67 



the nest of the httle grebe, and that pf the kingfisher is on the bank. 

 It is very interesting to see these birds diving and swimming in the 

 water with their young. 



Baron von Berlepscli intends to pay particular attention in future 

 to experiments dealing with protection of water-fowl. The pond is 

 a very suitable place, because it is directly connected, by means of 

 a ditch, with the neighbouring brook, which serves as a good means of 

 attracting the birds that pass that way. 



Owners of parks and similar grounds, and especially those persons to 

 whom the care of these places is entrusted, such as gardeners and 

 others, should bear in mind the hints given above ; or, better still, 

 they should seek instruction by a visit to Seebach itself. 



Who would not like to attract as many of our feathered favourites 

 as possible to his own garden, park, etc., where they not only enhven 

 Nature by their song and their bright -ways, but act as watchful 

 guardians, attacking all kinds of harmful insects ? 



(c) Special Measures. 

 A few measures taken at Seebach must be mentioned in order to 

 complete the directions given above : — 



1. The fallen leaves in the shrubberies, park and wood, must be 

 left on the ground as far as this is compatible with other considerations. 

 The birds find their food under the leaves, and are warned of the 

 approach of their enemies by the rusthng of the leaves. Experiments 

 carried out in the shelter-woods have proved how important this is, 

 for those parts of the wood where the ground had been cleared of dry 

 leaves were avoided by birds in a striking manner. 



2. The removal of stacks of faggots and wood, as well as grazing 

 in the wood, must be avoided as far as possible in the nesting season. 



3. Hedges must be cut, not in the breeding season, but early in 

 spring and autumn, as has been ordered in Germany by various 

 Government Departments. The custom of pruning at midsummer, 

 which is unfortunately still practised in many districts, destroys 

 many second broods, and this is prejudicial to the increase of birds, as 

 second broods mostly consist of females. 



4. If a plantation is to serve as a slielter-wood for birds, in addition 

 to other purposes, the hints on the choice, the planting, and pruning of 

 shrubs and trees must be attended to. 



