THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS. 



389 



native birds is found in all cities and most villages of the 

 State. The introduced House or "English" Sparrow conies 

 first, and occupies the boxes. The Sparrow will nest in all 

 boxes except those that are suspended by a wire or rope. 

 Bluebirds and Tree Swallows will sometimes occupy such 

 Sparrow-proof boxes ; but the farmer 

 need not use them, for he can keep 

 his place clear of Sparrows by a 

 vigorous 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. 165. sparrow-proof box, 

 bird box that is practical is one that 



is hung by wire. Sparrows seem to be afraid of any box or 

 perch that is not firmly fastened. 



Wrens are not generally common, and the Purple Martins 

 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 by chance attract the 

 White-breasted Nuthatch, 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 quarters. 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 may be 



