Chapter II: Part 2

The only time that he is noisy is when his young are in danger. Then he is as active as any of them.

A Wood Thrush's nest is very much like a Robin's. It is made of leaves, rootlets and fine twigs woven together with an inner wall of mud, and lined with fine rootlets.

The eggs, three to five, are much like the Robin's.

Compare the picture of the Wood Thrush with that of the Robin or Brown Thrush and see which you think is the prettiest.

THE AMERICAN CATBIRD.

The Catbird derives his name from a fancied resemblance of some of his notes to the mew of the domestic cat. He is a native of America, and is one of the most familiarly known of our famous songsters. He is a true thrush, and is one of the most affectionate of our birds. Wilson has well described his nature, as follows:

"In passing through the woods in summer I have sometimes amused myself with imitating the violent chirping or clucking of young birds, in order to observe what different species were round me; for such sounds at such a season in the woods are no less alarming to the feathered tenants of the bushes than the cry of fire or murder in the street is to the inhabitants of a large city. On such occasion of alarm and consternation, the Catbird is first to make his appearance, not single but sometimes half a dozen at a time, flying from different quarters to the spot. At this time those who are disposed to play on his feelings may almost throw him into a fit, his emotion and agitation are so great at what he supposes to be the distressful cries of his young. He hurries backward and forward, with hanging wings, open mouth, calling out louder and faster, and actually screaming with distress, until he appears hoarse with his exertions. He attempts no offensive means, but he wails, he implores, in the most pathetic terms with which nature has supplied him, and with an agony of feeling which is truly affecting. At any other season the most perfect imitations have no effect whatever on him."

The Catbird is a courageous little creature, and in defense of its young it is so bold that it will contrive to drive away any snake that may approach its nest, snakes being its special aversion. His voice is mellow and rich, and is a compound of many of the gentle trills and sweet undulations of our various woodland choristers, delivered with apparent caution, and with all the attention and softness necessary to enable the performer to please the ear of his mate. Each cadence passes on without faltering and you are sure to recognize the song he so sweetly imitates. While they are are all good singers, occasionally there is one which excels all his neighbors, as is frequently the case among canaries.

The Catbird builds in syringa bushes, and other shrubs. In New England he is best known as a garden bird. Mabel Osgood Wright, in "Birdcraft," says: "I have found it nesting in all sorts of places, from an alder bush, overhanging a lonely brook, to a scrub apple in an open field, never in deep woods, and it is only in its garden home, and in the hedging bushes of an adjoining field, that it develops its best qualities--'lets itself out,' so to speak. The Catbirds in the garden are so tame that they will frequently perch on the edge of the hammock in which I am sitting, and when I move they only hop away a few feet with a little flutter. The male is undoubtedly a mocker, when he so desires, but he has an individual and most delightful song, filled with unexpected turns and buoyant melody."

THE CATBIRD.

What do you think of this nest of eggs? What do you suppose Mrs. Catbird's thoughts are as she looks at them so tenderly? Don't you think she was very kind to let me take the nest out of the hedge where I found it, so you could see the pretty greenish blue eggs? I shall place it back where I got it. Catbirds usually build their nests in hedges, briars, or bushes, so they are never very high from the ground.

Did you ever hear the Catbird sing? He is one of the sweetest singers and his song is something like his cousin's, the Brown Thrush, only not so loud.

He can imitate the songs of other birds and the sounds of many animals. He can _mew_ like a cat, and it is for this reason that he is called "Catbird." His sweetest song, though, is soft and mellow and is sung at just such times as this--when thinking of the nest, the eggs, or the young.

The Catbird is a good neighbor among birds. If any other bird is in trouble of any sort, he will do all he can to relieve it. He will even feed and care for little birds whose parents have left them. Don't you think he ought to have a prettier name? Now remember, the Catbird is a Thrush. I want you to keep track of all the Thrushes as they appear in "BIRDS." I shall try to show you a Thrush each month.

Next month you shall see the sweetest singer of American birds. He, too, is a Thrush. I wonder if you know what bird I mean. Ask your mamma to buy you a book called "Bird Ways." It was written by a lady who spent years watching and studying birds. She tells so many cute things about the Catbird.

