DEPENDABLE BIRD HOUSES 



out on all sides, these will prevent prowling enemies 

 from reaching over or climbing up to the box. 



When perfect safety from prowlers has been as- 

 sured the homes provided for the birds should be 

 made capable of withstanding all weather conditions. 

 Frail boxes with glued ends may be secured, of at- 

 tractive form, in which merchandise has been packed 

 boxes that seem too attractive to burn, and "just 

 the thing" for furnishing homes for songsters when 

 a few decorative features have been added. But 

 it will be necessary to strengthen all glued edges and 

 connections with wire nails, or they may become 

 weather worn, warped and leaky before the first 

 season is over, and in the midst of the most impor- 

 tant time of hatching and caring for the birdlings. 

 When assured that the bird homes are dependable 

 in regard to the safety and durability of the struc- 

 ture and the protection of the occupants, one's at- 

 tention may be turned to such decorative features 

 as will make them an attractive part of the garden- 

 ing furnishings. 



Ornate structures, built after the plan of elabo- 

 rate houses of many rooms, are not in good taste 

 nor do birds appreciate the apartment-house idea. 

 The position usually selected for such pretentious 

 bits of handicraft on a pole in the most prominent 

 part of the open lawn will not satisfy the desire for 



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