224 PROPAGATION OF WILD BIRDS 



much as I do, it would certainly have nested right 

 here! 



Placing a Bluebird Box. A lady who had been very 

 successful in attracting wrens, but had not secured any blue- 

 birds, asked me to indicate some good places on her estate 

 for boxes to attract the latter species. After looking about, 

 I found a spot, off from the well-kept lawns, where there 

 was a bit of natural New England pasture — a couple of 

 old apple trees, a clump of sumachs nearby, some scattered 

 bushes, and the grass not cut. On one of the apple trees a 

 big hollow section had projected toward the south, about 

 twelve feet from the ground, but had been sawed off. I 

 should almost be willing to wager that at some time blue- 

 birds had nested there. I suggested that a box of bluebird 

 size be nailed to that flat surface. Many a bluebird's nest 

 have I seen in exactly such surroundings. If it is not oc- 

 cupied by bluebirds next season, I am sure it wiU be because 

 of scarcity of the species or other local conditions. This will 

 serve to illustrate the principle on which I proceed. In case 

 one is not familiar with the habits of birds, it will be well to 

 consult some local ornithologist, or write to our Department 

 of Applied Ornithology. 



Surroundings for Different Species. In general, it is 

 well to try to place the boxes in situations as nearly as pos- 

 sible representing the natural haunts of the species which 

 may use them. It is true we are trying to induce the birds 

 to change their habits to some extent, and with some degree 

 of success. None the less, we shall make more progress by 

 keeping as closely as possible to the ways of nature. With-, 

 out taking time to describe the nesting-haunts of the vari- 

 ous species, some generalizations as to the placing of boxes 

 may be of interest. In general it is safe to assume that 

 boxes placed in woods are less likely to be occupied. Wood- 



