

IX 



A REFERENCE to One of my notebooks shows that 

 in June, 1895, there were thirty-six species of birds 

 nesting within singing distance of my study win- 

 dows ; in 1907 there were thirty-two, the most dis- 

 tant nest being less than five minutes' walk from my 

 door. 



This is not a modern natural history story, — an 

 extraordinary discovery that only I am capable of 

 making. Start your own June list, and I warrant you 

 will find as many. For there is nothing peculiarly 

 birdy about my small farm. Any place as uncon- 

 genial to English sparrows and one that offers a fair 

 chance to the native birds will keep you busy count- 

 ing nests in June. 



In the chimney built the swifts (three or four 

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