41 



we neither recommend nor guarantee his other articles). After an 

 experience of almost ten years we can give a final opinion about the 

 articles manufactured by these two firms, and we must describe their 

 work as excellent. 



But it is by no means impossible, seeing that the articles are turned 

 out in this wholesale fashion, that occasionally an imperfect specimen 

 may be found, and we therefore beg that purchasers will occasionally 

 test the goods with the help of this book. Both firms have pledged 

 themselves to take back, within eight days (carriage not paid by sender), 

 any article that is in the least faulty, and to send back another 

 free of charge. 



When large quantities of nesting-boxes are required, they should be 

 carefully selected. The following chapters will show that in most 

 cases boxes A and B should be chosen, because the birds which inhabit 

 them are those whose presence is most desired. 



(G) Hanging up of Nesting -boxes. 



Even if these nesting-boxes are perfect in construction, success 

 still depends on the way they are hung up ; some important rules con- 

 cerning this point will therefore be given here. 



Before hanging them, tighten the screws of the lid and the batten 

 which may have been loosened in transit, by means of the key 

 (p. 36), and give a few blows with a hammer to the nail which connects 

 the batten with the box. 



Then, in place of the tree- mould found in natural holes, put into 

 every box a mixture of saw r dust and earth in equal parts, which can 

 either be obtained from the manufacturers at the same time as the boxes 

 or can be made by the purchaser himself. 



Unfortunately, people are often misled by the saying, which is true 

 enough of other things "The more the better " but if too much is used 

 the pointed trough loses its value for birds that use little or no material 

 for their nests, such as the wryneck, woodpecker, and stock-dove, 

 because it is no longer true to Nature.* 



The quantity of earth and sawdust to be put in has been exactly 



* The advantage of the pointed trough lies in its keeping together the eggs of 

 those birds that do not build nests. If the trough is filled too full this advantage 

 is lost, and the box is as useless as one with a flat bottom. (See p. 35.) 



