ks; over 300 pages
in all. Agents wanted.

#Charles H. Kerr & Company, Publishers,
56 Fifth Ave., Chicago.#

Buy Only the Best Presents for Children.
THE FINEST BLACKBOARD MADE.

IMPROVED

[Illustration]

Indispensable as an element for the general
education of the children. This is not a toy,
but an Educator for the home. Contains Sixteen
Lessons on heavy cardboard: Writing, Drawing,
Marking-letters, Music, Animal Forms, etc.
Frame made of oak, 4 feet high and 2 feet wide.
The Board is reversible and can be used on both
sides. Has a desk attachment for writing.
Weighs 10 pounds, packed for shipment.

Price $3.50 Agents Wanted.
Send for Agents Prices.

THE VAN-BENSON COMPANY,
84 Adams Street, CHICAGO, U.S.A.

"THE QUEEN" WOOD'S KITCHEN
CABINET.

[Illustration]

Has drawers for Linen, Spices, etc.
Receptacles for different kinds of Flour.

#A Necessity. Price only $10.#

THE QUEEN CABINET COMPANY,
Dept. ----, 212 Monroe St., CHICAGO.

Descriptive matter mailed free to any address
on request.

Please mention "BIRDS" when you write to Advertisers.

* * * * *

BIRDS

A MONTHLY

ILLUSTRATED BY
COLOR PHOTOGRAPHY

[Illustration: AMERICAN BLUE JAY.]

NATURE STUDY PUBLISHING COMPANY
OFFICE: FISHER BUILDING

[Illustration: AMERICAN BLUE JAY.]

THE BLUE JAY.

During about three-fourths of the year the American Jay is an extremely
tame, noisy and even obstrusive bird in its habits. As the breeding
season approaches he suddenly becomes silent, preparing the nest in
the most secluded parts of his native forests, and exercising all his
cunning to keep it concealed. He is omniverous but is especially fond
of eggs and young birds. The Jay may be regarded as eminently injurious
though in spring he consumes a number of insects to atone for his sins
of stealing fruit and berries in autumn. He is a professional nest
robber, and other birds are as watchful of him as is a mother of her
babe. He glides through the foliage of the trees so swiftly and
noiselessly that his presence is scarcely suspected until he has
committed some depredation. The Robin is his most wary foe, and when
the Jay is found near his nest will pursue him and drive him from the
neighborhood. He is as brave as he is active, howev