The thoughtless child makes the selfish man or woman, and selfishness
lies at the root of crime.

"Evil is wrought by want of thought
As well as want of heart."

Children have tender hearts and quick sensibilities, but they sometimes
lack imagination and sympathy through their ignorance of actual
conditions. They are easily influenced by one whom they love and
respect, and the teacher's power to make the world better by pointing
out the great duty of humanity should find more scope than it has done
in our educational systems.

"The humane movement is a broad one, reaching from humane treatment of
animals on the one hand to peace with all nations on the other. It
implies a step beyond animal's rights. It implies character building.
Society first said that needless suffering should be prevented; society
now says that children must not be permitted to cause pain because of
the effect on the children themselves."

Mr. Frank M. Chapman has kindly written for the book the chapters on
"Our Friends the Birds," "Feathered Travelers," "When the Birds Return,"
"Birds' Homes," and "The Robin."

Through the courtesy of Messrs. Houghton Mifflin Company several poems
by Celia Thaxter and others have been used. The publications of the
English Humanitarian League, especially the pamphlets by Mrs. Florence
H. Suckling and some of the writings of Miss Edith Carrington, have
proved helpful and suggestive. The compiler has had the assistance of
Mrs. Charles A. Lane in editing and preparing material.