36 



and each is protected by a strong iron plate. These iron plates are a 

 very great improvement, because they prevent the batten from splitting, 

 or the nail from sinking in, accidents which were formerly of frequent 

 occurrence owing to the growth of the trees. The upper 

 hole has the shape shown in the accompanying illustra- 

 tion, to make the hanging of the boxes more convenient. 



A very great improvement was recently effected by 

 the slope introduced in the angle between the cover and the batten. 

 In spite of all the advantages it was found impossible to prevent 

 rainwater from occasionally entering the interior. This unfortunate 

 state of affairs was especially inevitable when the boxes hung just where 

 the tree formed a gutter a thing that cannot always be avoided, 

 because it is not noticed beforehand. The slope, however, conducts 

 the water that flows down the batten, directly 

 away from the interior of the box.* 



The opening is sometimes opposite the 

 batten, sometimes at its side. 



The " screw-nails" which are used to fasten the 

 boxes, are better than ordinary nails, because 

 they need not be driven in so far, and yet 

 are very firm, owing to their peculiar twists. 

 (See illustration.) 

 Screw-nail. Key. A key ig necessary to tighten the screw- 



bolts of the cover and the batten, which are often loosened in transit, 

 or to enable one to remove the cover in order to see the interior of the 

 box when it is hanging up. (See illustration.) 



(E) Kinds of Boxes. 



Five different kinds of Berlepsch's nesting-boxes, resembling each 

 other in construction, but differing in size to correspond with woodpecker 

 holes, are manufactured.! 



* Baron von Berlepsch, much to our satisfaction, has at last consented to patent 

 this improvement at all events. It will be .found only in the nesting-boxes of 

 the manufacturers Scheid and Bertschinger in those only, that is to say, that 

 also bear the trade mark. (See p. 40.) 



f For prices and particulars as to where these and the other appliances 

 recommended can be obtained, see advertisement pages at the end of this book. 



