IT has become a universal custom to obtain and preserve the likenesses of one’s friends. Photographs are the most popular form of these likenesses, as they give the true exterior outlines and appearance, (except coloring) of the subjects. But how much more popular and useful does photography become, when it can be used as a means of securing plates from which to print photographs in a regular printing press, and, what is more astonishing and delightful, to produce the real colors of nature as shown in the subject, no matter how brilliant or varied. We quote from the December number of the Ladies’ Home Journal: “An excellent suggestion was recently made by the Department of Agriculture at Washington that the public schools of the country shall have a new holiday, to be known as Bird Day. Three cities have already adopted the suggestion, and it is likely that others will quickly follow. Of course, Bird Day will differ from its successful predecessor, Arbor Day. We can plant trees but not birds. It is suggested that Bird Day take the form of bird exhibitions, of bird exercises, of bird studies—any form of entertainment, in fact, which will bring children closer to their little brethren of the air, and in more intelligent sympathy with their life and ways. There is a wonderful story in bird life, and but few of our children know it. Few of our elders do, for that matter. A whole day of a year can well and profitably be given over to the birds. Than such study, nothing can be more interesting. The cultivation of an intimate acquaintanceship with our feathered friends is a source of genuine pleasure. We are under greater obligations to the birds than we dream of. Without them the world would be more barren than we imagine. Consequently, we have some duties which we owe them. What these duties are only a few of us know or have ever taken the trouble to find out. Our children should not be allowed to grow to maturity without this knowledge. The more they know of the birds the better men and women they will be. We can hardly encourage such studies too much.” Of all animated nature, birds are the most beautiful in coloring, most graceful in form and action, swiftest in motion and most perfect 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.

SEPTEMBER. OUR KINSMAN. ON JEWELLED WINGS. THE BIRD AND THE MOUSE. A HAPPY FAMILY. THE DAMSEL FLY. FELDSPAR. THE WOOD HARMONY. THE COTTAGE BY THE WOOD. A NEW ARGYNNIS. BUTTERFLY. A PROLIFIC PEACH TREE STUMP. THE COWRIES AND SHELL MONEY. THE BIRD OF SUPERSTITION. THE WISCONSIN DELLS. MY SUMMER NIGHT. NASTURTIUMS.

Including the red-winged blackbird, painted bunting, wood duck, great blue heron, ruby-throated hummingbird, purple finch, and blue jay, 46 different species of birds from all parts of the United States are included in this book. The pictures have been faithfully redrawn by Paul E. Kennedy from originals by John James Aububon (1785-1851), the most famous American painter-naturalist. For each species, the caption supplies the modern common and scientific names and the current range (by general region). No distinction is made between breeding range and winter range. Only the area of the United States, exclusive of Alaska and Hawaii, is considered. The birds shown are usually adult males when the caption does not give the information on age and sex. Audubon's original plates, numbered to correspond to the pages of the book, have been reproduced in color on the covers. If you follow them, you will not only have a great deal of coloring pleasure, but you will also learn how to identify many important birds.

Do you know the difference between the ivory gull and the common poorwill? What about the northern pintail and the reddish egret? And how does an American flamingo get to be such a shocking pink? You might have heard the answers to these questions at some point -- but now there's a way to not only learn the facts but remember them too! You can color yourself smart! * Many memory experts agree that the best way to retain information is by using color and illustrations. In Color Yourself Smart: Birds of North America, you'll explore the world of our continent's winged creatures by coloring 52 illustrations of birds such as the black skimmer and the California condor. * As you fill in each amazing picture and read the fascinating bits of information that accompanies it, you'll gain a deeper understanding of bird behaviour, from breeding to feeding. You'll learn who has fast feet to catch rattlesnakes (the greater roadrunner) and whose sharp talons help him kill (the sharp-shinned hawk.) * Color Yourself Smart: Birds of North America contains 52 large illustrations of the birds of our continent, each with 10 corresponding facts to help you learn while you color. Twenty-five small detail illustrations offer even more in-depth looks at these fascinating flyers.* Each book comes with 8 Faber-Castell color pencils, a sharpener, and an eraser.

Before Audubon, there was Buffon’s Histoire naturelle, g�n�rale et particuli�re, originally published in thirty-six volumes between 1749 and 1778. All the World’s Birds comprises selections from the original, which explored all flora and fauna, and features the beautiful full color illustrations by Fran�ois-Nicolas Martinet. Now this seminal work appears in a handsome, slipcased edition which marks the first publication of Buffon’s writings in one volume with Martinet’s beautiful yet scientifically precise engravings, originally published separately. These wondrous eighteenth century depictions of birds are among the earliest scientific attempts to depict birds in all their detail, and these plates are a milestone in the development of ornithological art. This monumental volume is perfect for any bird lover.

A first look at the variety, roles, and sources of colors in birds, featuring photographs by the author and his son.