INTRODUCTION. XLIX 
land, and here the first experiment in the Pacific coast region was made to introduce 
European and native singing birds. The ‘Society for the Introdiction of Useful Singing 
Birds of Portland, Oregon,” imported in the year 1889 from Clausthal (Harz Mountains), 
Germany, the following birds: 10 pairs of Black-caps, 8 p. Song Thrushes, 15 p. Black- 
birds, 22 p. Skylarks, 20 p. Starlings, 40 p. Goldfinches, 40 p. Chaffinches, 35 p. Linnets, 
40 p. Siskins, 20 p. Crossbills, 1 pair of Nightingales, several pairs of Bullfinches, Yellow 
Hammers, Greenfinches, Hawfinches, and others. Under the direction of Mr. Frank 
Dekum, president of the society, and Mr. C. F. Pflueger, secretary, these birds were 
turned loose near Portland. With the exception of the Nightingales all did well and 
increased in numbers considerably. The Skylarks were set at liberty in clover fields and 
meadows. Writes Mr. Pflueger: ‘The birds have done well ever since they were intro- 
duced. We watched them all through the summer of 1889. Some nested in Portland, 
and some in the suburbs, while others went far off into the State. We have received 
quite a number of very favorable reports from all parts of the State. Many of the birds 
left in fall and returned in spring 1890. Blackbirds, Skylarks, and all the Finches did 
not migrate. The society has received reports from numerous places in this vicinity 
which show that the birds, set at liberty a year ago, have prospered, and that the 
experiment was a grand success.”’ 
This success induced the society to import another large lot of European and 
native birds, among them Mockingbirds, Cardinals, and others. These birds arrived in 
March 1891 and were set free in May. All did well, and Mr. Pflueger receives now 
reports from all parts of the State that the naturalized birds are multiplying 
rapidly. Skylarks, Blackbirds, Goldfinches, Siskins, Linnets, and Greenfinches are doing 
especially well. 
Similar societies have been founded in Washington and California. 
NESTING BOXES. 
Convenient nesting-boxes must be provided for a number of our birds, if we desire 
their presence in our parks, gardens, and orchards. In many cultivated regions, and 
especially in the prairie districts, our beautiful and familiar Bluebird can scarcely find 
a hole where it can build its nest. Nesting-boxes for this highly beneficial songster 
ought to be found in every garden and orchard. These boxes should be firmly fastened 
to the branches of trees by strong wire or nailed to posts. Of the illustrations appear- 
ing on page L No. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 are especially designated for-the Bluebird. No. 6 
and 7 suit the taste of the Phoebe exactly, if it is unable to find another more convenient 
nesting-site. No. 8 is a good box for Titmice. These boxes are easily made of boards 
or hollow branches and hollow tree-trunks. In the South the hollow cypress knees 
furnish excellent material for the construction of convenient nesting-boxes. Cigar-boxes 
are entirely unfit for our purpose and should never be used. 
