Rural School Leaflet 1033 



wrens, bluebirds, and tree swallows, the boxes should measure not more 

 than 12 by 5 by 6 inches, and they may be considerably smaller to advan- 

 tage. The ordinary crayon box of the schoolroom is very serviceable, 

 but requires reinforcing with wire or nails so as to withstand the weather. 



" The box shown in the illustration is a crayon box, with an additional 

 roof of tin from an old can, used because of the leaky condition of the box. 

 Cigar boxes and codfish boxes are generally less satisfactory than odorless 

 ones, and all bright surfaces 

 should be avoided. A box with 

 the top or one side hinged is 

 better for observation, but care 

 should be used to keep it per- 

 manently fastened. 



"Old teakettles, tin funnels, and cans 

 of various sorts have been used by some 

 persons with success, but the box is 

 more sightly and usually more 

 attractive to the birds. 

 The opening should b 

 made circular or square 

 preferably the former, and 

 toward the top of one side. 

 It should be no 

 larger than the 

 dimensions given 

 above. 



" If one is not 

 bothered with sparrows, a perch should 



be provided beneath the opening; but inasmuch as sparrows 

 do not take so readily to boxes without perches as do other ^ 



birds, it can be removed if necessary. A perch should be placed in ^ 

 the near vicinity, however, on wliich the birds may alight before 

 proceeding to the nest. 



" A layer of sawdust may be placed in the bottom of the box but the use 

 of other nesting material is to be avoided. For chickadees and swallows, 

 however, cotton or feathers scattered near may prove attractive if there is 

 no poultn,' to furnish a supply. 



Placing the box. — Inasmuch as the birds prefer weatherworn materials 

 to bright surfaces, it is well to have the box in position by early spring, 

 and thereafter left from year to year. In placing it, three things should 

 be borne in mind: attractiveness to the birds, comfort, and protection. 

 For the swallows that prefer the open, the box should be raised on a 



