BIRD PROTECTION 811 



by the funds and splendid efforts of the Audubon 

 Society, has accomplished much, and the out- 

 look is most encouraging. 



In addition to these natural reservations, 

 private citizens, and, in some instances, muni- 

 cipalities have established sanctuaries. Consider- 

 able tracts have been made safe for nesting sites, 

 and generally attractive both to summer and 

 winter residents. This is an excellent example 

 of the awakened interest in a very important 

 field. Why may not ever}^ farmer increase the 

 fullness of bin and mow by making provision of 

 sanctuary for his bird visitors.^ 



Another constant menace to birds, especially 

 to those that become trustful summer residents 

 of lawn and orchard, garden and barn, is the 

 ubiquitous cat. Much attention has been given 

 by bird lovers in recent years to the destruction 

 wrought by this favorite pet, with the result that 

 many who were formerly ardent and constant 

 partisans of tabby have come to look upon her 

 race with increasing disfavor. For it has been 

 learned through many tragedies of the nest that 

 one may not have both close bird friends and 

 cats as pets, unless the latter are confined, or 

 restricted by some device from depredations 

 upon birds which seem a natural phase of feline 

 instinct. When it has come to a matter of 

 choice in some cases at least, probably in many, 

 the house pet has been eliminated to the great 

 joy of the feathered folk. 



We have not had a cat about our house in sum- 

 mer for many years, and in consequence, our 

 bird friends have been both numerous and 



