NESTING-BOXES 231 



the can. A one-inch hole was made in the board 

 a little above the center, and then the board was 

 fastened in place by driving tacks through the tin. 

 Nails were driven obliquely through the rear of 

 the can into a strip of wood, by means of which the 

 house was fastened in the desired position; or the 

 can may be suspended by means of wire placed 

 around it. In one can of this sort, made by the au- 

 thor, there were successfully reared, in four succes- 

 sive seasons, five broods of house wrens, making a 

 total of from twenty-five to thirty young birds. 



Pottery houses. The author has seen two styles 

 of houses made of pottery or earthenware that are 

 now on the market. This type of house has the ad- 

 vantage of being very durable as it is not affected 

 by the weather. 



Cement boxes. One manufacturer makes cement 

 boxes. These are durable and do not admit of 

 undesirable birds and squirrels enlarging the hole. 

 The cement also allows some ventilation. They are 

 made with removable lids. 



Boxes of roofing-paper. Another manufacturer 

 makes houses out of roofing-paper. These are of 

 cylindrical shape, light and durable. The top may 

 be easily lifted and the box cleaned. 



Comparison of types. When we come to compare 

 these different types to decide which is the most 

 attractive to the birds, we find each type of box 

 has its champions. Mr. E. H. Baynes, in his "Wild 



