CONSERVATION 
 
 OF OUR 
 
 WILD BIRDS 
 
CONSERVATION OF OUR 
 
 WILD BIRDS 
 
CONSERVATION OF OUR 
 
 WILD BIRDS 
 
 METHODS OF ATTRACTING 
 
 AND INCREASING THE NUMBERS OF USEFUL 
 
 BIRDS AND THE 
 
 ESTABLISHMENT OF SANCTUARIES 
 
 BY 
 
 BRADFORD A. SCUDDER 
 
 SECRETARY OF THE MASSACHUSETTS 
 
 nSH &. GAME PROTECTIVE 
 
 ASSOCIATION 
 
 ISSUED BY THE 
 
 MASSACHUSETTS FISH AND GAME 
 PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION 
 
 748 TREMONT BUILDING 
 
 BOSTON 
 
 V^^^^^^ 
 
 1 
 
.S3 
 
 

 INTRODUCTION 
 
 VERYWHERE throughout this broad 
 land of ours there exists a wholesome de- 
 sire to protect the wild life about us. We 
 of this twentieth century are living in an 
 age when both societies and individuals are 
 zealously striving, not only to inspire a love for this wild 
 life, but also to instruct the people at large regarding how 
 it may be wisely conserved. Love for the out-of-doors is 
 strong in most of us and the call to the country is insistent. 
 Each year the throng increases of those who respond to 
 this summons, — many to reside there permanently, others 
 as sojourners only during the delightful months of the 
 year, and the charms of a country life are doubly enhanced 
 by the presence of the wild creatures about us. 
 
 The wild life, especially the birds, contribute largely to 
 both our welfare and our happiness. While engaged in 
 their important work of ridding the country of injurious 
 insect pests and the seeds of noxious weeds, they at the 
 same time gratify our aesthetic tastes by their cheery songs, 
 bright colors, and vivacious movements. There is also the 
 additional charm of being able to watch the evolution of 
 their home-building, from the gathering of the first nesting 
 material until the young spread their wings and fly away. 
 Unfortunately many of those who delight in the charms 
 of the country have been denied the opportunity of learn- 
 ing much about the habits of birds, — what species will 
 nest in bird-houses, where to properly place these houses, 
 or how to care for the birds that visit us in the bleak 
 
 [7] 
 
weather of winter and come about our homes searching 
 for food. 
 
 Hosts of birds may be attracted about our country homes 
 at all seasons of the year by offering food, shelter, and suit- 
 able lodgings, and the author in following the precepts of 
 the Massachusetts Fish and Game Protective Association, 
 has endeavored to set forth in a manner both clear and 
 comprehensive, methods by which this may be accom- 
 plished. 
 
 In this important work of protecting and conserving 
 our wild life we are confronted with a situation that de- 
 mands instant and careful consideration. The author refers 
 to the antagonistic points of view held by the bird pro- 
 tectionist and the sportsman. The former adheres to the 
 theory that the shooting of all birds and quadrupeds for 
 mere sport should be absolutely abolished, while the latter 
 argues that game birds and quadrupeds exist for the pur- 
 pose of providing a source of legitimate recreation. We 
 do not wish to criticise the exponents of these doctrines, 
 — each has a right to his own beliefs. Therefore let us 
 strive to create a spirit of goodwill and cooperation, such 
 as will inspire both parties to devote their energies unceas- 
 ingly to the cause of wild life protection and propagation. 
 Our game birds afford recreation to many that delight in 
 shooting, — a legitimate pastime when tempered with 
 moderation, and one to be encouraged as an incentive to 
 become better acquainted with nature, and to render the 
 young mind keen by training the powers of observation. 
 
 Savage man however, hunted not for the mere sport of 
 the chase, but to supply himself with the necessities of 
 
 [8] 
 
life. So, all statements to the contrary notwithstanding, 
 do not try to excuse your own present sporting propensity, 
 on the ground that it is a portion of the inheritance be- 
 queathed you by an ancestor, who armed with a flint- 
 tipped spear followed the pre-historic mammals. 
 