* * * * *

#Amateur Photography.#

Amateur Photography is the most delightful pastime one can indulge in. Aside from the pleasure and amusement derived, it cultivates the artistic taste, the love of nature, is a source of instruction, and may be made to serve many useful purposes. The "Dexter" is small, neat and compact. Makes pictures 3-1/2x3-1/2 inches square and will produce portraits, landscapes, groups, interiors or flashlights equally as well as many higher priced cameras. Will carry three double plate holders with a capacity of six dry plates. Each camera is covered with black morocco grain leather, also provided with a brilliant finder for snap shot work. Has a Bausch & Lomb single acromatic lens of wonderful depth and definition and a compound time and instantaneous shutter which is a marvel of ingenuity. A separate button is provided for time and instantaneous work so that a twist of a button or pulling of a lever is not necessary as in most cameras. A tripod socket is also provided so that it can be used for hand or tripod work as desired. All complicated adjustments have been dispensed with so that the instrument can be manipulated with ease by the youngest amateur. Full and explicit instructions are sent with each camera. Send _#5c stamps#_ for sample picture and descriptive circulars.

#The "Dexter" Camera.# Sent to any address in U.S. or Canada upon receipt of #$4.00.# Send by P. O. Money Order or Express Order.

_#SEARS JEWELRY CO., General Agents,#_
225 Dearborn St., Chicago, Ill.
Manufacturers, Importers and Dealers in
Jewelry, Watches, Diamonds and Novelties.

Sole Agents for the South African Off-Color Diamonds,
($3.00 per carat, unmounted), and
Manufacturers Agents and Introducers of Novelties
to the trade and street men.

#TEACHERS' CO-OPERATIVE ASSOCIATION.#
#101 Auditorium Building, CHICAGO, ILL.#

Positions filled, 3,700. Seeks Teachers ambitious for
advancement, rather than those without positions.

CAMERAS #Martin G. Good#
KODAKS Photographic
AND Supplies
Chemicals
AMATEUR
HEADQUARTERS
Developing and Printing
_Mail orders solicited_

STEWART BUILDING
N.W. Cor. State and Washington Sts.
92 State St. CHICAGO

#EARN A BICYCLE#
#600 Second Hand Wheels.#
_All Makes._ GOOD AS NEW. $5 to $15.
New High Grade '96 models,
fully guaranteed, $17 to $25.
#_Special Clearing Sale._#
Ship anywhere on approval.

We will give a responsible agent in each town
FREE USE of sample wheel to introduce them. Our
reputation is well known throughout the country.

#Write at once for our special offer.#
#P. R. MEAD & PRENTISS, Chicago, Ill.#

#ILLINOIS MEDICAL COLLEGE.#
_The Chicago Summer School of Medicine._

#_Co-Educational._# Incorporated by the State of Illinois.
Sessions open early in March, and last six months. For
information, address,
R. N. HALL, M. D., President,
J. J. M. ANGEAR, A. M., M. D., Treasurer,
H. H. BROWN, M. D., Secretary, or
W. F. WAUGH, A. M., M. D., Dean.
#_103 State St., Chicago._#

EASY TOUCH, UNIFORM WORK,

NO END OF GOOD POINTS
ABOUT THE SMITH PREMIER

"IMPROVEMENT
THE ORDER OF THE AGE."

DURABILITY, BEAUTY OF DESIGN.

In Improvements--The Leader.
In Construction--Mechanically Correct.
In Operation--Simple and Satisfactory.

SEND FOR PREMIER NEW PICTORIAL CATALOGUE.

#The Smith Premier Typewriter Co.#
SYRACUSE, N. Y., U. S. A.

Branch Offices in 42 Principal Cities in the
United States and England.

_CHICAGO OFFICE, 154 MONROE ST._

#NO SHADED LETTERS!# #NO WORD SIGNS!#
STIDGER'S SHORTHAND. Shortest, Easiest, Quickest Learned, and
Most Rapidly Written System in the world. #Learned in one month.#
STIDGER, 184 Dearborn St. Chicago. Taught by mail. Send for circular.

#The Whitely Exerciser.#
#_For Health,_#
#_Strength, and_#
#_Beauty._#
Send for illustrated pamphlet.
Complete machine, prepaid, #_$3.00_#.

#WHITELY EXERCISER CO.#
154 Lake St., CHICAGO.

#At 1/4 Price# Gold and Silver Watches, Bicycles,
Tricycles, Guns and Pistols, Carts,
Buggies, Wagons, Carriages, Safes,
Sleighs, Harness, Cart Tops, Skids,

Sewing Machines, Accordeons, Organs, Pianos, Cider Mills,
Cash Drawers, Feed Mills, Stoves, Kettles, Bone Mills,
Letter Presses, Jack Screws, Trucks, Anvils, Hay Cutters,
Press Stands, Copy Books, Vises, Drills, Road Plows,
Lawn Mowers, Coffee Mills, Lathes, Benders, Dump Carts,
Corn Shellers, Hand Carts, Forges, Scrapers, Wire Fence,
Fanning Mills, Wringers, Engines, Saws, Steel Sinks,
Grain Dumps, Crow Bars, Boilers, Tools, Bit Braces,
Hay, Stock, Elevator, Railroad, Platform and Counter SCALES.

