PRACTICAL BOOK OF GARDEN ARCHITECTURE 



cats attempt to climb the tree. Other contrivances, 

 which may be entirely practical when applied to bird 

 homes erected on poles, will fail to be effective when 

 applied to trees. 



The best plan is to swing the bird box several 

 inches below the limb of the tree instead of in the 

 convenient crotch. It is sometimes placed far out 

 on the end of a limb, where cats do not like to ven- 

 ture, but the birds will probably be annoyed by 

 having their enemies make repeated attempts to 

 steal their babies, and the box may become dis- 

 lodged. "When swung several inches below the limb, 

 and out of reach from the one below it, the box will 

 be out of danger from cats, and will produce 

 safety that the birds will readily appreciate. To 

 keep it from swaying uncomfortably the box hang- 

 ing midway between two limbs may be firmly wired 

 to each. The sturdy perch in front of the opening 

 will be all that the birds will require for entering 

 or leaving their home. 



For the bird boxes mounted on poles, or form- 

 ing the ornamental apex of summer-houses and other 

 garden retreats, there are devices in zinc and wooden 

 platforms that will serve as feeding-tables for the 

 birds. When built just below the entrance to the box, 

 and encircling the support by a platform extending 



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