"DIRDS appeal strongly to the interests and affec- 

 *-* tions of mankind. Not only do they charm 

 by their neat forms, harmonious colors, sprightly 

 actions, and usually pleasing notes, but they have 

 an even more important claim upon our esteem be- 

 cause of their great economic value. 



Birds feed upon practically all insect pests. 

 They are voracious, able to move freely from place 

 to place, and exert a steady influence in keeping 

 down the swelling tide of insect life. 



For economic as well as for esthetic reasons, 

 therefore, an effort should be made to attract 

 and protect birds and to increase their numbers. 

 Where proper measures of this kind have been 

 taken an increase of several fold in the bird popu- 

 lation has resulted, with decreased losses from 

 depredations of injurious insects. 



This bulletin is one of a series intended to de- 

 scribe the best methods of attracting birds in 

 various parts of the United States, especially by 

 providing a food supply and other accessories 

 about the homestead. The area to which it is 

 adapted is shown by the shaded portion of the map 

 on page 3. 



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