238 SCIENCE OF HOME AND COMMUNITY 



Bird fountains. Birds use water for two purposes: for 

 drinking and for bathing. In constructing a fountain, two 

 things should be kept in mind : first, the edge and bottom 

 should be made of roughened material, so that the bird will 

 not slip; second, the water should be shallow, not exceed- 

 ing three inches. Simple bird baths may be made of such 

 receptacles as large flowerpot saucers and ordinary pans. 



The fountain should be placed in such a location that no 

 cats can lurk near* in shrubbery to jump out at the birds. 

 The fountain may be raised on a pedestal. 



One of the most successful types of fountain is made of 

 cement and sunk in the ground. A hole about 3 feet across 

 is dug out, gradually sloping from the edge to a depth of 

 about 5 inches in the center. This is plastered over with a 

 mixture of Portland cement and sand, thick enough to leave 

 the center 3 inches deep and slope gradually from there to 

 the edge. If it is impossible to supply running water, these 

 fountains may be cleaned out once a week with a broom and 

 new water added. 



HOME PROJECT 28 



Purpose. To provide water for the birds. 



Directions. If there are no opportunities for birds to find 

 water around your yard, a fountain may be the means of at- 

 tracting many birds that you will enjoy watching. This will 

 afford opportunity to see birds during the summer when they 

 are quiet and retiring. As already explained in this chapter, 

 very simple devices, such as ordinary pans, may be used. The 

 water should be changed occasionally so as to keep it clean and 

 cool. 



Planting shrubs for the birds. Shrubs furnish nesting 

 sites for birds, and many bear fruit which the birds eat. 

 In planning the home grounds, some shrubs may be used 

 which bear these fruits ; and as some hold their fruit during 

 the winter, they serve too as a means of ornamentation. 

 The birds which feed largely upon wild fruit are the cedar 





