168 The Ottawa Naturalist. [March 



F>:COURAGE THE BIRDS— WHAT BROCKVILLE IS 



DOING. 



An interesting movement is now under way in Brockville, 

 Ont., for the protection and encouragement of birds. Definite 

 plans, under the co-operation of the various educational insti- 

 tutions, were decided upon at a large meeting held on March 

 24, 1916, on which occasion Dr. C. Gordon Hewitt, Dominion 

 Entomologist, of Ottawa, gave an illustrated address. 



The movement promises much success, and the committee 

 in charge will, it is hoped, reach their goal, namely, the making 

 of Brockville a city of song birds. Every Brockville boy is 

 invited to make a bird box to exhibit at an exhibition of bird 

 houses to be held on April 28 and 29. Special prizes will be 

 awarded for: — 



1. The best house from the standpoint of workmanship. 



2. The best bird house. 



3. The most artistic bird house. 



4. The most unique idea in a bird house. 



5. The first house to have a bird build in it. 



6. The boy taking the best picture of a bird house after 



it is placed for the season. 



7. The best picture of a bird on or near a bird house made 



this year, both bird and house to appear in the 

 picture. 



8. The best picture of a song bird in Brockville. 



The committee in charge of the campaign, namely, Mr. 

 W. A. Remmer, Principal of Public Schools; Mr. G. E. Cox, 

 Instructor of Manual Training, and Mr. W. H. Wood, Secretary 

 Community Work, are to be congratulated on the successful 

 commencement of their undertaking. It is hoped that the boys 

 of Brockville will do their part, and thus lead the way for simi- 

 lar campaigns in other cities. The subject of bird encourage- 

 ment is one which is gradually receiving more attention from 

 the general public. Outside of the economic value of many 

 of our wild birds, their very presence in our cities is pleasing 

 to most of us, and in inviting them to stay with us, the popular 

 form of invitation is the placing of suitable nesting boxes in 

 !»ur trees. 



