XV 

 BIRD BASINS AND FEEDING TABLES 



AN INTERESTING FORM OF GARDEN DECORA- 

 TION URGED BY AUDUBON SOCIETIES AND 

 STATE GRANGE COMMITTEES 



THE garden that can show numerous robins and 

 other birds bathing in a bird fountain down among 

 the flowers, drinking from basins suspended from 

 low branches, and clamoring for "best places " at 

 feeding tables set securely on high posts out of the 

 reach of cats, will prove a source of inspiration and 

 delight, even though it may be lacking in many archi- 

 tectural features. 



During recent years special stress has been laid 

 upon the importance of this form of garden decora- 

 tion. The Massachusetts State Grange Committee 

 was one of the first to urge property owners to pro- 

 tect the birds that are our most important safe- 

 guard against destructive insects. The committee 

 issued considerable literature setting forth the de- 

 sirability of attracting and protecting wild birds 

 near our homes, not only by supplying them with 

 houses and nesting material, but also by providing 

 bathing fountains, drinking basins, and feeding 

 places. 



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