122 



HOW WE MAY BEST PAY THE DEBT. 



. In the last number of Birds and Na- what they want to do when they are 

 ture we saw that the debt we owe the caged up, and there are many interest- 

 birds is by no means a small one, but ing things about them that we shall 

 is really greater than we can hope ever never know if we study only the caged 

 to fully repay. It is a debt of gratitude ones. What we want to know is the 

 for the good work the birds do in keep- bird just .as he is as a free bird in the 

 ing checked the increase of insect life fields and woods. We shall not be pay- 

 which would surely become a great ing much of the debt if we cage him 

 pest if very numerous ; it is a debt of up even to study his habits, 

 money value for the fruits and grains What we need the most is the most 

 and other products of the earth which valuable to us. What the birds need 

 the birds make possible by eating the most is a place where they can live and 

 insects which eat the plants ; it is a raise their young with the least danger, 

 debt of love for the pleasure and in- All birds are surrounded by their nat- 

 spiration which they bring with each ural enemies, which are sure to kill a 

 returning springtide, for the courage great many of them, but with the addi- 

 which their cheerful endurance of all tion of cats, rats and human beings in- 

 sorts of bad weather inspires. There is tent upon killing them they seem to 

 one best way to pay the debt, and that have a poor chance of life. Then if we 

 way is to take such a lively interest in can provide a place or places where 

 the birds that we shall want to know these enemies will be less sure to get 

 all about their lives and as much as we them and their eggs or young, we shall 

 can learn about the language they be paying the debt we owe in the great- 

 speak and the thoughts they have, est measure possible. Can we provide 

 When we have such an interest in them any such safe retreats? I think we 

 we shall not want to kill them, but we can. Your own door yard may be 

 shall do what we can to make them made such a retreat. Banish all cats 

 love us and trust us so they will no and dogs who love bird flesh. See to 

 longer want to fly away when we come it that stray cats and dogs are in dan- 

 near them. ger of their lives on your lawn or in 

 We shall be paying the debt we owe your yard. Let every boy know that 

 to the birds when we try to make the birds on, your premises must not 

 friends with them, for there is nothing be disturbed in any way. Instead of 

 greater or better than true friendship, carefully trimming out all the tangles 

 nothing that counts for more where of the vines and branches remember 

 friends are so greatly needed. Our that such places are where the birds de- 

 first effort at making friends with the light to build their nests. Put up bird 

 birds is usually to give them some- boxes and houses for the martins, 

 thing to eat, forgetting or not know- wrens, swallows and bluebirds and 

 ing that what is best for us may not.be keep the English sparrows out of them, 

 good for them. After we have watched Make it easy for the birds while they 

 them getting their own meals we shall arc feeding their young. In short, 

 know what each bird likes best, and give the birds which prefer your yard 

 then, instead of frightening them away a little attention and you will soon be 

 with food that they cannot eat, we shall on friendly terms with them and they 

 draw them to us by offering them what will many times repay any trouble you 

 they like best. may put yourself to for their sakes. 

 We may think that we shall be able Any study of the birds is not wasted 

 to learn all about the birds if we can time, but time profitably spent, 

 get them into a cage and study them Lynds Jones, 

 there. But birds are not free to do 



