Page:Handbook for Boys.djvu/112

Rh in quarries, sixteen were in barns, sheds, under piazzas, etc;, and one was on the ground at the foot of a bush."

In addition to searching out the birds in their natural haunts,

there. is a great fascination in 'trying to attract them to our homes. During winter evenings boy scouts can busy themselves making, nesting boxes. Even an old cigar box or a tomato can with a hole in it the size of a quarter will satisfy a house wren. Other boxes which Downy woodpecker are suitable for bluebirds, chickadees, tree swallows, purple martins, and starlings, will, if set up in March, often have tenants the very first season. In many cases it is feasible to have hinged doors or sides on the nesting boxes, so that they may occasionally be opened and the progress of events within observed. It is needless to add, however

that great caution must be exercised to desertion of the other disturbance of birds' home life. Under favorable circumstances, even some of the shyer inhabitants of the woods, such as woodpeckers, owls, and ducks can be to patronize artificial, cavities if they are right and erected right.

Caring for Birds

Another way of ting birds in summer by providing drinking and bathing places. A little artificial pool protected from cats, will a source of joy to birds and of delight to observer from morning night. Apply to the