282 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



shrubbery, and buildings," and the main object of the publication 

 is to give " some information from actual experience on this 

 subject, which I trust may induce others to do something for the 

 preservation of our fast- diminishing wild birds." 



Parts I. and II. are devoted to a resume of the governmental 

 edicts passed in this country for wild bird protection, and to the 

 mediaeval bird laws directed to the same purpose. 



Part III. deals with the more important consideration of 

 " Bird Nesting Boxes," in which the author not only details 

 his own successful contrivances, but gives examples of similar 

 measures pursued for the same purpose by other well-known 

 naturalists and admirers of our native avian fauna. One obser- 

 vation is to be noted : " Many of our bird lovers seem to consider 

 that success in attracting birds to nesting-boxes depends to a 

 great extent on the aspect in which the boxes are placed, and 

 probably a south or south-east aspect is the best, as the birds 

 then get more sun ; on the other hand, I have frequently found 

 Flycatchers building against walls having a westerly and even 

 northerly aspect, and Tits and Redstarts nesting in holes directly 

 facing the north ; so that it seems really to be of little moment 

 in what direction a nesting-box or hole faces, if the bird finds 

 the spot sufficiently quiet to carry on its nesting and family 

 duties, and sufficiently sheltered from rain." 



But with all care and contrivance three enemies must be 

 reckoned with during the nesting season, viz. the small boy, the 

 cat, and the House Sparrow. The evil propensities of the last- 

 named bird as experienced by the author are clearly stated. 

 " No doubt remains that he is a determined destroyer of the eggs 

 of other small birds, and to the House Martin he is an inveterate 

 plague, taking possession of its nest, and appropriating it to his 

 own use." 



The volume concludes with an enumeration of "Orders apply- 

 ing to Counties, &c, under Wild Birds' Protection Acts." 



The illustrations, the result of photography, give a peculiar 

 charm to a remarkably interesting and useful little book. 





