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by proper methods. The effects of strict protection are well illustrated 
in some of the larger parks where the shyest waterfowl, finding there is 
nothing to fear from man, become almost as confiding as barnyard poultry. 
This is the case also with the smaller garden species. Next to freedom 
from disturbance by the human inhabitants protection from the domestic 
cat is necessary. 
The supplying of food in winter is also important. Shrubs carrying 
fruit, suet hung in trees, and grain, broken nuts, and small fragments of 
dried meat sheltered from the snow, never fail to attract birds in the 
winter time. 
In summer, when natural supplies are plentiful, food seldom has to be 
supplied, though a row of fruiting sunflowers or the seed heads of many 
garden flowers well repay the trouble they may cost to provide. A shallow 
pool of clean water is a never failing source of pleasure to nearly all the 
common garden birds. They both bathe in it and drink it and on a hot 
day it is no uncommon sight to see several birds awaiting their turns to 
enjoy the grateful coolness. The simplest form of bird bath is a shallow 
pan, set well out in the open and away from cover as a protection from 
cats. In cities where the trees are well cared for and dead wood 
promptly removed, certain species of birds are always hard pressed to find 
suitable nesting sites. There are at least half a dozen species naturally 
nesting in hollow limbs, that readily come to bird boxes of various kinds 
and a number of other birds can be occasionally induced to do so. Suitable 
boxes are described in some of the books listed on page 16. In many 
schools where manual training is taught the boys are encouraged to build 
bird houses. Scope is thus given to their natural inventive genius, 
and at the same time they become interested in the birds that occupy 
the houses. 
ORNITHOLOGICAL LITERATURE. 
North American ornithological literature is rich and varied, and per- 
haps no natural science can be studied with such efficient written aids 
either to beginner or advanced student as that relating to birds. A publi- 
cation can be found to suit all stages of knowledge and almost any purse. 
The following list of books on the subject is recommended, the first named 
being specially suited to the requirements of the beginner. 
Birds guides, by Chester K. Reed: Part I, Water and game birds east of the Rockies 
(including the hawks and owls); Part 2, Land birds east of the Rockies. Doubleday, 
Page and Company, Garden City, N.Y., price each, $1 in cloth, $1.25 in leather. 
These are small, almost vest pocket editions in limp bindings, 33 by 53 inches, 
very convenient for carrying in the pocket in the field. They contain small, easily 
recognized, coloured illustrations of all the birds in both sexes, and brief descriptions. 
Colour key and guide to the birds of eastern North America, by Frank M. Chapman and 
Chester K. Reed: 8 vo., Doubleday, N .Y., price $2.50. 
Similar in plan to above but more detailed and instructive. 
A guide to the birds of eastern New York, by Ralph Hoffman: 8 vo., Houghton, Mifflin 
& Co., price $1.50. 
A most desirable book, though dealing with an extralimited area it includes most 
of the birds of eastern Canada. It contains keys for the birds of each season based 
upon colour, detailed descriptions, and also many illustrations in black and white 
showing specific details and gives much information of various kinds. 
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