SIDE SHOWS 145 



A clever contrivance is to arrange the projecting roof of 

 each bird box so that it can be opened and closed, and by 

 some good device securely fastened down. This lid will allow 

 the children to peek into the boxes occasionally and, when 

 necessary, remove nests of mice and other robber visitors. 

 Various devices have been made for studying the nesting 

 habits of birds without disturbing them. One is to have the 

 side of the box arranged as a door, with a pane of glass set 

 behind it so that when the door is opened the birds' behavior 

 can be seen. 



Suppose we have succeeded in providing birds with satis- 

 factory homes, what more can we do to make their sojourn 

 happy ? Probably what all our bird guests need most, whether 

 they are transient or permanent, is an abundant supply of 

 water. So appreciative are they of any little pool whatsoever, 

 that they do not disdain to use, either for drinking or for 

 bathing, a battered tin pan or cracked dish. A device, how- 

 ever, which seems to suit them, and which at the same time 

 adds to the attractiveness of a garden, consists of a perfectly 

 plain granite block, with its upper face slightly hollowed so 

 as to catch the rain. 



The story of the construction of a bird fountain in a school 

 yard in the city of Worcester has already interested a large 

 circle of bird lovers. It is worth repeating on account of the 

 ingenuity shown in designing the fountain, and also because 

 of the excellent example it gives of how a school and the 

 community may pull together. The plan, it appears, was 

 worked out by the teachers and the children. First, it was 

 necessary to get the approval of the Board of Education ; 

 then, the cost having been estimated at fifty dollars, the chil- 

 dren, the teachers, and all their friends enlisted to help raise 

 the sum. The contributions were many, and of many sorts. 

 Volunteers among the boys dug the trenches for the pipe and 