 Our wild life of the present day is in numbers but a 
 fragment of what our country contained a quarter-century 
 ago. That vandal, commercialism, the destroyer of our 
 natural resources, played havoc, not only with our game 
 birds and quadrupeds, but also with our birds that con- 
 tribute so largely to the welfare of the country in an eco- 
 nomic way. Now that the market-hunter and the pur- 
 veyor of plumages of wild birds are no longer allowed to 
 ply their nefarious trade, our wild life may hope to estab- 
 lish itself in its former abundance, but we must all "put 
 our shoulders to the wheel," and help repair *'the years 
 that the locusts have eaten." 
 
 By the establishing of refuges the birdlover and the 
 sportsman may meet on common ground and be of mu- 
 tual benefit. In every city and town there should be 
 established a permanent sanctuary, — the most successful 
 method of perpetuating our useful and interesting forms 
 of wild life. In conserving our game birds and quadrupeds 
 by means of protected areas, we at the same time aid in 
 increasing the numbers of insectivorous birds, so that those 
 who establish refuges primarily for game, become indi- 
 rectly public benefactors. 
 
 Artificial propagation of certain species of our native 
 game birds is yet in its infancy, is doubtful of success, and 
 too costly Ih operation to be attempted by those possessing 
 
 [9] 
 
only moderate means. However if denied the possibilities 
 of a game-farm, we may at least establish sanctuaries and 
 increase the natural supply of game, not only by protective 
 measures, but also by creating a sincere public sentiment 
 for this method of game conservation. Competent admin- 
 istration, persistent and systematic feeding and housing of 
 the birds and rigorous enforcement of the laws, are all 
 necessary to bring success to this enterprise. 
 
 The author wishes to thank not only the members of 
 the Executive Committee, but also many other members 
 of the Massachusetts Fish and Game Protective Associa- 
 tion, who by their loyal and enthusiastic support have 
 made the publication of this book a success. Thanks are 
 due Mr. Edward Howe Forbush, for his kindly interest 
 shown, both by reading the proof, and in making many 
 valuable suggestions. Our former President of this Associ- 
 ation, Mr. William Brewster, deserves many thanks for 
 much excellent advice given relative to bird nesting- 
 boxes, gleaned from his experience of many years in at- 
 tracting birds. 
 
 It was for the purpose of aiding those who are interested 
 in conserving the wild life about us that this little book 
 was prepared, and it is the sincere hope of the author that 
 it will be a stimulus to whoever reads its pages to join the 
 ever-increasing ranks of those who stand for the rational 
 protection of our WILD BIRDS. 
 
 Bradford Alexander Scudder. 
 
 January, 1916. 
 
 [10] 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Introduction ........ 7 
 
 Birds That We Should Encourage to Nest About Our 
 Country Homes ....... 13 
 
 Nesting- Boxes . . . . . . . .21 
 
 Martin Houses . . . . . . . .31 
 
 Bird Baths . . . . . . . . .35 
 
 Winter Feeding of Birds ...... 38 
 
 Berry and Seed Bearing Trees and Shrubs . . .42 
 
 Aquatic Plants . . . . . . . .45 
 
 The Establishment of a Sanctuary . . . .48 
 
 Enemies of Wild Birds . . . ' . . . .62 
 
 Bibliography of Works Pertaining to Birds and the 
 
 Out-of-Doors ........ 68 
 
 Illustrations 
 
 Nesting-Box for Flicker 22 
 
 Drop-front Nesting-Box, for Chickadee, Bluebird, etc. 24 
 Nesting-Boxes Mounted on Pole and Iron Pipe . . 26 
 Food Houses and Shelter for Gamebirds . . .39 
 
 [H] 
 
BIRDS THAT WE SHOULD ENCOURAGE TO 
 NEST ABOUT OUR COUNTRY HOMES 
 
 TO aid those who have a fondness for birds, and wish to 
 attract them about their homes, but who through lack of 
 opportunity possess no intimate knowledge of the nesting-habits 
 of each species, the following list of common birds is given. 
 
