228 Wild Bird Guests 



broom and put two pails of fresh water into it. 

 It has been a complete success, and being within 

 ten feet of the house we have had great pleasure 

 in watching the birds from the windows and 

 from the piazzas. We have seen six bluebirds — 

 the parents and four young — bathing in it at 

 once, and at other times there have been whole 

 flocks of song sparrows, white-throated sparrows, 

 and juncos, in addition to the many birds that 

 come in smaller numbers. With a few shrubs 

 and hardy flowers planted about it, such a bath 

 can be made a beautiful little feature in any 

 garden. And, of course, there is no reason in the 

 world why it should not be made much larger 

 if one has plenty of room and the time to make 

 it. 



Dr. Ernest L. Huse, President of the Meriden 

 Bird Club, has a somewhat similar bath in his 

 garden, but he has carried the idea a little farther. 

 In the center he has sunk a tub, and from the rim 

 which is perhaps two and a half inches below 

 the surface of the ground, the concrete slants 

 outward and upward in all directions, making 

 shallows in which the birds will drink and bathe. 

 In the tub pond lillies are planted, and spread 

 their leaves and blossoms over the surface. 

 Round about shrubs and tall grasses are planted 

 and here and there among them one catches a 



