t emblems
of freedom.

They are withal, very intelligent and have many remarkable traits,
so that their habits and characteristics make a delightful study
for all lovers of nature. In view of the facts, we feel that we are
doing a useful work for the young, and one that will be appreciated by
progressive parents, in placing within the easy possession of children
in the homes these beautiful photographs of birds.

The text is prepared with the view of giving the children as clear an
idea as possible, of haunts, habits, characteristics and such other
information as will lead them to love the birds and delight in their
study and acquaintance.

NATURE STUDY PUBLISHING CO.
Copyrighted, 1896.

* * * * *

[Illustration: NONPAREIL.]

THE NONPAREIL.

I am called the Nonpareil because there is no other bird equal to me.

I have many names. Some call me the "Painted Finch" or "Painted
Bunting." Others call me "The Pope," because I wear a purple hood.

I live in a cage, eat seeds, and am very fond of flies and spiders.

Sometimes they let me out of the cage and I fly about the room and catch
flies. I like to catch them while they are flying.

When I am tired I stop and sing. There is a vase of flowers in front of
the mirror.

I fly to this vase where I can see myself in the glass. Then I sing as
loud as I can. They like to hear me sing.

I take a bath every day and how I do make the water fly!

I used to live in the woods where there were many birds like me. We
built our nests in bushes, hedges, and low trees. How happy we were.

My cage is pretty but I wish I could go back to my home in the woods.

See page 15.

"Sweet warblers of the sunny hours,
Forever on the wing,
I love thee as I love the flowers,
The sunlight and the spring.

They come like pleasant memories
In summer's joyous time,
And sing their gushing melodies,
As I would sing a rhyme.

In the green and quiet places,
Where the golden sunlight falls,
We sit with smiling faces
To list their silver calls.

And when their holy anthems
Come pealing through the air,
Our hearts leap forth to meet them
With a blessing and a prayer.

Amid the morning's fragrant dew,
Amid the mists of even,
They warble on as if they drew
Their music down from heaven.