37 



The most important thing next to the characteristic slope of the 

 opening at an angle of 4 degrees is undoubtedly the pointed oval form of 

 the trough. Strange to say, this most important circumstance is 

 frequently misunderstood. A mistake of this kind, such as speaking 

 of a flat trough, can only be the result of insufficient acquaintance 

 with the Berlepsch nesting-boxes.* (See p. 32.) 



A. 



EXTERIORS OF BERLEPSCH S NESTING-BOXES. 



A. With entrance hole opposite batten. 

 B. With entrance hole at the side. 



The cover and the batten consist of oak f inch thick, and, as the 

 illustration shows, the former is fastened to the box by screw bolts. 

 The batten is provided with a hole for a nail above and below the box 

 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 \vhich were formerly of frequent 



* In one of the first editions of the " Gesammte Vogelschutz " the word " flat " 

 was wrongly printed for " pointed " trough. We must assume that this mistake 

 was copied by those who were not acquainted with woodpecker holes, and that 

 the error was thus spread. 