 All of these thus enumerated are found generally throughout 
 our three Southern New England States, and when offered pro- 
 tection will nest on our farms, often in such proximity to our 
 houses that their home-building and domestic cares may be ob- 
 served from the luxury of an arm-chair on the veranda, or from 
 a convenient window. Birds of different species vary greatly in 
 their choice of a location for a nesting-site, and it is from our 
 knowledge of the peculiar nesting-habit of each species that we 
 are able to anticipate their desires and prepare a congenial 
 environment. 
 
 Some birds nest on the ground, or in tussocks of grass ; some 
 in low bushes and thick shrubbery; others among the branches 
 of our orchard and shade trees ; some few species excavate holes 
 in the decayed trunks, or branches of trees; and some species 
 not able to excavate holes for themselves, will occupy these 
 vacated apartments, and also the nesting-boxes prepared by man. 
 
 Although we may not solve the secret of the Bluebirds ' pref- 
 erence for the nesting-box, let us welcome the little home-seekers 
 by offering an apartment to their liking. In many sections now 
 over-run by that exotic pest, the European House Sparrow, and 
 where nesting-boxes intended for the use of our native birds 
 would be immediately tenanted by this unwelcome guest, birds 
 of other nesting-habits may be attracted by the planting of thick 
 shrubbery and coniferous trees. 
 
 Therefore the birds in this subjoined list have been grouped in 
 accordance with their nesting-habits. 
 
 [13] 
 
BIRDS THAT NATURALLY NEST IN 
 
 CAVITIES IN TREES — FOR THESE WE SHOULD 
 
 PROVIDE NESTING-BOXES 
 
 NEARLY all of the various species of birds that have recip- 
 rocated the kindness of their human friends by accepting 
 the nesting-boxes prepared for them, originally nested either in 
 the abandoned homes of the woodpecker architects, or in cavities 
 in trees formed from the combined effects of decay and the action 
 of the elements. 
 
 In either instance, the bottom of these cavities is always padded 
 with a soft layer of particles of wood, — chips of the woodpecker 
 artisan, or a deposit of decayed wood. All members of the wood- 
 pecker family lay their eggs upon this layer of chips, which slightly 
 hollowed forms a nest, no other material being used. In all 
 nesting-boxes this natural lining of the bottom should be sup- 
 plied, using for the purpose coarse sawdust, or ground cork, to 
 the depth of two inches. This detail is most essential, and 
 should not be overlooked. Woodpeckers will not occupy a 
 nesting-box that lacks this floor covering, — the eggs would roll 
 about on the bare floor, and prevent the parent bird from prop- 
 erly covering them during the period of incubation. It is also 
 the opinion of the author, that birds other than woodpeckers, 
 species that use various materials for the construction of a nest, 
 are more readily induced to occupy a nesting-box having this 
 layer of sawdust or cork, than one in which it is lacking. 
 
 A nesting-box, with the correct inside dimensions, and proper 
 size of entrance for each species is given in the appended list. 
 The mechanical construction and the placing of these nesting- 
 boxes in position will be fully described in the chapter entitled, 
 * * Nesting-boxes. * ' 
 
 Bluebird: Nesting-box should have the following inside dimensions, — 
 floor, 5 by 5 inches; depth, 10 inches; entrance, 1^ inches in diam- 
 eter, with its lower edge 7 inches above the floor. It may be mounted 
 upon a pole; fastened to the side of a barn or other farm building; or 
 to the trunk of a tree standing in the open, and at a height of from 8 to 
 15 feet above the ground, wherever placed. 
 
