176 Bird - Lore 
The Hessian food-house has done good work. The birds fed there regularly 
and used the place in severe weather. They still, however, used the food-bells. 
Beginning March 1, the forceps were used to clean out the nesting-boxes. 
In a considerable number, white-footed mice (Peromyscus) were found living 
im great comfort and security, even as high as thirty-five feet above ground. 
Their nests were found in many more. The mice and red squirrels have done 
a good deal of damage about the box openings. Where the gnawing was exten- 
sive, it was repaired with tin. A number of new boxes were placed in position 
_ 
THE BERLEPSCH FOOD-BELL 
at this time, the inside of the apertures on all of them being carefully fitted 
with tin. 
Tt must be confessed that gypsy-moth egg-clusters were found in a number 
of the boxes, and were probably present in many of the small ones, where they 
could not be seen. They afford shelter for these pests. I have had corks pre- 
pared to fit the different boxes, and intend to try stopping the apertures before 
the moths begin to fly. This will also, I hope, discourage the squirrels and 
mice. 
Three of the large boxes (size D) had been occupied by Owls, and in one 
