17. Black-winged in crimson roses thou art dressed, Fine feathers make fine birds, it is confessed; And none more fine than thou, Oh, brilliant beauty of the bough!--(_Scarlet Tanager._)
18. The melody is trickling from thy beak, And silver whistlings help thy voice to speak. Oh, singer, famed by thousands, clear the strain Which ripples from thy pulsing throat like rain.--(_Nightingale._)
19. Bird of the night, Thy round eyes are aglow With all the learning Which the sages know.--(_Owl._)
20. The mother hen must watch her little brood Lest thou come down and bear them off for food, And use them for a dinner, Oh, prowling sinner.--(_Hawk._)
21. You imitate the foe which does you wrong, And call "Meouw," instead of chanting song.--(_Catbird._)
22. Your coat is like the leaden sky Which drops the feathery snow, And when that leaves us, by and by, Still further north you go.--(_Snowbird._)
23. A symbol of the perfect Love Shed from above.--(_Dove._)
24. I supplicate At Heaven's gate And rest on wing Where angels sing.--(_Lark._)
25. I'm always offered cracker, And though I like it well I think some other viands Would answer just as well.--(_Parrot._)
_We herewith extend a most kind invitation To you and your friends or any relation To come to a party. This little silk sack Is intended to furnish a good place to pack As many pennies as you are years old. We promise the secret shall never be told. If Methuselah's age would be the right sum Of the years to which you already have come, If objections to exposing your age should arise, One hundred would be a splendid disguise. A musical program of very rare merit Will be given to those who will just come and hear it. We'll give you good cheer for the weak inner man And a gallery of pictures unique to well scan; We'll meet young and old with greetings most hearty As you come, one and all, to your own Birthday Party._
These invitations can be given and sent out beforehand, each accompanied by a tiny silk bag to hold the money. Prepare a nice musical treat and something good to eat. Have each member of the society giving the entertainment bring a picture of himself when a baby or small child, and have a picture gallery. Do not forget to be very social and make every one feel that he is welcome, not only for the money he brings, but for himself also.