Page:Bird-lore Vol 01.djvu/280



BY MARION E. HUBBARD

Instructor in Zoology at Wellesley College

IRD study at Wellesley is a part of the course in general biology, and consists of field work, of lectures and of laboratory practice throughout the second half-year. Though, however, it is conducted by the department of zoology, and for the benefit of those students who elect that course, the lectures are open to a 11, and there exists throughout the college a genuine interest in the subject.

The facilities for this work at Wellesley are, for a college, unique. Lake, river and brook, grassy field and marshy meadow, deep wood and cultivated estate, orchard and clearing, hillside and swamp, make the situation singularly attractive, and tempt many birds of many kinds. Those which may easily be seen within a radius of half a mile from the main building number 89, and the list of those recorded within a radius of 8 miles includes 244. This wealth of material would justify the devoting of time to a pursuit so delightful in itself, were there no educational advantages involved. But when we remember that bird study has been demonstrated to be one of the best of fields for the training of that accurate obser- vation and that clear thinking which every beginner in scientific work must cultivate, the reason for its forming a part of a course on general biology is made clear.

Not less desirable than the mental training afforded by this pursuit is of course the cultivation of a spirit of friendliness and protection toward these 'brothers of the air.' All studies in natural history tend to develop in us the humane, but birds appeal so naturally and so powerfully to the gentler side of our natures that they need only be known to win love and protection. To interest women in living birds is the surest way to kill their interest in dead ones.

These, then, are the objects of the work, — the training of a quick and accurate eye, the developing of a thoughtful mind, and the rousing of a chivalrous spirit. And yet, while these aims con-