156 



OUR DEBT TO THE SWALLOWS 



in this country has so changed 

 - ' that now, instead of 

 \^ "1 snares to capture birds, 

 > we learn of the newest 

 devices in artificial nests to 

 attract and house them. In Ger- 

 many, low-growing nesting bushes 

 are being planted, nesting boxes 

 carefully placed on trees, and 

 winter feeding houses arranged, 

 as polite invitations to the birds 

 to come and settle near man. 

 The presence of swallows 

 is so much desired around 

 houses in that country, that 

 artificial nests of clay are 

 made and offered them rent- 

 free for dwellings. The 

 city of Hamburg has a • 

 Keeper of Birds appointed 

 by the state, whose duty it 

 is to assist in their preservation. And we 

 of this country have our many Audubon and 



