13 



by proper methods. The effects of strict protection are well illustrated 

 in some of the larger parks where the shyest waterfowl, finding there is 

 notching to fear from man, become almost as confiding as barnyard poultry. 

 This is the case also with the smaller garden species. Next to freedom 

 from disturbance by the human inhabitants protection from the domesti-c 

 cat is necessary. 



The supplying of food in winter is also important. Shrubs carrying 

 fruit, suet hung in trees, and grain, broken nuts, and small fragments of 

 dried meat sheltered from the snow, never fail to attract birds in the 

 winter time. 



In summer, when natural supplies are plentiful, food seldom has to be 

 supphed, though a row of fruiting sunflowers or the seed heads of many 

 garden flowers well repay the trouble they may cost to provide. A shallow 

 pool of clean water is a never failing source of pleasure to nearly all the 

 common garden birds. They both bathe in it and drink it and on a hot 

 day it is no uncommon sight to see several birds awaiting their turns to 

 enjoy the grateful coolness. The simplest form of bird bath is a shallow 

 pan, set well out in the open and away from cover as a protection from 

 cats. In cities where the trees are well cared for and dead wood 

 promptly removed, certain species of birds are always hard pressed to find 

 suitable nesting sites. There are at least half a dozen species naturally 

 nesting in hollow hmbs, that readily come to bird boxes of various kinds 

 and a number of other birds can be occasionally induced to do so. Suitable 

 boxes are described in some of the books Hsted on page 16. In many 

 schools where manual training is taught the boys are encouraged to build 

 bird houses. Scope is thus given to their natural inventive genius, 

 and at the same time they become interested in the birds that occupy 

 the houses. 



ORNITHOLOGICAL LITERATURE. 



North American ornithological literature is rich and varied, and per- 

 haps no natural science can be studied with such efficient written aids 

 either to beginner or advanced student as that relating to birds. A publi- 

 cation can be found to suit all stages of knowledge and almost any purse. 

 The following list of books on the subject is recommended, the first named 

 being specially suited to the requirements of the beginner. 



Birds guides, by Chester K. Reed: Part I, Water and game birds east of the Rockies 

 (including the hawks and owls) ; Part 2, Land birds east of the Rockies. Doubleday, 

 Page and Company, Garden City, N.Y., price each, $1 in cloth, $1.25 in leather. 



These are small, almost vest pocket editions in hmp bindings, 3j by 5? inches, 

 very convenient for carrying in the pocket in the field. They contain small, easily 

 recognized, coloured illustrations of all the birds in both sexes, and brief descriptions. 



Colour key and guide to the birds of eastern North America, by Frank M. Chapman and 

 Chester K. Reed: 8 vo., Doubleday, N.Y., price $2.50. 



Similar in plan to above but more detailed and instructive. 



A guide to the birds of eastern New York, by Ralph Hoffman: 8 vo., Houghton, Mifflin 

 & Co., price $1.50. 



A most desirable book, though dealing with an extraMmited area it includes most 

 of the birds of eastern Canada. It contains keys for the birds of each season based 

 upon colour, detailed descriptions, and also many illustrations in black and white 

 showing specific details and gives much information of various kinds. 



57l72-2i 



