252 Birds of Oregon and Washington 



More important than feeding at such a time, 

 and important at all times, unless one's home is 

 near a lake or a running stream, is water. 

 Dishes two inches deep filled with water, stand- 

 ing about on the ground and changed often for 

 cleanliness, should be provided. Dripping pans, 

 painted inside and out to keep them from rust- 

 ing, are best. But large flower-pot saucers are 

 good. Whatever is used should be unglazed, so 

 as to give secure footing for the birds. The 

 birds will drink and bathe even in cold and 

 freezing weather, if the ice does not prevent. 

 A dripping pan of road-dust for a dust-bath, 

 should there be none otherwise convenient, 

 will be often used, if provided. All wild birds 

 have more or less vermin upon them, each hav- 

 ing its own kind, and the dust-bath is their chief 

 defence against these parasites. 



In summer time, it is not well, under ordinary 

 conditions, to feed the birds much, lest they lose 

 their independence and suffer when they are com- 

 pelled to support themselves. Enough feeding 

 to cultivate friendliness, is always in order. 

 And in winter time, one may indulge one's self 

 to the utmost limit, provided our feathered de- 



