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to the same extent and that here this small branch of trade

would shew but a poor result.


As the protection of birds by this means seems to me to

be “aviculture” in a literal sense (and a very good sense) the

more note-worthy points about these “ Nistkasteu ” will doubt¬

less be of interest, the circular in question being drawn up in a

precise and quite scientific manner.


The nests are made in four sizes (the various dimensions

being stated with great exactitude in millimetres) and consist of

natural logs suitably hollowed out, the entrance-hole being in

the side, near the top ; the smallest size is intended for the

various Tit-mice, Creepers, Wrynecks, Fly-catchers, Nuthatches

and other hole-dwellers of about the same size, the next for

Starlings, Nuthatches and Wrynecks again, the ffesser-spotted

Wood-pecker, etc., the third for the larger Wood-peckers and the

Hoopoe, and the fourtb for Owls. There is also a horizontal pattern

and a shallow, more box-like one with a large entrance-hole,

suitable for Wrens, Wagtails and other species which do not as

a rule care for a deep nest.


The description reads more or less as follows : “ This nest-

box, the result of twenty-five years of practical experience, and

observation, is a reproduction of the natural Wood-pecker’s hole.

The box itself consists of a sound piece of branch ; the nest

cavity, narrow at the top, widens out lower down and forms at

the bottom a shallow cup. The entrance-hole is directed slightly

upwards towards the inside, thus rendering it difficult for moisture

to penetrate. The edges of it, particularly the lower ones, are

slightly rounded off both outside and inside, and in place of the

irregularities which are found on the sides of every natural hole,

several angular ridges are cut so as to give the birds proper foot¬

hold. The roof-board and the back-board for hanging the nest

up are of stout oak, the former being strongly fastened to the

body with bolts and the latter with bolt and wood-screw. The

roof-board must fit well all round.”


“ The top is made to take off so that broods of sparrows or

squirrels can be turned out.”


“ The nests do not require cleaning out.”


“ Screw-nails are most suitable for fixing the boxes in

position as they held as well as a screwed-in screw and, not

requiring to be driven in so far as ordinary nails, have the

advantage of doing less injury to the tree.”



