Clay Bird-Houses and Bird-Baths 



71 



the one in the center of the lower row in the illustration. The builder of it 

 furnished it with a lid so that the contents could be examined at pleas- 

 ure. Bird-baths had been under discussion, and this lid was made con- 

 cave so that the rain would fill it with water. A gutter led from this bath- 

 tub to a cup of clay built on one side of the structure. This cup 

 caught the overflow and directed it through a small hole into another 

 cup on the inside. This made it possible for the bird to drink without leav- 

 ing the nest. On the other side of the house two other cups were 

 fastened. The cup outside was for food, which was to be protected by a lid. 

 The food was to run through a hole into the cup inside as fast as the 



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A BIRDS'- BATH 



sitting bird desired. I do not know how successful this house has 

 proven during the two years it has been in use, but it certainly is a model 

 of modern methods in sanitation. 



An accompanying illustration shows an excellent bird-bath. This is the 

 work of Mrs. W. M. R. French, of, Beverly Hills, Illinois. About four feet 

 from the corner of the veranda of her home there is a connection for 

 the garden hose. From this an abundant supply of water was obtained andl 

 a bathing pool was built just beneath it. A shallow hole was dug twO' 

 feet wide, three feet long, and eight inches deep. This was lined with: 

 small cobblestones laid in cement. The end away from the tap was; 

 made lower than the upper end, and the superfluous water ran down ai 

 slight incline to the roots of a large oak tree, the visiting place of a remark- 

 able number of birds at all times of the year. Every day throughout 

 the summer a swift stream of water was turned on which effectually 

 cleaned the tub and left a clear, cool supply for the thirsty birds. Noa 

 account has been kept of the varieties and numbers of birds that visited the 



