THE HOUSE WREN 
By MABEL OSGOOD WRIGHT 
The National Association of Audubon Societies 
Educational Leaflet No. 39 
Since the work of bird-protection has become a matter of interna- 
tional interest we have heard a great deal of vanishing species and of the 
discouraging side of the matter, while far less has been said about the 
Photographed by F. L. Holts 
A House Wren at Home 
The nesting-box has been opened and shows that the bird has 
filled its chamber nearly to the ceiling 
increase of certain species of our most familiar birds that might be still 
further augmented by a little care. 
We cannot prevent, if we would, the trend of civilization that drains 
and reclaims the marshes and swampy woods dear to water-fowl and so- 
called shore-birds. We cannot check, or even guide, the over-thrifty 
forestry that does away with the moss-grown stumps — picturesque in 
their decay — and fills up with cement every crack or knot-hole suitable 
for owl, chickadee, nuthatch, or woodpecker ; but a dozen birds are still 
abundant on which we depend for home-music, the concerts of the garden 
and near-by fields, and it is possible to keep these with us definitely if only 
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