196 YEABBOOK OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



CONCLUSION. 



Nothing surpasses mulberries for alluring birds away from the 

 early orchard fruits. Early bearing varieties should be* planted in 

 numbers and some should be selected for the length of the fruiting 

 season. The Hicks and the Black Persian are notable in the latter 

 respect, while the Townsend is earliest for the South and the Rus- 

 sian for the North. 



Where it is desired to attract birds and afford them a sanctuary at 

 all seasons, a large variety of plants must be used. For this purpose 

 thickets of shrubs and other low growths are better than trees, since 

 tangles of bushes and vines afford a more secure retreat from bird 

 enemies and are the favorite cover of many species. 



Where birds occur in large numbers their enemies are sure to 

 congregate. Hence grounds especially designed to attract birds 

 should also be furnished with devices to insure security from cats and 

 other predatory animals. Fence's made proof against climbing in- 

 vaders by overhanging wire netting are essential, and inverted fun- 

 nel-shaped metal guards or loose spirals of barbed wire should be 

 placed around the trunks of nest trees to protect the occupants. 

 Bird houses of various types add to the possibilities of bird gardens, 

 and a never- failing supply of water is an essential. The basin 

 should be shallow, so as to serve both for bathing and drinking, and 

 should be placed in an open lawn or elevated so that birds resorting 

 to it will not be at the mercy of enemies. Assured safety and a 

 plentiful supply of food and drink will work wonders in attracting 

 birds. 



o 



