Birds and Nature, Vol. 08, No. 5, December 1900: Illustrated by Color Photography

In Short

This volume is a curated miscellany of natural history essays, poetry, and observations intended for general education at the turn of the twentieth century. Through detailed descriptions of birds, insects, and flora, the book seeks to cultivate a deeper respect for the environment. It persists as a time capsule, reflecting the late-Victorian fascination with cataloging the natural world through early color photography and earnest, descriptive prose. It remains a gentle, atmospheric read that invites a slower, more deliberate way of seeing the outdoors.

The Story

The volume opens with the turning of the seasons, as the poets and writers set a stage defined by the arrival of December. The narrative focus immediately shifts to the animal kingdom, beginning with the Western Horned Owl. The text provides a detailed portrait of this predator, acknowledging its reputation as a "grimalkin in feathers" while explaining its nesting habits and its complicated relationship with the farmers whose poultry yards it raids. From these nocturnal hunters, the focus moves to the long-crested jay, a bird noted for its lack of modesty and its bold, adventurous spirit in the Rocky Mountains.

The tone shifts from observation to storytelling as the book explores the lives of smaller creatures. We are treated to a whimsical account of a "bird concert" where Swifts and Hummingbirds discuss their shared reliance on human structures, such as chimneys and flower-beds, and debate the merits of their own physical traits. This leads into the microscopic drama of the insect world, where the Cecropia and Promethea moths are examined. The text details their life cycles, from the vulnerability of their eggs to the "imprisonment" of parasitic wasps within their cocoons. The narrative arc also incorporates the domestic and the familiar, sharing a childhood reminiscence of a favorite haunt—a deserted limestone quarry—where the author spent hours observing the interplay of birds and insects.

The collection then bridges the gap between observation and ethics. An argument is presented for the legislative protection of birds, advocating for a national campaign against the plumage trade. This appeal for stewardship is balanced by an analytical look at the survival strategies of the plant world. The focus turns to "carnivorous plants," such as the bladderwort and pitcher plant, which supplement their growth by trapping insects, and the medicinal uses of the may-apple. The volume concludes not with a final resolution of these natural puzzles, but with a reflection on the cycle of growth and the beauty of the landscape. It ends on a note of reverence, using the image of a white river-lily as a symbol of purity and quiet, natural endurance.

How It Unfolds

The seasonal transition The volume opens with poems by Helen Hunt Jackson and Walter Thornbury, setting a crisp, wintery tone that prepares the reader for a season of rest and reflection. These opening verses establish the book’s commitment to viewing nature through both a scientific and a lyrical lens.

The predatory subjects The text examines the lives of the Western Horned Owl and the long-crested jay, detailing their behaviors, diets, and reputations among naturalists. These essays provide a close look at the "sport and spoil" of the wild, contrasting the owl’s nocturnal silence with the jay’s boisterous, fillibuster-like personality.

The voices of the small A delightful, anthropomorphized story brings together Hummingbirds and Swifts, who debate the merits of their own anatomy and their complex dependence on human civilization. This section highlights the curiosity of the era, blending folk-like storytelling with genuine anatomical observation.

The struggle for survival The focus shifts to the lifecycle of moths and the intricate, often brutal, mechanics of carnivorous plants. These chapters provide a grounded, biological look at how organisms trap, digest, and persist in competitive ecosystems.

The call to conservation The book transitions into an urgent plea for legislative action to protect native bird species from the fashion-driven feather trade. It argues that public sentiment must be harnessed to enforce laws that will ensure the survival of these creatures for future generations.

The final reflection The volume concludes with observations on the may-apple and a lyrical poem about the river-lily. It leaves the reader with a sense of the quiet, enduring beauty of the natural world, suggesting that there is always more to be discovered.

The People

The book features a cast of contributors who serve as guides to their respective domains. John Burroughs is invoked as an authority on the character of owls, framing them as both feline and uncanny. Captain Charles Bendire provides the empirical evidence for the nesting behaviors of the Western Horned Owl, shifting the focus from folklore to observable facts. Dr. Coues offers a sharp characterization of the long-crested jay, describing the bird as a "fillibuster" with no patience for modesty.

Mary Grant O’Sheridan acts as a storyteller, bringing the perspective of the birds themselves to the reader through the conversation of the Swifts and Hummingbirds. Aunt Dorothy, a recurring figure in these narratives, represents the ideal nature lover—a person who finds joy in bird-watching and who actively facilitates the safety of the animals in her care. Elizabeth Reed Brownell provides a scene of domestic observation at a "white table in the woods," detailing the interactions of squirrels, bees, and hummingbirds. Finally, John Merle Coulter serves as the voice of botanical inquiry, explaining the sophisticated, sometimes ruthless adaptations of carnivorous plants. These individuals represent a community of thinkers who want to bridge the gap between human curiosity and the biological reality of the woods and fields.

In Its Own Voice

"Bird of the silent wing and expansive eye, grimalkin in feathers, feline, mousing, haunting ruins and towers, and mocking the midnight stillness with thy uncanny cry."

This quote, attributed to John Burroughs, frames the Western Horned Owl as both a predator and a creature of mystery.

"If we are not yet ready to say that no feathers may be imported, then let us absolutely prohibit the importation of any part of any species of our native birds, whether killed in America or anywhere else."

This urgent demand appears in the essay on bird protection, reflecting the growing environmental consciousness of the era.

"The children all sing the same song and sing it together, but in a bird concert everyone sings to please himself."

This line describes the chaotic, individualistic nature of a bird chorus as observed by the contributors.

What It's Really About

The central theme is the coexistence of humans and nature, and the moral responsibility that comes with that relationship. The book argues that by observing the complexities of the natural world—from the way a larva manipulates a leaf to the strategic traps set by carnivorous plants—humans can gain a deeper understanding of their own place in the ecosystem. It is a plea for "education" over indifference. The text suggests that nature is not merely a collection of resources, but a dynamic, often alien, and always miraculous system that deserves both our scientific respect and our legislative protection.

Why Read It Today

Readers who enjoy the slow, observational prose of nineteenth-century naturalists will find this volume deeply comforting. It is best suited for those who appreciate the intersection of biology and literature, and who enjoy the feeling of stepping back into a time when nature study was a popular, parlor-room pastime. It is a gentle, quiet book that does not rush; it invites you to look at the "frozen architecture" of a brook or the "blushing sweet shame" of a lily.

However, modern readers should be prepared for the period-specific attitudes contained within. The text reflects the late-Victorian desire to "master" nature through categorization, and some of the language regarding indigenous peoples or the "utility" of animals is distinctly of its time. The scientific information, while earnest, is presented with the limited technological reach of 1900, which gives it a charming, observational quality rather than a modern, data-driven one. If you are looking for a brisk, modern field guide, this is not it. But if you want to experience the wonder, the slightly formal language, and the genuine, unhurried curiosity of a century ago, this collection is a lovely companion for a rainy afternoon.