Geligte WOU EONS BLED Eee N ) 
the time than 1f no encour- 
agement whatever were af- 
forded them. 
“Actual counts of the 
breeding birds in definitely 
selected areas which repre- 
sent as nearly as possible 
typical conditions have been 
made in various parts of the 
United States. Such bird 
censuses, as they are called, 
-show that the average pop- 
ulation is 2 birds per acre. 
“The United States Bio- 
logical Survey, estimating 
the value of each bird in 
the land at Io cents, main- 
tains that ‘the birds of the 
United States prevent an 
increase in the annual dam- 
age done by insects of more Frock or Cepar Waxwincs in Mountain Asx 
than $400,000,000.’ This is . TREE IN WINTER 
a considerable item when it 
is recalled that forestry and agriculture alone suffer an annual loss 
through insect damage of one billion dollars. 
“Do not arrange the selected plants too formally or exactly; and do 
not clip or trim them too precisely. Strive to represent natural condi- 
tions and to eliminate artificial appearances; too often our arrangement 
is highly unreal, and the effort that has been made is altogether too 
apparent. You can not fool the birds! 
“More than 100 species of birds are known to feed upon the fruit of 
blackberry and black raspberry. Among these are the towhee, cardinal, 
song sparrow, red-headed woodpecker, catbird, brown thrasher, tufted 
titmouse, olive-backed thrush, wood thrush, robin and bluebird. 
“The most valuable native fruit for attracting birds in summer 1s the 
elderberry, 106 species of birds being known to feed upon it. This shrub 
is hardy and exceedingly easy to grow; it has a tendency to spread some- 
what, and one need not fear that it will die out once it becomes estab- 
lished. 
“Among the vines, the Virginia creeper is a favorite with birds, some- 
thing like 40 species being known to eat its fruit; in addition, it 1s hardy, 
can be easily grown and possesses pleasing decorative qualities. More 
than 75 kinds of birds are known to feed upon wild grapes. It 1s unfortu- 
nate that this common and fruitful roadside vine is so frequently 
destroyed where it would be easily spared and as easily cultivated. The 
well-known bittersweet and honeysuckle are also highly recommended.” 