 [14] 
 
Tree Swallow I Nesting-box should have the following inside dimen- 
 sions, — floor, 5 by 5 inches; depth, 7 inches; entrance, li^ inches in 
 diameter, with its lower edge 4 inches above the floor. It may be 
 mounted upon a pole, and the pole may then be screwed or bolted to 
 a post in the fence inclosing the garden, orchard, or mowing land. 
 When fastened to the trunk of a tree, be sure that one is chosen whose 
 branches are high enough above the nesting-box to allow the birds free- 
 dom of access to their home, after the foliage has fully matured. The 
 nesting-box should be placed at a height of from 8 to 15 feet above the 
 ground. 
 
 Chickadee: Nesting-box should have the following inside dimensions, — 
 floor, 4 by 4 inches; depth, 10 inches; entrance, 1^ inches in diameter, 
 with its lower edge 7 inches above the floor. It should be placed at a 
 height of from 6 to 12 feet above the ground, and may be mounted on 
 a pole placed in the orchard, or open woods, or fastened to the trunk 
 of a tree. All nesting-boxes for the Chickadee should be situated in 
 open spots, and not in the dense forest. Possibly a nesting-box painted 
 a dull white, simulating the color of a gray birch stub, would be 
 more readily occupied by the Chickadee, than one stained a shade of 
 brown or olive green. This is a suggestion of the author, and might be 
 worth trying, from the fact that the Chickadee when excavating its home 
 in a dead tree prefers the gray birch, the decayed wood of which is 
 easily removed by the tiny builder. 
 
 White-breasted Nuthatch : Nesting-box should have the following 
 inside dimensions, — floor, 4 by 4 inches; depth, 10 inches; entrance, 
 ly^ inches in diameter, with its lower edge 7 inches above the floor. 
 It should be placed at a height of from 10 to 20 feet from the ground, 
 on the trunk of a tree in open woods or in the orchard. 
 
 House Wren: Nesting-box should have the following inside dimen- 
 sions, — floor, 4 by 4 inches; depth, 8 inches; entrance, 1 inch in di- 
 ameter, with its lower edge 6 inches above the floor. It may be fastened 
 to the side of an outbuilding; to a tree in the orchard; or, mounted on 
 a pole. In any of these situations, the height above the ground should 
 be from 6 to 10 feet. 
 
 Flicker: Nesting-box should have the following Inside dimensions, — 
 floor, 6 by 6 inches; depth, 18 inches; entrance, ZVz inches in diam- 
 eter, with its lower edge 14 inches above the floor. It should be fastened 
 to a tree standing in the open, or a pole and at a height of from 8 to 20 
 feet above the ground. Trees bordering country highways, or near the 
 edges of open fields should be selected for this purpose. 
 
 Red-headed Woodpecker: Nesting-box should have the following 
 inside dimensions, — floor, 6 by 6 inches; depth, 16 inches; entrance, 
 2 inches in diameter, with its lower edge 12 inches above the floor. It 
 may be fastened to the trunk of a tree standing in the open, at a height 
 of from 15 to 20 feet above the ground. 
 
 [IS] 
 
Screech Owl: Nesting-box should have the following inside dimen- 
 sions, — floor, 8 by 8 inches; depth, 18 inches; entrance, 3 inches in 
 diameter, with its lower edge 12 inches above the floor. It should be 
 placed at a height of from 10 to 25 feet above the ground, on the trunk 
 of a tree among both pine and hardwood groves of fairly open growth, 
 or fastened to one of the large branches of an apple tree in an ancient 
 orchard. 
 
 Sparrow Hawk: Nesting-box should have the following inside dimen- 
 sions, — floor, 8 by 8 inches; depth, 18 inches; entrance, 3 inches in 
 diameter, with its lower edge 12 inches above the floor. It should be 
 fastened to the trunk of a tree standing in the open country, or along 
 the borders of a highway, at a height of from ten to twenty feet. 
 
