insects and bushels of weed seeds; and that if they are to_ 
remain as numerous as they have been in any region, they 
must be helped to overcome their natural and human 
enemies. Nesting sites must be provided for them, as trees 
disappear before an increasing population. Boys and girls, 
and farmers, who have not already realized it, should learn 
that the Federal government has had experts study the work | 
that birds do for man. The Biological Bureau of the Depart- 
ment of Agriculture has issued bulletins, telling the value of | 
birds and how their number should, and may be increased, _ 
and many state governments do similar work. In spite of | 
help, however, the number of birds has grown less in long- 
— settled states, and the inhabitants of the newer ‘sections 
should begin early to provide good conditions. | 
Some far-seeing men and women in the region east of 
the Rocky Mountains, as well as state and national govern- 
‘ments, have seen what to do and thousands of acres have 
been bought by individuals and set aside for birds to make 
safe the nests and lives of these friends of man. Henry 
Ford, probably through the influence of his friend, John 
Burroughs, has made his 2800-acre farm in Michigan a 
sanctuary tor bird life. One great manufacturing company 
of farming implements has issued a lecture bulletin, which 
- contains wisely selected bird poems, and has prepared a set 
- of lantern slides which they loan to spread the news that 
_ birds are working for man and that they need help. Another | 
big lumber company has put out a pocket volume “Good 
Bungalows for Good Birds,” which is full of bird literature | 
and information about the best way to make boxes that will 
coax these winged animals to help man earn his living as 
they earn theirs. When business men see such need for 
‘guarding birds, the citizens of a country should surely get 
_ the same knowledge, so that they can give help i in this good 
work. | 
For people who are channels as to some of the ways to 
coax wild birds to be friendly with them, this chapter is 
EL . 
