Junior Naturalist Monthly. 331 



We believe that many of our girls and boys can have a piece of 

 ground for a garden this spring. You will have all the pleasure 

 that comes to gardeners and perhaps you can earn some money. If 

 you raise good vegetables, put them up attractively for the market. 

 Doubtless your parents and neighbors will be very willing to buy 

 them. Begin to think about this now, for soon it will be time to 

 select the ground for your garden. 



WAITING FOR THE BIRDS. 



II 



Robin! The fields are yonder! You are my better self. I care 

 not for the birds of paradise; for whether here or there, I shall listen 

 for your carol in the apple tree." L. H. B. 



A year ago I watched the si)ringtime come on in a far-away land. 

 I lived near a fast-flowing river in the neighborhood of high moim- 

 tains. It was a beautiful country. The soft wind blew; the wild 

 flowers bloomed; the birds sang wonderful songs, sweet and clear 

 and long. 



But I missed the home sights and soimds. 1 wanted to be with 

 the robin and the bluebird; to go to the marsh where the redwings 

 call; to seek the field where the bobolinks sing; to listen to the clear 

 notes of the song-sparrow. Yes, it really happened that, in the 

 land of the nightingale and the skylark, I longed for our plain little 

 home birds. 



And so this year I am waiting for them all, and as I wait I shall 

 prepare pleasant quarters for them. It would please Uncle John 

 to knoAv that boj'S and girls all over New York State are preparing 

 pleasant quarters for the birds. Surely Junior Naturalists will do 

 this. Here are some things to have in mind: — 



1. We shall not disturb the tangle of bushes and vines in the 

 fence corner; the catbird may build there. 



2. If pieces of string and cotton are hung out on buildings or 

 trees, the birds may find them. 



3. There should be water in our gardens for the birds to drink. 

 They will also like to find bathing places. Tell us how you have 

 planned for this. 



4. If pussy is well fed, she will probably leave the young birds 

 alone. 



5. From my window I can see a leafless tree. In it I am going 

 to place a bird house right away so that it will be weathered before 

 the birds come. They do not like new wood and paint. What 

 kind of a bird house have you made and where have you put it? 



