The Bluebird 69 



pugnacious foes, the bluebirds are, year by year, 

 becoming less numerous about our dwellings. 



In my bird note book I find a sketch of the blue- 

 bird families that have, for several years in succession, 

 occupied my "bird-box." This artificial home con- 

 sisted of a hollow limb, about twenty inches long 

 and eight in diameter, closed at top and bottom, and 

 having an entrance for the birds on one side, while 

 on another side was a door, through which the nest 

 and its contents could be inspected. In the wall 

 opposite to the bird's entrance a microphone was 

 arranged, and a line joined it to a telephone re- 

 ceiver in the house. This imique "bird-box" was 

 located about twelve feet above the ground and made 

 fast to the body of a tree that stood in the rear of the 

 house. 



I did not expect to obtain results that could any 

 more be turned into words than could the music of 

 the veery or the murmuring of a moimtain stream; 

 but I wanted to hear the notes of the old birds and 

 young, when undisturbed by man, and this was the 

 only method known to me of accomplishing the de- 

 sired end. 



When the arrangements were completed, I waited 

 for the house to be occupied. By March twentieth it 

 had been inspected by many bluebirds, tut none had 



