THE WINTER FOOD OF THE CHICKADEE 
97 
they can, carry away large quantities and tuck it away in crev- 
ices in the bark, or at the base of twigs, in some neighboring 
tree. It the wood-pile is handy, it affords numerous opportu- 
nities for this purpose, and is freely used. This habit of stor- 
Fig. ii. A Refuge for Birds. 
ing food is of great benefit to the blue jays, who, if the food is 
displayed on a window-shelf, or some similar situation, dare 
not get it for themselves, but will hang around until it is stored 
away by the chickadees, when they will steal the morsels from 
their hiding places.” 
The protection which a pine grove affords to chickadees and 
other winter birds is one reason why it is desirable to have such 
a bit of woodland on or near the farm. It also serves as a shel- 
ter to many other birds during the summer season. 
A remarkable example of the benefit that may be derived 
from the presence of a flock of chickadees, has been recorded 
by Mr, F. H. Forbush, in a bulletin of the Massachusetts State 
Board of Agriculture. In a certain orchard in Massachusetts, 
canker-worms had been abundant the previous season, and the 
moths of the fall canker-worm had deposited great numbers of 
eggs upon the trees. Pieces of meat, bone, or suet were fas- 
tened to the trees early in the winter, to attract the chickadees. 
