perhaps, by no other subject in its possibilities ; and finally the study of bird-life has a moral value in broadening the sympathies of the child and developing a spirit of kindness and thoughtfulness toward all living things. A subject full of such possibilities is certainly worthy of more than passing notice in our school system.

Bird-protection. - To interest the children in birds is also the most permanent way of furthering bird-protection. One may almost say that only through instruction in the schools will eventually come that enlightened public opinion which will insure permanent and effective bird-protection. The necessity of having bird-study generally introduced into the schools, as a part of nature-study, cannot be too strongly emphasized. The importance of this is recognized by such organizations as the Audubon Societies, which are doing a splendid educational work. The protection of our native birds is an economic question of such importance that our school system must be utilized to solve the problems which arise in this connection. In the hands of the schoolteacher lies the solution of this and other economic problems of the day. The children should be taught the value of birds and encouraged to protect them. This may be accomplished in a positive, not a negative way; that is, the children are to be taught not merely that they must not injure the birds and rob their nests, but also that they are to do something for the birds, - protect them, feed them, build houses for them, and be kind to them.