30 Bird Day Book 



fields in search of hiding places in which to winter or entering them 

 to continue their work of devastation. 



Martins are not at all fastidious about the outward appearance 

 of their dwellings, and a large gourd suspended from the top of a 

 dead tree or a pole, or any kind of a weather-tight box or barrel, 

 however rude, when divided into compartments answers their needs 

 as well as the most costly and ornamental house. The rooms should 

 be about 4^2 inches wide, 7 inches high, and 8 inches deep, with 

 entrance about 3 inches in diameter. They will not build close to 

 the ground, having a wholesome fear of cats and other invaders; 

 hence the houses should be elevated from the ground not less than 

 15 feet. Drinking water is essential for martins and all other swal- 

 lows, and the presence of a small pond, lake, or river greatly in- 

 creases the chances for colonization. 



— U. S. Agri. Dept. Bulletin. 



