260 PROPAGATION OF WILD BIRDS 



holders are sold by several of the dealers listed in Chapter 

 XV. It is best to place the suet on the south side of the 

 tree, preferably in a sheltered place. Otherwise suet can be 

 placed on a shelf or platform, or as further described. 



Feeding Seed. A simple shelf or platform is as good a 

 place as any on which to place seed and small grain or a 

 variety of foods for small birds. This is easier to keep free 

 from snow, and is safer from attacks of enemies. This can 

 be put in any convenient place, preferably where it is some- 

 what sheltered from cold winds. It is a matter of pleasure 

 and interest to place it conveniently near a window, where 

 the birds can be watched and enjoyed on the coldest and 

 stormiest days. Just a simple platform, say a couple of 

 feet square, on a post of convenient height, will suffice. 

 The tray or platform should have around it a slight rim 

 to keep the food from blowing off. Only a little food 

 at a time is needed, replenishing it as is required. After 

 snowstorms the snow can be swept off and more food 

 supplied. 



Taylor's Lunch-counter. Such an arrangement is used 

 by W. G. Taylor, previously mentioned. Mr. Taylor has 

 the lunch-counter near the kitchen window, and all winter 

 has a constant procession of hungry birds, thankful for his 

 hospitality. Nearly every day this kind friend of birds 

 shells and pounds up fine about a quart of peanuts, which 

 are gone by night, also various other nuts, seeds, crumbs, 

 and suet. There are nearly always a crowd of tree sparrows 

 and juncos, also numerous chickadees, white-breasted nut- 

 hatches, and downy woodpeckers, as well as some hairy 

 woodpeckers and jays, and others casually. One winter 

 there was a mockingbird which took possession of the estab- 

 lishment and was so selfish in keeping the other birds at a 

 distance that Mr. Taylor reluctantly drove it off. Even 



