Transcriber's Note: A couple of unusual spellings in the "ads" have been left as printed. * * * * * 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. * * * * * Chicago, Indianapolis & Louisville Ry. THE +-----------------+ | #MONON ROUTE# | +-----------------+ PROVIDES FOR ITS PATRONS Every Accommodation and Comfort Known to Modern Railroading Luxurious Parlor and Dining Cars by Day Palace Buffet Sleeping Cars by Night SOLID VESTIBULED TRAINS DAILY BETWEEN CHICAGO INDIANAPOLIS ALL POINTS CINCINNATI AND SOUTH LOUISVILLE FAST TRAINS, ALWAYS ON TIME, AND FEW STOPS Illuminated by Pintsch Light Stop over at Mammoth Cave on the way to Chattanooga, or to the NASHVILLE CENTENNIAL ONLY LINE TO THE FAMOUS HEALTH RESORTS West Baden and French Lick Springs "THE CARLSBAD OF AMERICA" HOTELS OPEN THE YEAR ROUND +--------------------------------+ | THROUGH SLEEPERS DAILY | | FROM CHICAGO | | TO WASHINGTON AND BALTIMORE. | +--------------------------------+ W. H. McDOEL, Vice-Pres't and Gen'l Manager. CHAS. H. ROCKWELL, Traffic Manager. FRANK J. REED, Gen'l Passenger Agent. GENERAL OFFICES: 198 Custom House Place, CHICAGO. Please mention "BIRDS" when you write to advertisers. +----------------------------+ | #A. REED & SONS PIANOS.# | +----------------------------+