How to Invite Bird Neighbours 



A BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF OUR GARDENS 



If we realized how carefully and how hope- 

 fully our gardens and orchards are scrutinized every 

 spring, and on what details judgment upon them is 

 passed by the sharp-eyed inspectors, we might, so 

 easily, with a little forethought, arrange them to the 

 taste of the home seekers. Even in trolley nettled 

 suburbs and in very small door-yards it is possible 

 to make some birds, at least, feel conscious of 

 their welcome. Large estates can be converted into 

 great natural aviaries at one-tenth the cost of a hot- 

 house. Cost, did I say ? Why, one pair of chick- 

 adees in an orchard will destroy more insect 

 eggs than the most expensive spraying machine. 



It takes birds a surpris- 

 ingly short time to resort 

 where no gunning is allowed 

 and very quickly, too, they 

 learn where to avoid the 

 silent deadly air-rifles and 

 sling-shots of small boys ; 

 where prowling cats are 

 permitted to lurk in ambush, 

 and red squirrels, field mice 

 and snakes play the role of 

 villain in the tragedies of the 

 nests. At the outset, every 

 family must choose between 

 a cat and the wild birds 

 as pets ; only heart-breaks 

 result from the cruel com- 



omation. 



Photograph from life by Carlin 



An early nest-builder ; the 

 bronzed grackle 



