Method of Bird Study and Photography 29 



to avoid the displaced nest as if it were a new means to entrap 

 and slay them. It is best, however, not to stake too much upon 

 this assurance, for no nest of young birds is ever safe, however 

 perfectly concealed. We must also be aware that cats and all 

 wild depredators, like the birds themselves, soon become ac- 

 customed to new objects and surroundings. Whenever it is 

 possible, the displaced nest, or indeed any ground-nest which 

 is not disturbed, should be protected by a wire net, which can 

 be easily constructed so that it will stop both feline and rodent, 

 and even the snake. It is impossible to overestimate the im- 

 portance of this screen, especially in a country overrun by cats. 



The only depredator of whom I stand in fear is the irre- 

 sponsible or malicious small boy, and to anticipate his possi- 

 bilities for evil it is best to take a look at the nest now and then 

 when not encamped beside it. 



The possible failure of parental instinct and consequent de- 

 sertion of the young is the most important objection with which 

 we have to deal. While it is impossible to predict what in- 

 dividual variation may sometimes effect, experience has now 

 amply proved that in the large number of cases already dealt 

 with (see table of experiments) this seldom or never happens 

 at the height of the breeding season, provided the precautions 

 already suggested are taken. To ensure success, the parental 

 instincts must be approaching their climax, and not on the 

 wane. The remarkable fact, not unknown to breeders of 

 domestic Pigeons, has already been noticed, that certain birds 

 will occasionally desert their young, when passing under the 

 sway of a new impulse. While the attunement of the instincts 

 must be fairly perfect for the average individual, whether adult 

 or young, exceptions abound, and are of course liable to be 

 encountered at any moment in the field. The best answer to 

 this question, however, is given by the record of actual ex- 

 periments (see table and comment). 



The second objection, which refers to the possible harm done 

 by the young or inexperienced observer, need give us little 

 concern, for novelty soon wears away and the practice requires 

 a far greater expenditure of patience, energy, and time than an 



