THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS. 385 



to begin to feed birds when they are migrating in April, 

 by scattering a little cracked corn, oats, wheat, barley, or 

 millet .seed in the yard near the garden or along the garden 

 paths. This may attract Sparrows, Thrashers, and Black- 

 birds, some of which may decide to remain in the vicinity 

 for the summer. These birds and the Robins and Catbirds 

 will make themselves useful by feeding on insects at plowing 



time. 



Birds will drink and bathe even in winter, when they can 

 find water ; but in summer they must have water for l)oth 

 purposes. When the streams are frozen, snow takes the 

 place of Avater; but in summer, if water is not at hand, 

 birds must get it by drinking dew and by eating fruits or 

 succulent green vegetation. Where there is running water 

 about the house or garden, they may do very well without 

 further provision for their needs ; but it is best in any case 

 to arrange a place where they can drink and bathe without 

 being exposed to the attacks of cats and Hawks. A shallow 

 pan set on the window shelf or on the top of a post on the 

 shady side of the house, some four or five feet from the 

 ground, will answer every purpose. A shelving stone may 

 be put in, to give a varying depth of water in different parts 

 of the pan. The water should not be more than two inches 

 deep anywhere, and not more than half an inch deep on one 

 side of "^the pan. If this is put out in the spring, and the 

 birds become accustomed to visiting it, they will require less 

 fruit than usual. The water should be changed every day. 

 This pan will be a source of enjoyment to the household 

 during the noontime, when all may watch the birds bathe 

 and splash the water about. Where there is running water 

 a drinking fountain may easily be arranged. This may be 

 placed on" the lawn, slightly elevated, and supplied from a 

 drip ; such a fountain should need little attention. Orna- 

 mental fountains and watering troughs are often so deep 

 that there is no chance for birds to drink or bathe. There 

 should always be shallow water somewhere. Most orna- 

 mental ponds have no provision for birds. The water is too 

 deep or the coping too high. In such cases a large stone 

 with a surtace shelving into and just beneath the water, or 



