NESTING-HOUSES 



23 



ventilation. During the heat of the day, espe- 

 cially if the boxes are not in the shade, the air 

 inside becomes very hot and impure, and doubt- 

 less the young must suffer considerably unless 

 arrangements are made for a change of air. 



In constructing the houses of boards, a narrow 

 slit may be left on each side under the roof. A 

 series of small holes may be bored in the upper 

 part of the hollow limbs or bark houses ; nail- 

 holes may be made in the tin receptacles. 



Drainage Holes. — It is also well to bore a 

 few small holes somewhere in the bottom of the 

 boxes to allow any water to drain out that may 

 beat into the boxes during storms ; and, of course, 

 there should be no openings left on top by which 

 the water can enter. 



Movable Covers. — It is 

 very convenient to have some 

 arrangement by which the 

 houses can be opened for ex- 

 amination if desired. This will 

 allow opportunity for removing 

 the eggs of the English spar- 

 row, and for cleaning out the 

 box at the end of the season. 

 This may be arranged in sev- 

 eral ways. The author has 



BOX WITH SLmiNG 

 COVEK 