 Wood Duck: Nesting-box should have the following inside dimensions, — 
 floor, 12 by 12 inches; depth, 24 inches; entrance, 6 inches in diam- 
 eter, with its lower edge 16 inches above the floor. Suitable natural 
 nesting-sites for the Wood Duck do not occur in abundance, so that 
 by placing nesting-boxes on the trunksof large trees withina short distance 
 of a pond or stream, and at a height of from 8 to 20 feet above the 
 ground, we may induce one or more pairs of these beautiful waterfowl 
 to stay in our neighborhood, and raise a brood of young. 
 
 Crested Flycatcher: Nesting-box should have the following inside 
 dimensions, — floor, 6 by 6 inches; depth, 12 inches; entrance, 2 inches 
 in diameter, with its lower edge 8 inches above the floor. It should be 
 fastened on the trunk of an apple tree, or a hardwood tree standing in 
 the open woods, about 15 feet from the ground. 
 
 Downy Woodpecker: Nesting-box should have the following inside 
 dimensions, — floor, 4 by 4 inches; depth, 12 inches; entrance, 1^4 
 inches in diameter, with its lower edge 8 inches above the floor. This 
 should be fastened to the trunk, or a large perpendicular branch of an 
 apple tree, or to a hardwood tree standing in the open forest, at a 
 height of 15 feet. The Downy Woodpecker rarely raises a brood of 
 young in a nesting-box, but frequently uses it as a winter sleeping apart- 
 ment. However, by persisting in offering this species a suitable nesting- 
 box of the above dimensions, we may eventually be rewarded by its 
 being accepted. 
 
 Hairy Woodpecker: Nesting-box should have the following inside 
 dimensions, — floor, 6 by 6 inches; depth, 15 inches; entrance, iVz 
 inches in diameter, with its lower edge 12 inches above the floor. This 
 species is more of a woodland bird, than others of its family, and seldom 
 nests in close proximity to a dwelling. Nesting-box should be fastened 
 to the trunk of a hardwood tree in fairly open woods, and placed at a 
 height of from 10 to 20 feet above the ground. Like its cousin, the 
 Downy, this Woodpecker does not favor ready-made apartments, — but 
 let us persist in our efforts to secure this bird as a tenant. 
 
 [16] 
 
BIRDS THAT NEST AMONG THE BRANCHES 
 OF ORCHARD AND SHADE TREES 
 
 Robin: Nests commonly in trees of various species both broad-leaved, and 
 coniferous, and frequently on the cornices of buildings. 
 
 Kingbird : Nests among the branches of apple trees, seeming to prefer 
 this tree to that of many other species. A pair of Kingbirds near the 
 house are a safe-guard from the depredations of both Hawks and Crows. 
 
 Scarlet Tanager : This species is also a lover of the orchard, and fre- 
 quently nests among the branches of the apple tree. 
 
 Redstart : Nest is placed in the fork of branch of maple and oak trees, 
 in rather swampy localities, and in small white birches. 
 
 Black-throated Green Warbler: Nests among the branches of the 
 white pine, groves of which it frequents during the breeding season, 
 and in small upland cedars. 
 
 Pine Warbler : Nests and spends the breeding season among the pitch- 
 pines, but when these trees are wanting, shares the groves of white pine 
 with its cousin, the Black-throated Green Warbler. 
 
 Yellow-throated Vireo: Nest of this species is very often suspended 
 from a fork of the trailing branches of the elm tree. 
 
 Red-eyed Vireo: The purse-shaped nest of this species is suspended from 
 the small branches of maples, birches, and other broad-leaved trees. 
 
 Cedar Bird: Nest is usually placed in the fork of a small branch of an 
 apple or other orchard tree, and sometimes in the fork of a sapling 
 growing in open meadow land. This bird is not an early nester, and 
 does not commence to build until about the first of July. 
 
 American Goldfinch : This species delays its nest-building until July, 
 when it constructs a nest in the fork of one of the small branches of 
 both apple and maple trees. 
 
