SIDE SHOWS 
145 
A clever contrivance is to arrange the projecting roof of 
each bird box so that it can be opened and closed, and by 
some good device securely fastened down. This lid will allow 
the children to peek into the boxes occasionally and, when 
necessary, remove nests of mice and other robber visitors. 
Various devices have been made for studying the nesting 
habits of birds without disturbing them. One is to have the 
side of the box arranged as a door, with a pane of glass set 
behind it so that when the door is opened the birds’ behavior 
can be seen. 
Suppose we have succeeded in providing birds with satis- 
factory homes, what more can we do to make their sojourn 
happy Probably what all our bird guests need most, whether 
they are transient or permanent, is an abundant supply of 
water. So appreciative are they of any little pool whatsoever, 
that they do not disdain to use, either for drinking or for 
bathing, a battered tin pan or cracked dish. A device, how- 
ever, which seems to suit them, and which at the same time 
adds to the attractiveness of a garden, consists of a perfectly 
plain granite block, with its upper face slightly hollowed so 
as to catch the rain. 
The story of the construction of a bird fountain in a school 
yard in the city of Worcester has already interested a large 
circle of bird lovers. It is worth repeating on account of the 
ingenuity shown in designing the fountain, and also because 
of the excellent example it gives of how a school and the 
community may pull together. The plan, it appears, was 
worked out by the teachers and the children. First, it was 
necessary to get the approval of the Board of Education ; 
then, the cost having been estimated at fifty dollars, the chil- 
dren, the teachers, and all their friends enlisted to help raise 
the sum. The contributions were many, and of many sorts. 
Volunteers among the boys dug the trenches for the pipe and 
