240 THE OPEN BOOK OF NATURE 
which I have had in use for some years. It is a 
table made of light boards ; it measures about two 
feet square. It is fixed on to the end of a pole driven 
into the ground, and is situated so that I can not 
only watch the visiting birds, but also photograph 
them. Some bird-tables have little railings of wires 
around them. ‘These wires keep Sparrows and any 
undesirables off the board, but they are not objected 
to by Tits. Personally I welcome all comers ; but 
for the special benefit of the Tits I have the little 
arrangement of bamboo-canes holding a pendant 
cocoanut, aS shown in the illustration. The Tits 
enjoy the cocoanut, while Robins, Thrushes, Black- 
birds, Hedge Sparrows, and other visitors hold high 
revel on the seeds and crumbs scattered on the 
board below. During snow and frost I give my 
visitors an allowance of sand and water, for which 
they seem grateful. If you have never tried a bird- 
table you should do so without fail. The birds will 
provide you with an entertainment as amusing as 
any pantomime. 
I have already mentioned that I take it as a great 
compliment if birds nest in my garden. I do all I 
can to induce them to do so, and those of you who 
have gardens should certainly follow my example. 
The thing is to provide them with suitable nesting 
sites. This is done by making nesting-boxes, and 
placing them where the birds can use them without 
fear of being molested by their natural enemies. 
There are no more interesting and amusing tenants 
of a nesting-box than a pair of Tits. They build a 
lovely nest, lay dainty wee eggs, and bring up a 
charming family. Plate 60, 0, is an illustration of a 