Send for free Catalogue and see how to save Money.
152 So. Jefferson St., CHICAGO SCALE CO., Chicago, Ill.

#_PRICE $8.90._#

#_Now is your Opportunity._#

Regular size, finest quality. Full 14-karat gold filled,
20 year case, fitted with Elgin or Waltham gilded works;
#_full jeweled_# top plate, and all modern improvements;
hunting cases; stem wind and stem set. An elegant and
reliable time-keeper at a low price. Guaranteed for 20
years in every particular.

Sent C. O. D. subject to examination on receipt of 50 cents,
which amount will be deducted from your bill.

#_LUCKY PIN_#
#_Gold or Oxidized Silver_#,
with Emerald or Ruby Eyes. Perfect imitation of
Skull and Crossbones. Very popular. Sells at sight.
Special terms to agents.

Sample by mail, 25 cents.

Send for catalogue of Jewelry, Watches, Novelties, Etc.

#CULLEN & LAWRENCE,#
#225 Dearborn Street,#
#CHICAGO, ILL.#

Please mention "BIRDS" when you write to Advertisers.

#MONARCH#

#THE LADIES FAVORITE#

#"RIDE A MONARCH AND KEEP IN FRONT."#

#MONARCH CYCLE MFG CO.# #CHICAGO∑NEW YORK∑LONDON#

Please mention "BIRDS" when you write to Advertisers.

Summer Excursion Tickets to the resorts of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Colorado, California, Montana, Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia; also to Alaska, Japan, China, and all Trans-Pacific Points, are now on sale by the CHICAGO, MILWAUKEE & ST. PAUL RAILWAY. Full and reliable information can be had by applying to Mr. C. N. SOUTHER, Ticket Agent, 95 Adams Street, Chicago.

#THE# ...
#"BIRD"#

#_$75.00_#

_Or Ninety Subscriptions to "Birds."_

DIAMOND OR DROP FRAME.

This wheel is made especially for the Nature Study Publishing Co., to be used as a premium. It is unique in design, of material the best, of workmanship unexcelled. No other wheel on the market can compare favorably with it for less than $100.00.

#SPECIFICATIONS FOR 1897 "BIRD" BICYCLE.#

#_Frame._#--Diamond pattern; cold-drawn seamless steel tubing; 1-1/8 inch tubing in the quadrangle with the exception of the head, which is 1-1/4 inch. Height, 23, 24, 25 and 26 inches. Rear triangle 3/4 inch tubing in the lower and upright bars. #_Frame Parts._#--Steel drop forgings, strongly reinforced connections. #_Forks._#--Seamless steel fork sides, gracefully curved and mechanically reinforced. #_Steering Head._#--9, 11 and 13 inches long, 1-1/4 inches diameter. #_Handle Bar._#--Cold-drawn, weldless steel tubing, 7/8 inch in diameter, ram's horn, upright or reversible, adapted to two positions. #_Handles._#--Cork or corkaline; black, maroon or bright tips. #_Wheels._#--28 inch, front and rear. #_Wheel Base._#--43 inches. #_Rims._#--Olds or Plymouth. #_Tires._#--Morgan & Wright, Vim, or Hartford. #_Spokes._#--Swaged, Excelsior Needle Co.'s best quality; 28 in front and 32 in rear wheel. #_Cranks._#--Special steel, round and tapered; 6-1/2 inch throw. #_Pedals._#--Brandenburg; others on order. #_Chain._#--1/4 inch, solid link, with hardened rivet steel centers. #_Saddle._#--Black, attractive and comfortable; our own make. #_Saddle Post._#--Adjustable, style "T." #_Tread._#--4-7/8 inches. #_Sprocket Wheels._#--Steel drop forgings, hardened. #_Gear._#--68 regular; other gears furnished if so desired. #_Bearings._#--Made of the best selected high-grade tool steel, carefully ground to a finish after tempering, and thoroughly dust-proof. All cups are screwed into hubs and crank hangers. #_Hubs._#--Large tubular hubs, made from a solid bar of steel. #_Furnishing._#--Tool-bag, wrench, oiler, pump and repair kit. #_Tool Bags._#--In black or tan leather, as may be preferred. Handle bar, hubs, sprocket wheels, cranks, pedals, seat post, spokes, screws, nuts and washers, nickel plated over copper; remainder enameled. #_Weight._#--22 and 24 pounds.