 Purple Finch: Nest is built among the branches of cedars, firs, and other 
 coniferous trees. 
 
 Crow Blackbird: The bulky nest of this species is built among the 
 branches of white pine and other coniferous trees. Sometimes among 
 bushes near water holes. 
 
 Baltimore Oriole: The elm trees of our New England towns are the 
 favorite nesting sites of this bird, from the drooping branches of which 
 its pendulous nest is hung. 
 
 Blue Jay: Nests among the branches of both coniferous and broad- 
 leaved trees. In spite of its handsome attire, this species should not be 
 encouraged to nest in numbers, for it destroys many eggs and young of 
 our useful birds. 
 
 Least Flycatcher: Nest is placed in the fork of a branch of an apple 
 tree, more frequently than in that of a tree of other species. 
 
 [17] 
 
Wood Pewee: Nest is usually placed in a fork of the large branches of 
 an oak tree, and sometimes saddled on a large limb. The Wood Pewee 
 prefers open woods of hardwood growth, free from underbrush and 
 where the oaks predominate. The nest is an exquisite piece of work- 
 manship, and the outside is usually studded with lichens. 
 
 Ruby-throated Hummingbird: Nest is usually saddled on the dead limb 
 of a hardwood tree, sometimes in the forest,, often in the apple orchard. 
 It is one of the most beautiful bits of bird architecture, and simulates a 
 knot or excrescence on a branch so closely, that the observer would pass 
 it by unnoticed, did not the bird by angry buzzing about, betray her 
 secret. 
 
 BIRDS THAT NEST IN BUSHES AND 
 THICK SHRUBBERY 
 
 Wood Thrush: While this species is more or less of a woodland bird, 
 it frequently appears about country estates possessing an abundance of 
 shrubbery, particularly that bordering a small stream or artificial pond. 
 Among this shrubbery, or in the fork of a small sapling in moist woods, 
 the nest is built. 
 
 Catbird: The nest of this species is often built in a thick clump of 
 shrubbery near the house, such as lilac bushes, azaleas, and syringas. 
 Clumps of high bush blueberries, and other shrubs of dense growth are 
 also favorite nesting sites of this bird, especially about the borders of 
 wet meadows and sluggish brooks. 
 
 Brown Thrasher: This species is not as fond of nesting near our homes 
 as is its cousin the Catbird, preferring to build its nest among the thick 
 clumps of scrubby growth of huckleberry bushes, scrub oaks and other 
 dense cover, of wild pasture land, both upland and swamp. After the 
 young are hatched the parent birds come about our gardens and lawns 
 searching for insect food for the young birds, and to indulge in the 
 pleasures of the bird bath. 
 
 Chestnut-sided Warbler: The nest of this species is placed in the fork 
 of a small hardwood sapling. Young sprout growth of birches, and maples 
 being frequently chosen for this purpose, as well as hazelnut, huckle- 
 berry, and other small bushes in swampy meadows. 
 
 Yellow Warbler: The nest of this species is placed in the fork of a 
 small low-growing tree or bush of various hardwood species near the 
 borders of swampy meadows, and sometimes midst the shrubbery near 
 our homes. 
 
 Field Sparrow: Nests in low growth of bushy uplands and fields, and 
 occasionally the nest is placed upon the ground. 
 
 Chipping Sparrow: Nest of this species is built not only in clumps of 
 shrubbery, but also in apple trees, cedars and firs. 
 
 [18] 
 
BIRDS THAT NEST UPON THE GROUND 
 OR IN TUSSOCKS OF GRASS 
 
 Ovenbird: Both this bird and the following species construct an arched 
 nest on the ground, often beneath the protecting cover of a small 
 pile of brush or fallen branch, in moist woods of oaks and maples. 
 Frequently the nest is placed close by the edge of a woodland path. 
 
 Black and White Warbler: As mentioned above the Black and 
 White Warbler nests upon the ground in much the same manner as the 
 Ovenbird. The author has found several nests of this bird that were 
 placed under the projecting edge of a leaf-strewn depression in the oak 
 woods, where at some former time large boulders had been removed. 
 
