176 CONSERVATION OF CANADIAN WILD LIFE 



METHODS OF PROTECTION AND ENCOURAGEMENT 



In view of the economic value of insectivorous birds to 

 the farmer, the fruit-grower, and to the owner of forest and 

 shade-trees, or to the possessor of the smallest city and sub- 

 urban garden, and as we now know how readily, and indeed 

 rapidly, birds respond to encouragement and protection, 

 the methods of encouraging and protecting these birds will 

 now be considered. 



The chief means by which insectivorous birds may be 

 encouraged and protected are the following: 



1. Provision of nesting facilities. 



2. Destruction of enemies, particularly the control of cats. 



3. Provision of fruit-bearing trees and shrubs. 



4. Provision of other forms of food, and especially of water. 



5. Bird sanctuaries. 



1. Provision of Nesting Facilities 



Owing to the destruction of natural nesting-places, which, 

 as I have already shown, is unfortunately an accompani- 

 ment of agricultural and municipal development, birds are 

 driven far afield and are compelled to leave their former 

 haunts. The total destruction of such natural breeding- 

 places is not always necessary. In clearing land farmers 

 would be well advised to leave, where it is possible, patches 

 of low-growing trees or scrub, such as alders, willows, etc., 

 particularly around small swampy water-holes and ponds, 

 places that are much beloved by birds. Also in civic de- 

 velopment and improvement an endeavour should be made 

 to leave in the open spaces, which are essential to civic im- 

 provement, remnants of the former shrub and tree growth, 

 until they can be replaced by what may be considered to 

 be more ornamental substitutes. I shall discuss later the 

 establishment of bird sanctuaries in and near cities. 



For birds which nest on or near the ground, such as cer- 



