PRACTICAL BOOK OF GARDEN ARCHITECTURE 



these animals from darting up to the highest point. 

 Shorter poles can be quite as effectively guarded 

 from trespassing squirrels and cats, but as both 

 red and gray squirrels are dreaded enemies in this 

 section, the birds always choose nesting places 

 situated at a good height from the ground and away 

 from a thick growth of trees. 



Naturalists may argue that squirrels, being 

 rodents, are not carnivorous, but it has been proven 

 beyond any controversy that these animals, so 

 abundant in western parks and woodlands, not only 

 delight in sucking the eggs but will also rob the 

 nests of young birds. 



Houses perched at a considerable distance from 

 the ground should be constructed on a larger scale 

 than the wren and chickadee houses, built down on 

 a level with the other garden furnishings. 



Other contrivances for bird houses are numer- 

 ous. Long-necked gourds suspended from tree 

 branches are a favorite device. From a hole cut in 

 the upper part of the bowl all the seed and pithy 

 contents can be extracted, leaving the interior smooth 

 and clean. The perch in front of the opening should 

 also be made secure while the gourd is still com- 

 paratively green and soft. After it has dried it will 

 become a hard shell which may crack in adding the 

 perch and completing the entrance-way. The gourds 



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