E-text prepared by Chris Curnow, Joseph Cooper, Anne Storer, and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net). Some images were generously provided by Internet Archive (http://www.archive.org). Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this file which includes the original lovely illustrations. See 30626-h.htm or 30626-h.zip: (https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/30626/pg30626-images.html) or (https://www.gutenberg.org/files/30626/30626-h.zip) Transcriber's note: Title added. BIRDS. ILLUSTRATED BY COLOR PHOTOGRAPHY ================================ VOL. I. FEBRUARY 1897 NO. 2 ================================ * * * * * FROM: THE PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION. _STATE OF NEW YORK_ _Department of Public Instruction_ _SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE_ _Albany_ December 26, 1896. [Illustration: (seal)] _Stenographic Letter_ Dictated by __________ W. E. Watt, President &c., Fisher Building, 277 Dearborn St., Chicago, Ill. My dear Sir: Please accept my thanks for a copy of the first publication of "Birds." Please enter my name as a regular subscriber. It is one of the most beautiful and interesting publications yet attempted in this direction. It has other attractions in addition to its beauty, and it must win its way to popular favor. Wishing the handsome little magazine abundant prosperity, I remain Yours very respectfully, [signature] State Superintendent. * * * * * THE WONDERFUL SINGER PIANOS HONESTLY CONSTRUCTED TONE QUALITY DURABILITY MANDOLIN EFFECTS PRODUCED AT WILL SINGER PIANO CO. COR. JACKSON ST. & WABASH AVE. CHICAGO Please mention "BIRDS" when you write to Advertisers. HERO BICYCLE MODEL FOR BOYS Diamond or 1897 OR GIRLS Drop Frame GIVEN TO SUBSCRIBERS FOR "BIRDS." WRITE FOR PARTICULARS. 20-INCH WHEELS FOR 30 SUBSCRIBERS 24-INCH [Illustration: IT'S A BEAUTY!] WHEELS FOR 35 SUBSCRIBERS 26-INCH WHEELS FOR 40 SUBSCRIBERS These Wheels are made by a responsible firm and are guaranteed by the Home Rattan Co. Very best of material used throughout in the construction. The Crown Fountain Pen. AWARDED TWO MEDALS AND FOUR DIPLOMAS AT WORLD'S FAIR, CHICAGO, 1893.