42 METHODS OF ATTRACTING BIRDS 



instances the reports were correct, one being the 

 case in which the young had been successfully 

 reared. Medium-sized soap-boxes had been used, 

 with holes three or four inches in diameter. 

 While the natural nesting-sites of the robin 

 would not suggest that it might select such 

 a closed box, yet the friendly way in which it 

 has domiciled itself in all sorts of locations 

 around buildings renders the above instances 

 not at all improbable. Undoubtedly, however, 

 the robin will be attracted more by platforms 

 and open boxes as suggested further on in the 

 chapter. 



Starling. — Several instances have come to the 

 author's notice where the starling has nested in 

 houses and kegs. There is little doubt that these 

 birds can be induced to nest in houses if we wish 

 to have them. As yet, however, the bird is of so 

 comparatively limited a range, and its habits are 

 so little known, that we do not yet know whether 

 it is to prove a beneficial species, whose presence 

 is to be encouraged, or another nuisance like the 

 English sparrow, only a larger one. The reports 

 from different observers so far are conflicting ; 

 but judging from the majority of reports re- 

 ceived and from the fact that it seeks hollow 

 trees and other cavities for its nesting-site, it 



