Protecting Nests and Sitting Birds. 1 1 



known to occur; and, indeed, when she is so 

 near hatching it will take much more in the way 

 of interference to cause her to desert. In the 

 earher stages of nesting she more quickly takes 

 offence. It is useless to sprinkle the fluid on one 

 side of the nest only, for it is possible that a fox 

 may approach on the other and never smell the 

 odour if a wind is blowing from him over the nest. 

 Sprinkle it in a circle, in the centre of which is the 

 nest, and then the odour will meet him from 

 whichever direction he ventures to approach. 

 Whatever means of protecting a nest are preferred 

 or employed, this fluid should always be used as 

 an accessory, because it drowns all smell arising 

 from the shells as the chicks hatch. Do not 

 forget that a heavy rain washes the fluid into the 

 ground and destroys its power, so in a wet time 

 frequent renewal is necessary. Sun and heat, on 

 the other hand, develop its odour, and render it 

 more potent than ever. 



At one time game-preservers were advised to 

 surround each nest with a small ring or fence of 

 wire-netting of four-inch mesh, through which the 

 bird might escape if a fox dashed at her ; but 

 wherein rests the advantage ? If a fox fails on 

 the first attempt he will try again, and the bird 

 is eventually caught or forced to desert. It is 



