SIDE SHOWS 
143 
community should look to its gardener to take the lead in 
establishing intelligent and protective measures. 
Time was, and not so long ago, when many species of 
birds gladly accepted the hospitality of a bird house. This 
they would still continue to do if it were not for the oppo- 
sition of the tyrant sparrow. For, as we know to our sorrow, 
just in proportion as the English sparrow has fought his way 
into a locality, the native birds have been driven farther and 
farther back. At present comparatively few will breed in 
boxes unless by some means this fellow has been banished. 
So scare him away, if possible, till the other birds begin to 
build. Fortunately, there still remain as many as twelve spe- 
cies of birds which may be counted upon to come regularly 
to spots where their peace can be assured. 
Among these are to be found four kinds of swallows : the 
chimney swift, the house wren, the bluebird, and the phoebe. 
Neither the robin nor the nighthawk can as a rule be tempted 
to nest in boxes, but both will occasionally breed on the tops 
of buildings. As for those handsome members of the wood- 
pecker family, — the flickers, — strange to say not very many 
attempts have been made to entice them into neighborhoods ; 
and yet they are such famous insect hunters that it would 
seem well worth trying. This ought not to be difficult either, 
if their tastes can be judged by the amusing pranks they 
sometimes play. Tales are told of how, as cold weather ap- 
proaches, they cut little porthole-like doorways for them- 
selves, and serenely enter some unoccupied summer cottage, 
where they settle snugly for the winter, to enjoy the comforts 
of home. Often they are not discovered till spring. It is 
therefore proposed to offer them at least the alternative of 
an all-the-y ear-round cottage of their own. 
The bluebird is sure to become a family friend, provided 
we have an orchard or some mowing land near by. This 
