The Farmer's Feathered Helpers 



233 



cats, and by properly feeding cats which are kept, so 

 that they will not be tempted by hunger to prey upon 

 birds. Snakes as well as cats often kill birds for food. 

 On the other hand, snakes do a great deal of good by 

 killing field mice and other small animals harmful to 

 crops. (Most of the snakes of the United States are 

 not only harmless but beneficial; but the rattlesnake, 

 the copperhead, and the water moccasin should be 

 killed because they are poisonous.) 



Bird houses, if properly constructed, will be put to good Bird 

 use ; but they will be especially appreciated by the kinds 

 of birds that like to nest in hollow trees, because not 

 so many trees of that kind are left standing as formerly. 

 The Farmers' Bulletin referred to at the end of this chap- 

 ter gives sketches and detailed drawings of many kinds 

 of bird houses to suit the needs of different varieties. 



W. T. SkiUing 



FlG. 188. In doing something to encourage birds, these pupils have found 

 pleasure for themselves. 



