Birds of Oregon and Washington 25 i 



the bird-equipment. A Lombardy poplar will 

 serve better than any other for certain nests. 

 On account of its rapid growth it may be cut off 

 or down occasionally, to prevent its attaining an 

 awkward and undesirable height. 



More important than trees, for some species 

 of birds, are bushes, with some wild tangle, 

 which may be kept within bounds by the aid of 

 pruning-knife and shears. No greater ornament 

 is now sought for expensive grounds and parks 

 than the wild tangle, which farmers cut down to 

 " clean up " roadsides and around fences. Let 

 the tangle be, except for cutting back, unless 

 the ground is positively needed for another pur- 

 pose. 



As to Feeding Birds : Provision for bird-food 

 must be made, if they are to live with us. Wild 

 trees and shrubs that bear berries must be near 

 at hand for birds that depend upon this kind of 

 food. Insectivorous birds will find a supply for 

 their young and themselves unless the season 

 becomes too dry, in which case chopped meat, 

 bits of bread, and a little beef-suet will save 

 misery, not to say furnish happiness. 



