The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1896-12-01
HAVEN FOR THE BIRDS.
Unique Plan Inaugurated to Protect
Little Feathered Pets.

Chicago Times Herald.
Evanston is 10 be the paradise OF
birds, When the feathered songsters
return In the spring the chivalrous
youth OF the suburb will greet them
with hands filled with nourishlng seeds
instead OF deadly pebbles. The birds
may build their nests In the lowest
branches OF the trees without fear that
larcenous fingers viii rob them OF their
young. Even the English sparrow will
be spared. Likewise the frislNy squirrel
may whisk its tail and stand upright
without being disturbed.
This elyslum OF the defenseless little
creatures was created last night by
Evanston's board OF education, which
set apart day TO be observed by the
schools OF the suburb. to be known as
bird day" Volney w. Foster Is en-
titled to the credit OF suggesting that
such day be set apart. but the teach
ers OF Evanston have given special
attention at appropriate seasons In call
ing the attention Of the children to the
advisabllity OF protecting birds. Bird
day" is designed to emphasize this
thought and awaken in the minds Of
the school boys a feeling Of tenderness
and regard for the warblers Beyond
all that, II is hoped to create and In
tensify a sentiment among children OF
protection for the weak. Not only
the birds but the squirrels as well are
TO be included In this effort 10 incul-
cate in the minds OF the young folk
a protective feeling for such helpless
creatures as by their presence add to
the charms Of nature.
Bird day" Is something novel. the
protection Of the feathered tride. except
under game laws, never before having
been attempted in this country. Squir-
rels have been better favored than their
feathered companions OF the forest. the
public places in hiladlphia-Indpend- !
ance Square. Logan Square and Fair |
mount Park-being fairly alive with |
NAN ANNAN haA~NA tAlhNAns III
Va. the children make as much pets
OF them as Of the little kittens at home. |
Court Square. Memphis. has myrlads OF |
these little animals, nesting by scores |
In all the great trees. The public has |
upon itself the expense Of
keeping them. No one. and especially |
a child, ever goes to the park without |
carrying q. bag Of peanuts. popcorn, or
some other food to the little public pets.
So familiar have they become that half
dozen at time will perch themselves
lpon the shoulders OF visitor, SEEM
ngly intent upon peruslng the newspa-
per or magazine he may be reading.
In the capitol grounds at Madison,
Wis, the squirrels take precedence over
itate legislators. The killing OF one
II these frisky little animals is sure 10
De followed by a fine.
In view Of the fact that SQUIRRELS
ave been so widely protected as spe-
'ial features OF our parks, the effort at
evanston to preserve the bright plu-
naged songsters Of the trees from
Iarm or destruction is worthy OF emu
alton in other places. Ruthless hands
ave been too long raised against the
ongsters. 1t Is planned on bird day"
o have appropriate exercises in the
chools. Addresses will be delivered
,dapted to the different grades of pu-
Ills. Recitations will be given by the
hildren on subjects in keeping with the
ccasion. Lessons will be taught as
o the various species Of birds, their
lumage, their habits, and their care
4 their young. Thus bird day" will
e educational.
The cituzens OF Evanston are in har-
1ony with the board Of education in
his matter The city council will be q
sked to contribute toward the build
1g OF little houses for the birds and
quirrels. Already some OF the residents
ave protected the birds by building A
IN collars around the trunks of trees
ir. Foster having inaugurated the
IAN On these collars seeds are placed.
ne birds Will soon know that Evans-
On Is good place TO visit, and that
lburb will ring with song when the
tile musicians communicate with one
mother in their own language what the
ood people have done for them.
Bird day Will be in the early spring,
nesting time. Then the lessons OF
'rbearance for and care Of the feath-