This is a contribution to the pedagogics of ornithology which cannot fail to interest every one desirous of seeing bird studies introduced in our schools. It opens with a chapter on the 'Biology of Our Common Birds,' which shows the importance of becoming acquainted with them, giving, in fact, the reasons which have actuated Professor Hodge in his work in the schools of Worcester.
The nature of this work and the success which has attended it are set forth in the succeeding pages, whose contents are indicated by the sub-titles 'The Bird Census,' 'The Food Chart' (A very useful compilation by Miss Helen A. Ball, showing graphically the food of our commoner birds), 'Bird Study in the Schoolroom,' 'Taming Our Wild Birds and Attracting Them to Our Houses,' and a 'Life Chart of Our Common Birds.' Lack of space prohibits a description of the methods of bird-study given under these headings. Some of the results of their practical application, however, are to be found in the concluding chapter on the 'Ten-to-One Clubs' formed in the Worcester schools, which were joined by "not less than 5,000 children," who signed the club constitution, which opens by stating that "the object of the club shall be to use every means possible to increase the number of our native wild birds by providing them, when necessary, with food, water, shelter and nesting places."
The pamphlet gives other and equally striking proofs of the enthusiasm with which the children welcomed the opportunity of becoming familiar with birds, and indeed is the most convincing proof of the educational value of bird study which has come to our attention.--F. M. C.
With its August issue 'Our Animal Friends,' the organ of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, concludes its twenty-sixth volume. This magazine is edited with a breadth of view which must result in winning many supporters for the cause it represents. In its columns we find no senseless tirades against the inhumanity of partly civilized man, but sane, logical discussions of the rights of animals and the manner in which they may best be secured; of the habits of animals, including many interesting papers on birds,--of animals and their value to man, all of which are calculated to arouse sympathy or interest in them and respect for the journal which so ably champions their welfare.