It has become a universal custom to obtain and preserve the likenesses
of one's friends. Photographs are the most popular form of these
likenesses, as they give the true exterior outlines and appearance,
(except coloring) of the subjects. But how much more popular and
useful does photography become, when it can be used as a means of
securing plates from which to print photographs in a regular printing
press, and, what is more astonishing and delightful, to produce the
REAL COLORS of nature as shown in the subject, no matter how brilliant
or varied.
We quote from the December number of the Ladies' Home Journal:
"_An excellent_ suggestion was recently made by the Department of
Agriculture at Washington that the public schools of the country shall
have a new holiday, to be known as Bird Day. Three cities have already
adopted the suggestion, and it is likely that others will quickly
follow. Of course, Bird Day will differ from its successful
predecessor, Arbor Day. We can plant trees but not birds. It is
suggested that Bird Day take the form of bird exhibitions, of bird
exercises, of bird studies--any form of entertainment, in fact, which
will bring children closer to their little brethren of the air, and
in more intelligent sympathy with their life and ways. There is a
wonderful story in bird life, and but few of our children know it. Few
of our elders do, for that matter. A whole day of a year can well and
profitably be given over to the birds. Than such study, nothing can be
more interesting. The cultivation of an intimate acquaintanceship with
our feathered friends is a source of genuine pleasure. We are under
greater obligations to the birds than we dream of. Without them the
world would be more barren than we imagine. Consequently, we have some
duties which we owe them. What these duties are only a few of us know
or have ever taken the trouble to find out. Our children should not be
allowed to grow to maturity without this knowledge. The more they know
of the birds the better men and women they will be. We can hardly
encourage such studies too much."
Of all animated nature, birds are the most beautiful in coloring, most
graceful in form and action, swiftest in motion and most perfect
emblems of freedom.
They are withal, very intelligent and have many remarkable traits, so
that their habits and characteristics make a delightful study for all
lovers of nature. In view of the facts, we feel that we are doing
a useful work for the young, and one that will be appreciated by
progressive parents, in placing within the easy possession of children
in the homes these beautiful photographs of birds.
The text is prepared with the view of giving the children as clear an
idea as possible, of haunts, habits, characteristics and such other
information as will lead them to love the birds and delight in their
study and acquaintance.