#_Send for Specifications for Diamond Frame._#

#OTHER PREMIUMS OFFERED.#

"Bird" Wheel No. 2, '97 model,
Price $60.00, given for 70 subscriptions to "Birds."

Boys' "Bird" or Girls' "Bird," '97 model,
Price $45.00, given for 50 subscriptions to "Birds."

The Monarch '97 Model Bicycle,
Price $100.00, given for 150 subscriptions to "Birds."

The Racycle, Narrow Tread, '97 model,
Price $100.00, given for 150 subscriptions to "Birds."

#THE ...#
#"DEXTER"#
#CAMERA.#

Produces portraits, landscapes, groups and flashlights better than many higher priced instruments. It will hold three double plate holder with a capacity of six dry plates. It is covered with black morocco grain leather, and provided with finder. Send for full description. Price $4.00, or eight subscriptions to "Birds."

#_Photake Camera._# Pictures 2 x 2, portraits, landscapes, flashlight. Price $2.50, or six subscriptions to "Birds."

The "Lakeside" Tennis Racket. Price $4.00, or nine subscriptions to "Birds."

The "Greenwood" Tennis Racket. Price $3.30, or seven subscriptions to "Birds."

The Crown Fountain Pen,
Price $2.25, given for three subscriptions to "Birds."

The Stay-Lit Bicycle Lamp,
Price $2.50, given for five subscriptions to "Birds."

Youth's Companion and Reversible Blackboard,
Price $3.50, given for eight subscriptions to "Birds."

Webster's International Dictionary--sheep--indexed,
Price $10.75, twenty annual subscriptions to "Birds."

Oxford Bibles,
Prices $3.70 to $10.70, given for seven to twenty annual
subscriptions to "Birds."

The Twentieth Century Library,
Price, each $1.00, given for two annual subscriptions to "Birds."

Tuxedo Edition of Poets,
Price, each $1.00, given for two annual subscriptions to "Birds."

The Story of the Birds, 12mo., cloth,
Price 65c, given for three annual subscriptions to "Birds."

We call special attention to The Story of the Birds, by James Newton Baskett, M. A., as an interesting book to be read in connection with our magazine, "BIRDS." It is well written and finely illustrated. Persons interested in Bird Day should have one of these books. We can furnish nearly any book of the Poets or Fiction or School Books as premiums to "BIRDS." We can furnish almost any article on the market as premiums for subscriptions to "BIRDS," either fancy or sporting goods, musical instruments, including high-grade pianos, or any book published in this country. We will gladly quote price or number of subscriptions necessary.

#_NATURE STUDY PUBLISHING CO._#

Agents Wanted in every Town and City to represent "BIRDS." _CHICAGO._

#Premiums given for Subscriptions for "Birds."#

#_"The Quad" Camera_#
_Known the world around_

Takes pictures 3-1/2 x 3-1/2 inches. Has the simplest action.
Is easy to handle. Quickest to reload. Uses glass plates. Never
gets out of order. Neat and durable.
#_Given for 9 Subscriptions for "Birds,"_#
or sold on receipt of price. Anyone can secure nine subscriptions
for our beautiful magazine.

#_The Odorless Standard Cycle Lamp_#
#_"The Lamp of the Season"_#

None better. Highly finished. Hand-ground Lens. Perfect Reflector. Burns
benzine or kerosene. Filled from the outside. "Outshines them all," and
always stays lit.

Who can't get five acquaintances to take "Birds" for one year at $1.50?

We give below a list of publications, especially fine, to be read in
connection with our new magazine, and shall be glad to supply them at
the price indicated, or as premiums for subscriptions for "Birds."

"Birds Through an Opera Glass" 75c. or 2 subscriptions.
"Bird Ways" 60c. " 2 "
"In Nesting Time" $1.25 " 3 "
"A Bird Lover of the West" 1.25 " 3 "
"Upon the Tree Tops" 1.25 " 3 "
"Wake Robin" 1.00 " 3 "
"Birds in the Bush" 1.25 " 3 "
"A-Birding on a Bronco" 1.25 " 3 "
"Land Birds and Game Birds of New England" 3.50 " 8 "
"Birds and Poets" 1.25 " 3 "
"Bird Craft" 3.00 " 7 "
"The Story of the Birds" .65 " 2 "
"Hand Book of Birds of Eastern North America" 3.00 " 7 "

See our notice on another page concerning Bicycles. Our "Bird" Wheel
is one of the best on the market--as neat and attractive as "Birds."

