DEPENDABLE BIRD HOUSES 



privacy of a different entrance, one from the front, 

 one from the back, and others from the two ends of 

 the structure. Then with decorative posts forming 

 tiny roofed verandas for each separate entrance 

 perch, with ornamental eaves and gables, with quaint 

 windows on either side of the doorways, and many 

 fanciful devices, the decorative features may be 

 added after sensible construction has had first con- 

 sideration. 



A rain-proof thatch of straw or hay forms a most 

 appropriate roof for a bird house, and it is de- 

 cidedly decorative when well laid. With a durable 

 structure like a stout nail keg for the house proper, 

 and a thatched roof, the house may be made to last 

 for many years, and it will be interesting to watch 

 for the same birds returning to their beloved home 

 every summer. This kind of roof is especially pleas- 

 ing to the tenants, as it will provide a portion of the 

 nesting material without injuring the thatch; and in 

 this connection it is well to mention that all well- 

 regulated bird houses should have attractive nest- 

 ing material hung near by not within the box (as 

 the birds prefer to search for and select their own 

 materials for building), but sufficiently handy so 

 that the search need not be arduous. Bits of wool, 

 fine hay, ravelings, and similar material hung from 

 tree branches near the bird boxes will create con- 



143 



