NESTING-HOUSES 



17 



be made entirely of bark. Limbs of trees, or 

 small trees of the desired size, should be cut into 

 sections of ten or twelve inches in 

 length, about the latter part of 

 June, when the bark can be easily 

 removed. Elm, chestnut, or birch is 

 especially recommended, and limbs 

 which are free from knots should 

 be chosen. About two or three 

 inches from one end bore an en- 

 trance hole of the desired size 

 through the bark. On the opposite 

 side of the section make an incision 

 lengthwise through the entire bark. 

 By means of a wooden wedge care- 

 fully remove the bark. Saw off sec- 

 tions of the wood about an inch thick for the 

 top and bottom. Trim these off a little, so that 

 when the bark is placed around them the edges 

 overlap about a half -inch. Nail the bark to these 

 sections, and along the slit at the back attach a 

 strip of wood which may be used to fasten up 

 the box in the desired locality. To make the roof 

 waterproof a piece of tin or zinc may be fastened 

 over the top. In order that the box may be 

 opened for cleaning or examination, in place of 

 the section of wood the bark may be fastened to 

 a hoop and the box covered by means of a cap of 



BIRCH-BARK 

 HOUSE 



