68 



5. It should be remembered that a well-cared-for hedge is to be pre- 

 ferred to any wooden or iron fence round gardens and similar places 

 for weighty reasons. A hving hedge (a) serves as a nesting-place for 

 birds ; (b) is far more beautiful in the spring ; (c) does not allow the 

 carbon, which is so necessary for the growth of plants and which lies 

 on the ground, to be wafted away with every breath of wind ; and 

 (d) is to be recommended on the score of cheapness. 



(d) Laying out of Reservations for Birds. 



By bird reservations we mean enclosed spaces specially devoted 

 to birds and containing all the necessarj' conditions of life, and 

 protection from injury by man and beast. They are looked on as 

 the last refuge of birds, and are based on the measures given in the 

 various chapters of this book. In fact, they combine all the measures 

 serving for the protection and preservation of birds. Such reserva- 

 tions will probably, as a rule, be laid out by the state or community, 

 or vi-ith their sujiioort, rarely l)y private people and societies. Land 

 valueless for agricultural purposes and often lying waste can be utilized 

 for this purpose. 



It is essential that unselfish people be found in different ijlaces 

 ready to conduct the laying out of the reservation. Probabty officials 

 and private individuals will be willing to render assistance. 



The land in question must first be secured for the purpose. When 

 the land is being out up for small holdings and allotments, we must 

 communicate with the special or general commissions who are ready 

 to carry out our wishes and to make a grant of the land in question 

 to the local boards or those interested in bird-protection. If the 

 land is the property of the community a si^ecial order from the 

 magistrates or some similar body is necessary. Generally a grant 

 of money can be obtained from local funds at the same time. In 

 many to^^TQS in Germany the governing bodies have themselves en- 

 couraged the formation of bu-d reservations and carried out the work 

 as a matter of common interest. It is advisable to send some suitable 

 person for instruction to Seebach first, so that the work may be 

 efficientl}' carried out. 



It will serve as a guide if the method in which a reservation was. 

 laid out at Heiligenstadt is described. 



