THE FOREST NURSERY 



351 



nate. Many birds nip off the tops of the young trees and destroy 

 them while the seed is still attached. Damage by birds is con- 

 fined to a period of from 2 to 4 weeks immediately following 

 germination. When the last of the seed coats is cast the danger 

 is over. 



The mourning dove, junco, bluejay, Canadian jay, blue-headed 

 grosbeak, and redpoll linnet are particularly harmful in many 

 western nurseries. The English sparrow, blackbird, robin, and 

 finch are often harmful in forest nurseries in New England and 

 the Lake States. 



FIG. 101. Standard seedbed boxes with wire tops and sides which 

 effectively protect the beds from birds. 



The most effective method of protecting seedbeds from birds is 

 by covering them with wire netting (Fig. 101). Coating the seed 

 with red lead prior to seeding is usually effective in protecting the 

 seed and young plants from finches, sparrows, and most other in- 

 jurious birds. The lead is distasteful to the birds and does not 

 injure the seed. Sufficient water is applied to thoroughly mois- 

 ten the surface of each kernel. Enough red lead is then stirred 

 in to color the seed. One pound will coat from 6 to 10 pounds 

 of seed. Watching the seedbeds and driving the birds off as they 



