44 



The quantity of earth and sawdust to be put in has been exactly 

 ascertained. In box A put J^ litre (= about 1 oz., or a tablespoonful) ; 

 in B, 2V litre (= about 2 oz., or two tablespoonfuls) ; in C and D 

 1 litre (= about 8| oz., or If gills). 



As it is so important to put in the right quantity, it is better to make 

 use of the measure, which can be obtained from the manufacturers, 

 and is well adapted for filling in the mixture. For box A fill it once, 

 for B twice, and for C and D ten times. 



On the whole, in consideration of what we have said above, it is 

 wiser to follow the rule : " Better too little than too much." 



With regard to hanging up the boxes we must consider (1) the 

 season ; (2) the jjosition ; (3) the method of hanging them up. 



1. The late autumn is the most favourable time for hanging them 

 up, so that the birds that winter with us may find shelter there. But 

 these nesting-boxes can be put up during the whole winter, tiU March, 

 with a good chance of success. Boxes put up later are very rarely 

 inhabited in the same year. 



2. With regard to the position, the most useful are as follows : 

 Boxes A and Al should be from 6 to 13 feet from the ground, on trees, 

 props, walls, etc., in orchards, woods, and plantations, especially in 

 young plantations, in a quiet spot protected somewhat by bushes, 

 and if possible hidden by overhanging branches.* In woods, especially 

 coniferous woods, it is better to begin at the edge (but not at the 

 extreme edge) with trees that stand back 3 to 6 feet and to leave 

 some 30 paces between each (see j)p. 46 and 47 for reason). When 

 sufficient have been hung at the edge of the wood, the boxes must be 

 gradually introduced into the interior, especially in clearings, such as 

 are often caused in pine \^'oods by snow and wind, or by local attacks 

 of fungoid diseases. Birds that breed in holes, like birds that breed 

 in the open, void very dark spots. 



Box A is for great tit, blue tit, marsh-tit, crested tit, coal-tit, tree- 

 creeper, ]D'ed fly-catcher, wryneck, common redstart, lesser spotted 



* If there is any fear of injuring young trees by knocking in nails, the boxes 

 should be fastened to posts. In young plantations where there are no nesting- 

 holes, it is both easy and desirable to bring about a settlement of very useful 

 birds in this fashion. Boxes fixed at a distance of about 3 feet from the ground 

 are inhabited by tits, as may be seen at Seebach. These low-hung boxes have 

 this advantage, that they are neglected by the sparrows. This method can only 

 be recommended where there are no vermin. 



