51 



forth sweet melody. Birds differ widely in choice of places for their 

 nests. The Horned Lark is satisfied with a shallow hollow in a meadow; 

 while the Baltimore Oriole, trim of figure and bright of color, suspends 

 its bag--like home from the end of some drooping bough, very frequently 

 overhanging a stream (Fig. 64). The Bluebird prefers a hollow post or 



Fig. C4. The Oriole's Nest. 



fence-rail ; the Bank Swallow, a home made in a sand bank ; and the 



Blue Heron, or Crane, as it is erronously called, selects the lofty top 



of a tamarack or black ash wherein to build his home of sticks. 



Watch carefully during the summer, and make a list of the birds 



which build their nests: ist, on the ground; 2nd, in shrubs or trees not 



more than 15 feet from the ground ; jrd, 



in trees at a greater distance than 15 feet 



from the ground; ^fh, in other places, as 



sand banks, eaves of buildings, chim- 

 neys, etc. 



Man and Birds. From 

 an economical, as well as 

 an aesthetical, standpoint, 

 man should always be found 

 offering protection to birds. 

 This statement is made 

 with full knowledge of the 

 fact that there are a few 

 members of this class of 

 animals which are of little 

 service to us, and are not 



distinguished for their beauty. Nevertheless, the fact re- 

 mains that, as a class, we should offer them every protec- 

 tion, cultivate their acquaintance, and encourage them 

 to build nests and remain with us. It is very doubtful, 

 indeed, if there is a single species of bird for the total 

 Fis. 66. Wood- destruction of which we would be better off". Those who 



peckers at work. ,. , . . , , r t ^ ^ r ^t 



dispute this point have never made a carerul study or the 

 feeding habits of birds. Many unthinking persons condemn Wood- 

 peckers, which are seen flying to and fro in the orchard, because it is 



Ficr. 65. The Bluebird's Nest. 



