MAKING SURROUNDINGS ATTRACTIVE 237 



pendent upon the vegetation of their surroundings. The 

 majority of small land-birds depend upon the supply of 

 insects, seeds, and fruit, which in turn have plant-life as their 

 basis. The problem of cover and shelter also has largely 

 to do with vegetation. Hence abundant and diversified 

 vegetation is the fundamental necessity, whether of trees, 

 shrubbery, or smaller growths. These may serve for cover, 

 food, or nesting. 



Evergreen Cover. For purposes of cover it is not of 

 first importance just what species of trees, shrubs, or plants 

 are grown. The main thing is to have plenty of places 

 where birds can get out of sight, and in winter be protected 

 from cold winds. For all-round purposes of shelter nothing 

 is better than evergreen of some sort. Hedges and clumps 

 of evergreen, especially arbor vitae and red and other cedar, 

 should be planted if possible. Norway or other spruce is 

 splendid, also pine or hemlock. A grove of white pine or 

 hemlock is a treasure. Moreover, evergreens in winter are 

 pleasing to human eyes as well as to birds. In my own 

 small suburban yard are a few Norway spruces. Often do 

 I find myself scanning them just for the pleasure of it, they 

 are so restful and fragrant. They are a rendezvous for 

 birds from the whole neighbourhood. In warbler time I can 

 often discover one or more of these bird-gems among their 

 foliage, and in nesting season grackles, blue-jays, robins, 

 and chipping sparrows have recently nested in them. This 

 winter, 191 5, four black-crowned night herons have roosted 

 in them through January and February despite street traffic 

 close by, houses surrounding, and the romping of children 

 in the yard. 



Shrubbery. A reasonable number of trees and frequent 

 patches or hedges of shrubbery help to make ideal condi- 

 tions the for largest number and variety of birds. Even 



