BIRD BATHS 93 



heavens. It is then that all nature is panting from 

 excessive heat. 



A simple zinc pan, large and wide enough, filled 

 with fresh water daily, is as satisfactory to them, 

 as a marble pool standing in the heart of the gar- 

 den and surrounded by a bed of brilliant flowers. 

 Place this pan in the heart of a grassy knoll, at 

 the edge of the garden proper and watch results. 

 You will not have long to wait before softly trip- 

 ping through the grass or dropping from their 

 leafy covert, one by one, they show their gratitude 

 by revelling in the bath thus placed for their use. 



The most common type, if you wish to buy a bird 

 bath, is the cement one. It can be modeled in any 

 shape and to follow any line of tre'atment that you 

 prefer. The simple, plain, low-lying ones are suit- 

 able for placing under the shadowy bush or tree. 

 Hand carving would be as much out of place on a 

 bath such as this, as if one used an expensive sUver 

 bowl for their benefit. To be sure a little orna- 

 mentation, simply worked out, makes them more 

 artistic. This can be accomplished through proper 

 planting. A delicate fern unfolding its fronds and 

 drooping until it almost touches the water is ap- 

 propriate, as is a low-lying pine that adds a bit of 



