134 THE BIRDS' FREE BREAKFAST TABLE 



from many sympathisers, but it is to be feared 

 that, with all goodwill and intentions, the willing 

 helpers often fail to do as much as they wish in 

 the way of relief to the little suppliants, more 

 from ignorance than from want of kindly feel- 

 ing. A little thought and a very little trouble 

 and care will go far in enhancing the value of 

 such outdoor relief, and will bring a never- 

 failing reward of interest and amusement. To 

 scatter ' crumbs for the birds ' is a common form 

 of such benevolence, and is good as far as it 

 goes, but it does not go very far. Crumbs are 

 no doubt better than nothing ; but neither in 

 substance nor in quantity, as usually doled out, 

 will they avail much among a crowd of hungry 

 birds of various species and natures. 



It is not to be supposed that this matter of 

 caring for our birds is one that concerns only 

 those living in the country. Even those who 

 dwell in our larger towns will, with few excep- 

 tions, find opportunities of the sort ; for apart 

 from the house sparrow, there are other birds, 

 such as the starling, to be found in all but the 

 most densely populated localities. As one moves 

 further from these centres, open spaces, back 

 yards and gardens and the like become more 

 plentiful and so also will the bird life be found 

 increasing until we reach the suburbs and out- 



