narrow escapes. Though it may seem strange, the 

 place in which most danger awaits him is our back 

 gardens and near our houses. There he is exposed 

 to the savage cat and the terrors of tree-climbing 

 children. 



It is up to us, therefore, to guard him as much as 

 we are able. We should above all things build him a 

 safe place in which to make his nest and bring up his 

 young. The German Government, two years ago, 

 realized this fact and they experimented to find out 

 just what kind of a house he liked best. After two 

 years' trial they came to the conclusion that the only 

 kind the birds really liked was the "open box." The 

 open box consists of a box open on three sides; the 

 closed side is a slanting roof which forms the roof as 

 well. This is put on a pole about six feet from the 

 ground and is therefore safe from all cats, snakes and 

 children. 



We, who enjoy seeing the bright-colored birds and 

 hearing their song, owe it to ourselves to save the lives 

 of our feathered friends. Take Bernardsville itself, 

 for example : ten years ago the country was swarming 

 with birds of all sorts ; to-day there are very few left. 

 What is the cause? it is plain; ten years ago the coun- 

 try was fairly wild; to-day lofty mansions stand where 

 there were nothing but woods. If then our bird life 

 is being killed off like this, it is up to us to do all in 

 our power to preserve them, and as the German gov- 

 ernment will tell you: "First of all build them a 

 house." 



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