NESTING BOXES, ETC. 61 



they had to leave the nest each bird was able, with- 

 out mistake, to lay claim to his own head and neck. 



"I would recommend the use of these boxes to any 

 lovers of birds, they are a great interest. At another 

 place where similar boxes are used it was found one 

 year that eggs were constantly being broken and 

 the contents consumed. The depredator could not 

 be discovered ; but one day two Tomtits were seen 

 to be in great distress, flying wildly about the 

 mouth of the box in which they had a fine clutch of 

 eggs. The box was opened, and inside was found a 

 squirrel asleep among the shattered shells of the 

 burgled eggs. The squirrel was caught, soundly 

 beaten and turned loose again, and I believe that 

 from that time forth no more eggs were destroyed. 

 I commend this anecdote to those who think that 

 flogging has no deterrent effect." 



As to the hindrances to be met with in our 

 endeavours to protect our wild birds during the 

 nesting season, perhaps the three most formidable 

 are the small boy egg pilferer, the cat and the 

 House Sparrow. 



The small boy, like the Squirrel mentioned by 

 Mr. Buxton, should not give much trouble after 

 being once caught in flagrante delicto, and having 

 received a salutary chastisement. 



