BIRD HOUSE CONTESTS 



23 



In boring the entrance hole, tip the bit up- 

 ward slightly so that rain water will not drip 

 inward. . 



Some device for attaching the house to a 

 building or tree should be provided. It is best 

 to have the house stationary to prevent undue 

 swinging in a high wind, perhaps causing the 

 breaking of eggs and discomfort to the mother 

 bird. 



Houses of unusual shape or design are not 

 considered as good as the plainer types, the 

 idea being to make each house harmonize as 

 naturally as possible with the surroundings. 



It must be evident from the foregoing that 

 there are quite a number of things to keep in 

 mind as we prepare our plans for the homes 

 of the future feathered inhabitants. 



METHODS OK CONDUCTING A BIRD HOUSE 



CONTEST. 



St. Johnsbury, Vermont, is very fortunate 

 in having a fine Museum of Natural Science 

 with a corps of very efficient workers on its 

 staff. 



Every year the directors of the Museum do- 

 nate a substantial amount of prize money as 

 rewards for the best houses constructed for 

 birds by pupils of the grammar school. 



The local Commercial Club, as well as 

 many of the merchants also, add generously 

 to the fund, so that the boys and girls, besides 

 having an incentive for helping their bird 

 friends from an economic standpoint, also 

 have a chance to profit financially. 



Previous to starting work the Museum in- 

 structors give interesting lectures on the ne- 