We shall be glad to quote a special price for teachers or clubs.

We can furnish any article or book as premium for subscriptions for
"Birds."

Address,
#_Nature Study Publishing Co. Chicago, Ill._#

#Nature Study Publishing Company.#

The Nature Study Publishing Company is a corporation of educators and business men organized to furnish correct reproductions of the colors and forms of nature to families, schools, and scientists. Having secured the services of artists who have succeeded in photographing and reproducing objects in their natural colors, by a process whose principles are well known but in which many of the details are held secret, we obtained a charter from the Secretary of State in November, 1896, and began at once the preparation of photographic color plates for a series of pictures of birds.

The first product was the January number of "BIRDS," a monthly magazine, containing ten plates with descriptions in popular language, avoiding as far as possible scientific and technical terms. Knowing the interest children have in our work, we have included in each number a few pages of easy text pertaining to the illustrations. These are usually set facing the plates to heighten the pleasure of the little folks as they read.

Casually noticed, the magazine may appear to be a children's publication because of the placing of this juvenile text. But such is not the case. Those scientists who cherish with delight the famous handiwork of Audubon are no less enthusiastic over these beautiful pictures which are painted by the delicate and scientifically accurate fingers of Light itself. These reproductions are true. There is no imagination in them nor conventionalism. In the presence of their absolute truth any written description or work of human hands shrinks into insignificance. The scientific value of these photographs can not be estimated.

To establish a great magazine with a world-wide circulation is no light undertaking. We have been steadily and successfully working towards that end. Delays have been unavoidable. What was effective for the production of a limited number of copies was inadequate as our orders increased. The very success of the enterprise has sometimes impeded our progress. Ten hundred teachers in Chicago paid subscriptions in ten days. Boards of Education are subscribing in hundred lots. Improvements in the process have been made in almost every number, and we are now assured of a brilliant and useful future.

When "BIRDS" has won its proper place in public favor we shall be prepared to issue a similar serial on other natural objects, and look for an equally cordial reception for it.

#PREMIUMS.#

To teachers we give duplicates of all the pictures on separate sheets for use in teaching or for decoration.

To other subscribers we give a color photograph of one of the most gorgeous birds, the Golden Pheasant.

Subscriptions, $1.50 a year including one premium. Those wishing both premiums may receive them and a year's subscription for $2.00.

We have just completed an edition of 50,000 back numbers to accommodate those who wish their subscriptions to date back to January, 1897, the first number.

We will furnish the first volume, January to June inclusive, well bound in cloth, postage paid, for $1.25. In Morocco, $2.25.

#AGENTS.#

10,000 agents are wanted to travel or solicit at home.

We have prepared a fine list of desirable premiums for clubs which any popular adult or child can easily form. Your friends will thank you for showing them the magazine and offering to send their money. The work of getting subscribers among acquaintances is easy and delightful. Agents can do well selling the bound volume. Vol. 1 is the best possible present for a young person or for anyone specially interested in nature.

Teachers and others meeting them at institutes do well as our agents. The magazine sells to teachers better than any other publication because they can use the extra plates for decoration, language work, nature study, and individual occupation.

NATURE STUDY PUBLISHING COMPANY,
277 Dearborn Street, CHICAGO.

#OUR PREMIUMS#

The Golden Pheasant, a picture of wonderful beauty, almost life-size, in a natural scene, plate 13 x 18 inches, on card 19 x 25 inches, is given to Annual Subscribers. The price on this picture in art stores is $3.50.

Instead of the GOLDEN PHEASANT, teachers who prefer may have duplicate pictures of each bird each month, on a separate sheet, to use in the school-room.

#BIRDS Volume I.#

#JANUARY TO JUNE, 1897#
#READY JUNE 15th#

Contains sixty full-page magnificent illustrations of beautiful birds and one hundred pages of popular text, adapted to old and young.

Bound in a durable and attractive form.

Illustrations made by Color Photography--the only book in the world thus illustrated.

For Sale by all Newsdealers and Booksellers, and by Subscription.

CLOTH, $1.25

MOROCCO, 2.25

Sent by mail to any address in the United States or Canada on receipt of price or three annual subscriptions to BIRDS for cloth binding or five for morocco.

Address Mail Orders to
#Nature Study Publishing Co.,#
#CHICAGO, ILL.#