262 PROPAGATION OF WILD BIRDS 



against the trunks of trees. A simple way is to break off the 

 front and part of the sides of a small box, drive in a few more 

 nails to strengthen, if needed, and nail the upright part to 

 the tree. Any other device will do just as well. 



Ground Feeding. Seeds and small grain scattered on the 

 ground in certain spots will attract birds of the class which 

 use such food. Barn sweepings are enjoyed, and in the 

 country are easily utilized. Such species as the junco are 

 rather timid, and sometimes will feed better when the food 

 is away from buildings in natural surroundings. 



Drawing Pests. Of course putting food around is liable 

 to draw pests. If rats are brought in by it, the best plan 

 may be to feed up from the ground. English sparrows are 

 apt to come, whatever methods are employed. They do 

 not so readily eat suet hung on a perpendicular trunk, 

 though they do it to some extent. About all one can do is 

 to shoot them judiciously and also trap or poison them, as 

 described above. 



Von Berlepsch Designs. The philosophy of Baron von 

 Berlepsch regarding feeding of birds is that (i) the methods 

 must be readily accepted by those for which it is intended, 

 (2) that they can be carried out in all weathers, and (3) they 

 must be cheap and economical of material. With these 

 requirements in view he devised the food-tree, the food- 

 stick, the food-house, and the food-bell. 



Food-tree. This represents a tree abounding with insects 

 and larvae, but through artificial means. It is made by 

 taking a small evergreen, or part of one, and pouring on the 

 twigs a mixture of various foods in melted suet, which is 

 allowed to harden. As this destroys the foliage touched, it 

 is well not to use ornamental trees near houses. "Christ- 

 mas" trees which have been in warm rooms soon shed their 

 leaves, and are not so good as those directly from the woods. 



