  With this month’s issue I make my first bow to the Ornithologists and Oologists of America. I refrained from so doing in the first issue as I did not know at the time how my little journal would be received. But, as I have had so many encouraging words from my friends in every part of North America, I will now promise henceforth to give you the most reliable and best reading matter obtainable, and shall try my utmost to make this magazine a great help in the advancement of that most delightful branch of natural history—Ornithology and Oology. Trusting that my friends will be as well pleased with this and the following numbers, as with the first, I remain, Yours very sincerely, Edwin C. Davis. Easter comes this month, so don’t fail to look for the “rabbit” nests. Don’t fail to read the great offers to “club-getters” on the inside page of first cover leaf. Our “Exchange and Want” column is worth the price of a year’s subscription alone to subscribers, in helping them make exchanges. We will stick to our first promise; that is, we will enlarge our paper as soon as we are convinced it will pay us. So do not delay, but subscribe at once. The price is only 50 cents per year. What do you think of the appearance of “our” little journal this month? Don’t you think you have been fully repaid already for the small amount invested—fifty cents—for a year’s subscription? Collectors look for the nests of the crow, chickadee, nuthatch and hawk this month. You will find the chickadee’s and nuthatche’s the latter part of the month, while the hawks and crows breed earlier. Two Canvas-back ducks were killed near Gainesville, Tex. on the 22nd of February. They were very handsome specimens, and a rare avis in this section. They were the first I think ever seen in this county. The article written by Mr. Harry G. Parker, entitled “Pennsylvania Birds,” is one of great value to Oologists (old and young) in Pennsylvania and adjacent states, as it gives the correct nesting seasons of birds found in that locality, and also tells the nature of country in which their nests are found. This article was compiled for the editor as a special favor, by Mr. Parker in October last. We are more than pleased with the number of subscribers received since our last issue, and in return for your promptness shall promise to give a year’s subscriptions worth of valuable information in each succeeding issue. What has become of the “Standard Directory” to be published by A. E. Southworth & Co., of Woodstock. Ill’s., and to appear January 10th, 1886? We have heard several complaints of its non-appearance. Echo answers. Go! Get thee to work!! You have only one more month to compete for premiums offered (on the inside of front cover page) to club-getters. So go to work at once, and perhaps you will be the one to carry off the “pie.” Don’t wait one moment, but “make hay while the sun shines.” We had a very pleasant call from Dr. F. L. Yoakum, of Tyler, Texas, one of the leading scientists of the state. His stay was short, but exceedingly interesting. When visiting our city again we shall be pleased to have him call, as he will be doubly welcomed. If all goes satisfactory this month, I will enlarge with the May number; also enlarge the subscription price. So do not wait, but subscribe at once, and you will save money. |
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