The great psychologist, William James, preached the doctrine that it was
immoral to have emotions that did not bear fruit in action,--a doctrine
that many educators and teachers are putting into practice nowadays.
Music, art, noble architecture, poetry, fine prose, the drama, and the
beauties of nature, all of which arouse the emotion of joy and minister
to our higher natures, were formerly sought as means of self-development
or culture--one of the great ends to be attained in life. Excessive
cultivation of one's self is now regarded by broad-minded people as a
refined form of selfishness (often intellectual snobbishness), unless
with it there exists a sense of responsibility and an attempt to assist
in making possible by some form of activity a more nearly universal
sharing of these pure forms of pleasure.
The conservation of forests, the preservation of scenic wonders, of wild
flowers, of native animals and birds for the enjoyment of all, has
become the aim of a great movement throughout the country. It is well
known that the fine balance of nature is maintained by birds, and that
upon them depend in large measure the preservation of forests, parks,
gardens, orchards, and farms.
As they are so truly our benefactors and furnish us with so much genuine
enjoyment and absorbing interest, we are under obligation to repay their
services to us by some form of service to them, which will minister also
to the well-being of our communities. The formation of Audubon
Societies, the spreading of knowledge by means of bird-books,
illustrated bird-lectures, and the invaluable bulletins easily
obtainable at the Government Printing Office, Washington; the erection
of bird-houses and baths, and of feeding-tables for the winter; the
furthering of wise legislation regarding bird-protection and the
supplying of bird-wardens in some localities to help carry out the laws;
intelligent and humane regulations to prevent the depredations of cats;
the creation, wherever possible, of bird-sanctuaries and preserves, and
the planting of trees and shrubs which will attract birds are a few of
the ways in which we may make practical our interest in birds and add to
the well-being of our land.