NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA 



entrance is near the top of the box, as it should be ; 

 but in very hot summers young birds are believed to 

 have died of heat in unshaded boxes mounted on 

 poles. Ventilation may be provided by boring four 

 i-inch holes in the sides of the box near the top and 

 filling them with corks, which may be removed in 

 extremely hot weather. 



10. It is best to clean out the boxes each 

 autumn, burning the old nesting material to destroy 

 dirt and vermin, and putting in a little chaff, dry grass, 

 or coarse sawdust as a foundation for a new nest." 



A few practical details in regard to carrying out 

 some of the above rules should be noted : — 



If the roof of a nesting box, made of wood, is 

 horizontal, the water will stand on it, and even if 

 painted it will warp somewhat in drying unless heavily 

 coated with good roof paint, or covered with zinc, 

 some good roofing felt, or other waterproof material. 

 It is well to have a cross piece nailed (with clinch 

 nails) across the grain on the under side to prevent 

 warping and splitting. If the top slopes downward 

 at an angle of 45 degrees or less, and is well painted, 

 the water will run off so fast that the roof will not 

 warp much. 



" Top, side, or front of the box may be hinged 

 to open as a door, or fixed to fasten by means of nails, 

 easily removed, slid loosely into sockets bored for 

 them. White pine from J to | of an inch thick is 

 the best lumber. Cedar and cypress are durable. 

 Grocery or dry-goods' boxes may be used." 



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