Page:Bird-lore Vol 01.djvu/209



The Birds’ Christmas Tree
HOW many of the younger readers of Bird-Lore know that in Norway, birds, as well as children, have Christmas trees ? Indeed, it is said that the children do not enjoy their own gifts until they know the birds have been provided for. Concerning this beautiful custom of putting out a yule sheaf for the birds. Dr. Leon- hard Stejneger, the eminent Norwegian ornithologist, writes us that the sheaves are usually of barle}' or oats, and are placed on high poles standing either in the yard or nailed to the gable end of one of the houses, preferably the store- house or "stabbur, " or on the stable, but always where they can be seen from the dwelling house. Dr. Stejneger adds that the origin of the custom is shrouded in the mystery of the mythological ages. Here, then, is a country where, as far as anyone knows, the birds have always had a Christmas tree, while in America most birds, I imagine, consider themselves lucky if they chance to find a stray crumb on Christmas morning. So let us all be good Norwegians this com- ing Christmas and see that the birds are well supplied, if not with sheaves — at least w^ith crumbs, seed, and grain for the Juncos and Sparrows, suet, ham-bones, and bacon rinds for the Woodpeckers, Chickadees, and Nuthatches. And then let us improve on the Nor- wegian usage by making every winter day Christmas for the birds, so that no matter how deep the snow, they may always be sure of a meal. Then, next March, write and tell Bird-Lore of your winter guests, wdio they were, and what you have learned of their habits. To the boy or girl of fourteen years, or under, who sends us the best account of his or her experience in feeding the birds this winter, we will give a copy of Mrs. Wright's -Citizen Bird' or 'Wabeno.' — Ed. (195) THE BIRDS CHRISTMAS TREE From the paintinp of A. Tideman, publishe 'Norwegian Pictures,' London, 1885.