instructive
feature, for it often sets the mind alert in some new direction and
starts fresh lines of interest and research. These questions may be made
the means of making many a family evening one of pleasure and profit, as
one member asks the questions and the others take turns in answering
them.

AMERICAN

The BOOKSHELF is American in viewpoint, but worldwide in outlook. While
it has been produced within the United States, it is larger than the
United States or even than North America. Unusual space is given to
Canadian affairs and interests, and the rest of the world has not been
neglected. Throughout the entire set, and in the CHILD WELFARE MANUAL,
available to parents in connection with The BOOKSHELF, there is an
emphasis on character, uprightness, honor, service, which is distinctly
aimed to build up that type of manhood and womanhood for which the good
American is famed at home and abroad.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The Publishers and the Editors wish to thank each and every one of the
individuals who have cooperated with them to make The BOOKSHELF what it
is. The courtesy, the heartiness with which assistance has been given,
the belief of these friends in the success of the ideals of The
BOOKSHELF, have made the task of compiling, editing, and manufacturing a
pleasure.

Special acknowledgment must be given at this time to the photographers,
Brown Brothers, Underwood & Underwood, and the Publishers Photo Service,
for the use of many copyrighted pictures from their files. In a number
of instances, when they did not have a particular picture desired, it
was made by one of them specially for The BOOKSHELF.

The Editors, in preparing the manuscript for these volumes, have
endeavored in all cases where material has been used which has
previously appeared in print to give credit to author, publisher, and
book, and to any other to whom such acknowledgment was due. If they have
failed to do so in any particular case, it has been an oversight, for
which the Publishers are not responsible, as their instructions on this
point were definite, and for which the Editors express their regrets.
Future editions will offer an opportunity for the correction, which will
be gladly made.

INTRODUCTION TO VOLUME I

Most mothers and fathers realize that long before children are old
enough to read there is a rich treasury of rhythm and song and story
that may be given them. To make this treasury available is the purpose