Birds in Relation to AoRicrLTrRE in New York State 1S13 



The size of any nesting box should vary with the size of the opening 

 and of the bird for which it is intended. The one here illustrated has 

 about the correct proportions. An empty chalk box has the right 

 proportions for a wren house, and makes a good one if somewhat rein- 

 forced with wires or small nails. 



The interesting ways of any of these hole-nesting birds will more than 

 repay the small effort expended in building the box, not to mention the 

 value of having the whole bird family raised on the insects that are preying 

 on the garden. There are numerous cases on record of farmers who have 

 raised perfect fruit in an infested country without the use of sprays, 



Fig. 43. — A friendly chickadee 



through the protection of a colony of purple martins and other birds 

 attracted to the orchard. 



Another method of attracting the summer birds is by supplying them 

 with water for drinking and bathing. Birds are always more abundant 

 along streams or about springs, where water is available. If there is no 

 natural supply, artificial fountains or baths will prove very attractive 

 to many species. If more elaborate provision seems impracticable, a 

 shallow tray — the larger the better — with water one or two inches deep 

 will serve the purpose quite as well. 



CONCLUSION 



We have now considered the relation of birds to agriculture in New York 

 State, and have found that with very few exceptions they are of inesti- 



