16 



METHODS OF ATTRACTING BIRDS 



most closely imitates the natural nesting-site of 

 the birds. Those birds which have been induced 

 to nest in artificial houses are of species which 

 naturally select a hollow tree or limb in which to 

 locate their nest. Sections of such hollow trees 

 or limbs make some of the very 

 best bird-houses. Sometimes pieces 

 may be found with the centre 

 already decayed, in which case it 

 is necessary only to saw off a sec- 

 tion of the desired length, fasten 

 on a floor and roof, and make the 

 entrance hole. It is desirable that 

 the roof be put on in such a way 

 as to be readily removed. To hol- 

 low out a solid limb, saw it in 

 halves from one end to about 



HOLLOW LIMB BOX three inche f from the other, where 

 a cross-cut is made at right angles. 

 The two pieces may be gouged out to the desired 

 size and wired or screwed together, so that they 

 can be easily taken apart if desired. Or, if one 

 has a large auger, a hole may be bored. If one 

 happens to have a section of the wooden tubing 

 of an old-fashioned pump, this may be made to 

 serve as a substitute for a hollow limb. 



Bark Houses. Very attractive houses can 



