Chapter I: Front Matter

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Title added.

BIRDS. ILLUSTRATED BY COLOR PHOTOGRAPHY ================================ VOL. I. FEBRUARY 1897 NO. 2 ================================

* * * * *

FROM: THE PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION.

_STATE OF NEW YORK_
_Department of Public Instruction_
_SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE_

_Albany_ December 26, 1896.

_Stenographic Letter_
Dictated by __________

W. E. Watt, President &c.,
Fisher Building,
277 Dearborn St., Chicago, Ill.

My dear Sir:

Please accept my thanks for a copy of the first publication of "Birds."
Please enter my name as a regular subscriber. It is one of the most
beautiful and interesting publications yet attempted in this direction.
It has other attractions in addition to its beauty, and it must win its
way to popular favor.

Wishing the handsome little magazine abundant prosperity,
I remain

Yours very respectfully,
[signature]
State Superintendent.

* * * * *

THE WONDERFUL SINGER PIANOS

HONESTLY
CONSTRUCTED

TONE QUALITY DURABILITY

MANDOLIN EFFECTS PRODUCED AT WILL

SINGER PIANO CO. COR. JACKSON ST. & WABASH AVE. CHICAGO

Please mention "BIRDS" when you write to Advertisers.

HERO BICYCLE MODEL FOR BOYS Diamond or
1897 OR GIRLS Drop Frame

GIVEN TO SUBSCRIBERS FOR "BIRDS." WRITE FOR PARTICULARS.

20-INCH WHEELS FOR 30 SUBSCRIBERS

24-INCH WHEELS FOR 35 SUBSCRIBERS

26-INCH WHEELS FOR 40 SUBSCRIBERS

These Wheels are made by a responsible firm and are guaranteed by the Home Rattan Co. Very best of material used throughout in the construction.

The Crown Fountain Pen.

AWARDED TWO MEDALS AND FOUR DIPLOMAS AT WORLD'S FAIR, CHICAGO, 1893.

The Pen is of Solid Gold and the Workmanship One of is of the These Pens BEST Price $2.25 Throughout. Given Away with Three Yearly Subscriptions to "BIRDS"

ADDRESS ...
NATURE STUDY PUBLISHING CO.
FISHER BUILDING, CHICAGO, ILL.

Please mention "BIRDS" when you write to Advertisers.

THE AMERICAN COLLEGE of ORATORY and ELOCUTION

is the best place to prepare to become public speakers and entertainers. A course of #32 Evening Lessons for $5.00#. Saturday class, 24 lessons, beginning at 1:30 p.m., only $8.00. #Regular Day Instruction $12.50 per month.#

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#Stammering# and defective speech cured.

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MODERN METHODS AND
POPULAR PRICES

is our motto. Prepare for contests at the American. Diplomas granted and prizes awarded. Public recitals each month. Call or address,