THE PROTECTION OF BIRDS. 385 
to begin to feed birds when they are migrating in April, 
by scattering a little cracked corn, oats, wheat, barley, or 
millet seed in the yard near the garden or along the garden 
paths. This may attract Sparrows, Thrashers, and Black- 
birds, some of which may decide to remain in the vicinity 
for the summer. These birds and the Robins and Catbirds 
will make themselves useful by feeding on insects at plowing 
time. 
Birds will drink and bathe even in winter, when they can 
find water; but in summer they must have water for both 
purposes. When the streams are frozen, snow takes the 
place of water; but in summer, if water is not at hand, 
birds must get it by drinking dew and by eating fruits or 
succulent green vegetation. Where there is running water 
about the house or garden, they may do very well without 
further provision for their needs; but it is best in any case 
to arrange a place where they can drink and bathe without 
being exposed to the attacks of cats and Hawks. A shallow 
pan set on the window shelf or on the top of a post on the 
shady side of the house, some four or five feet from the 
ground, will answer every purpose. A shelving stone may 
be put in, to give a varying depth of water in different parts 
of the pan. The water should not be more than two inches 
deep anywhere, and not more than half an inch deep on one 
side of the pan. If this is put out in the spring, and the 
birds become accustomed to visiting it, they will require less 
fruit than usual. The water should be changed every day. 
This pan will be a source of enjoyment to the household 
during the noontime, when all may watch the birds bathe 
and splash the water about. Where there is running water 
a drinking fountain may easily be arranged. This may be 
placed on the lawn, slightly elevated, and supplied from a 
drip; such a fountain should need little attention. Orna- 
mental fountains and watering troughs are often so deep 
that there is no chance for birds to drink or bathe. There 
should always be shallow water somewhere. Most orna- 
mental ponds have no provision for birds. The water is too 
deep or the coping too high. In such cases a large stone 
with a surface shelving into and just beneath the water, or 
