THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS. 



389 



native birds i.s found in all cities and most villages of 

 the State. The introduced House or " English " Sparrow 

 comes lirst, and occupies the boxes. The Sparrow often will 

 not nest in boxes that are suspended by a wire or rope. 

 Bluebirds and Tree Swallows sometimes will occu})y such 

 hangino^ boxes ; but the fjirmer need 

 not use them, for he can keep his 

 place clear of Sparrows by a vigor- 

 ous use of the shotgun, and by 

 putting up nesting boxes he may 

 bring back the native birds. There 

 are many localities where the Spar- 

 row has never been very troublesome, 

 and where native birds have contin- 

 ued to breed practically unmolested. 

 In such places we may put up fixed 

 bird houses, with the confident ex- 

 pectation that Tree Swallows or 

 Bluebirds will nest in them, which is 

 more than can be said of the swinging 

 boxes. Nevertheless, where Spar- 

 rows are very troublesome, the only Fig. les. — Nesting box, imug 

 bird box that is practical is one that '^ ""'^' 



is hung by wire, and even this cannot be depended upon to 

 keep them out. 



Wrens are not generally common, and the Purple ]\Iartins 

 were so decimated by the storms of June, 1903, that people 

 who can establish Martin colonies will be fortunate indeed ; 

 but the Flicker, the Chickadee, and the Screech Owl are 

 among the possibilities, while we may bv chance attract the 

 White-breasted Xuthatch, Crested Flycatcher, or little Saw- 

 whet Owl. 



Let no one neglect to put up bird houses because of the 

 expense. No money need be expended. Birds are not very 

 fastidious about their (|uarters. Old, weather-beaten lumber 

 seems to be more attractive to them than that which is newly 

 planed or painted, probably because it resembles in appear- 

 ance the weathered stumps or limbs in which they naturally 

 find their homes. Very acceptable nesting boxes ma}^ be 



