Page:What to do for Uncle Sam; a first book of citizenship (IA whattodoforuncle00bail).pdf/159



Uncle Sam spends just as much time out-of-doors as he does in his different offices, and he loves birds, not only for their beauty and song, but because they are such a help on the farm and in the gardens. It is due in a large measure to the wild birds that we have perfect fruits, and grains, and vegetables. They destroy beetles and lice, and grubs that are farm pests.

But the birds need a great deal of protection so that they may carry on their work of helping to preserve the country’s food supply. The United States Government knows how to build bird houses, how to feed birds, and how to attract them so that they will live close to the fields and gardens and carry on their useful work. Uncle Sam wants all his boys and girls to help him in taking care of the birds that are needed more now than they ever were before.

The Government tells us that birds need food in the winter. In the summer they are very grateful for fresh water for bathing and drinking, and houses in which they can safely rest. Yon can use an old drain pipe, a pan with stones in it Rh