116 METHODS OF ATTRACTING BIRDS 



observed to come for water indicate the straits to 

 which they are at times driven. 



In case one has a brook or pond near, there 

 will not exist the need of furnishing drinking- 

 f ountains to save the birds from thirst ; but these 

 natural drinking -places are often surrounded 

 with shrubs or tall grasses which furnish a lurk- 

 ing-place for cats, so that a fountain may be so 

 arranged as to be better protected from the birds' 

 enemies, and this will furnish opportunity for 

 watching more closely the birds that come to it. 



Essentials of Fountains. — The two essentials 

 to be considered in providing fountains are the 

 depth of water and the location of the fountain. 

 The water should be very shallow. In most orna- 

 mental fountains the water is deep, and the sides 

 so slippery that the birds are afraid to enter. 

 The proper depth is about two inches in the 

 deepest part, in the centre ; and from there it 

 should gradually slope to about a half-inch at 

 the edge. Care should also be taken that the 

 edge of the fountain is of roughened material so 

 that the birds will not slip. 



Location. — In deciding upon the location, 

 the important matter to consider is protection 

 from cats. When the birds' feathers are wet they 



