28 



THE AUDUBON BULLETIN 



brought about a great demand for nesting boxes, which induced business 

 men to venture into the bird box game commercially. Their products are 

 in evidence everywhere. 



The types, while differing considerably in design and workmanship, 

 however, are easily grouped into two classes, one known as the Von 

 Berlepsch bird box constructed from hollowed-out logs and the other as 

 the square type made of boards. The Von Berlepsch box is by far the 

 more attractive, fitting into its surroundings inconspicuously and naturally. 

 The report of E. H. Forbush, with reference to this box has not been 

 favorable, but here in Rockford it has been found the favorite nesting 

 box with* the birds. 



The needs of each species of birds has been met by well studied, simple, 

 practical, roomy, sanitary and safe nesting boxes. The proportions of 

 these have been painstakingly worked out by authorities on bird life and 

 little or no improvement can be made except as individual fancy may 

 dictate. The Von Berlepsch box can be bought so much cheaper than 

 one could make it that measurements of this type will be omitted. It can 

 be bought of Phillip E. Perry, P. O. Box 275, Boston. Massachusetts. 

 The Audubon Bird House Company, of Meriden, New Hampshire, manu- 

 facture a slightly modified form of the Von Berlepsch box, the changes 

 being intended to meet the special requirements of American birds. 



Materials for the square box type are easily obtained and its construc- 

 tion is so simple that by following a few important rules any one is in a 

 position to turn out very satisfactory houses. Labor being the greatest 

 item of expense, the lumber should be selected with a view to its lasting 

 qualities. Weathered lumber is to be preferred to newly planed boards 

 and a coating of paint well dried in, especially if applied in the fall, will 

 be no detriment. 



Lumber less than y§" in thickness should not be used and boards J4>" 

 thick for anything larger than a wren box are preferable. The board form- 

 ing the back of the box may project four inches above and four inches 

 below the box proper. This permits of a secure and easy fastening to 

 pole, building or tree. The roof should have a slope toward the front of 

 two inches, with a projection of three inches over the front of the box. 

 By placing the en- 

 trance hole one and 

 one-half inches below 

 the overhang, the roof 

 will act as shelter 

 against driving rains 

 and also prevent cats 

 and squirrels from 

 reaching the nest 

 from the roof. The 

 •two sides should reach 

 to but Y%" of the slop- 

 ing roof, giving much 

 needed ventilation to 

 stifling nestlings. The 

 board composing the 

 front of the box must 



-'!*.* VerttiUhou 



