Barn Swallow, from the Birds of America series (N37) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes 1888

This is a trade card from the "Birds of America" series issued by Allen & Ginter in 1888. The image features a realistic depiction of a Barn Swallow perched on its nest. The card includes decorative text highlighting the "Birds of America" series and promoting Allen & Ginter's brand of cigarettes. These collectible cards were distributed with packs of cigarettes and often featured images of animals, plants, and historical figures. This example from the Metropolitan Museum of Art represents a popular trend in the late 19th century to engage consumers with educational content.