 Song Sparrow: The nest of this species is frequently placed in the grassy 
 overhanging bank of a brook, sometimes in a tussock of coarse grass, 
 and occasionally in a low-growing bush. 
 
 Vesper Sparrow: This species builds its nest upon the ground in upland 
 pastures. 
 
 Red-winged Blackbird: Tussocks of coarse grass, sedge and clumps 
 of cat's-tail are all favorite nesting sites of this bird in marshes and 
 swampy meadows. Button-ball bushes about the borders of ponds and 
 streams are also chosen as nesting places by this species. 
 
 Meadow Lark: The nest of the Meadow Lark is placed upon the 
 ground among the tall grasses of the hayfield that form an arch over it. 
 During the operations of mowing, care should be taken to prevent the 
 destruction of the nest by scythe or mower knives, by having your 
 workmen locate the nests, before the operations of the hay harvest are 
 under way. The Meadow Lark is of inestimable value to the farmer as 
 a destroyer of insects injurious to both hay and grain crops, and strong 
 efforts should be made to increase the numbers of this species. 
 
 Bobolink: The cheery Bobolink nests upon the ground in the midst of 
 the hayfield where the nest is concealed beneath a tussock or clump of 
 grass. This bird is another valuable friend of the farmer and the same 
 care should be used in avoiding destruction of its nest during the haying- 
 time, as with that of the Meadow Lark, 
 
 Bob- White: While the whistle of the Quail comes up from the field, 
 the wife of the merry piper is quietly brooding her eggs, along the 
 borders of the grain field or mowing land, where she has placed her 
 nest, — so kind farmer have a care when the hay or grain crop is about to 
 be harvested. Other places are also chosen as a nesting site by this bird, — 
 a clump of low-growing huckleberry or bayberry bushes, the edge of a 
 brush-pile, or the protecting lower rail of the old Virginia fence, still 
 found on some farms. 
 
 [19] 
 
Ring-necked Pheasant: This bird has become very abundant in certain 
 sections in Massachusetts, and having been given a long season of pro- 
 tection, comes about our estates and nests frequently in close proximity 
 to our homes. The nest is placed upon the ground, where it is well 
 concealed among the thick grasses or clumps of bayberry bushes and 
 trailing blackberry vines. 
 
 Ruffed Grouse: Nests on the ground in open hardwood growth, and 
 the nest is sometimes placed beneath a fallen tree-top, or, the edge of 
 a pile of brush. 
 
 Spotted Sandpiper : Many nests of this little sandpiper are constructed 
 in the strawberry beds on our farms, where the bird arranges a nest of 
 the hay or straw used as a winter protection to the plants, and deposits 
 her eggs. 
 
 Woodcock: Nests on the ground in swampy or moist woodlands. Both 
 parents and young visit the gardens at night in search of earthworms and 
 grubs, and cornfields of the farmer are also favorite feeding grounds. 
 
 BIRDS THAT NEST IN BUILDINGS OR ON 
 THE BEAMS BENEATH BRIDGES 
 
 Barn Swallow : Nests on the beams and rafters in barns, provided there 
 is an entrance and exit continually open. The passing of our old-fash- 
 ioned New England barn with its wide open doors and windows in 
 roof, is the cause of the disappearance of this beautiful bird from certain 
 localities where it was formerly abundant. 
 
 Cuff or Eave Swallow: This species is of sociable disposition, and 
 nests in colonies, the bottle-shaped nests of mud being attached beneath 
 the eaves or cornices of country barns and outbuildings. 
 
 Chimney Swift: Nests commonly throughout Southern New England 
 wherever it can find an unused chimney. It is a good plan to watch 
 these birds and discover which particular chimney they have chosen for 
 nesting quarters, and thus avoid destroying both nest and young by a 
 temporary blaze in the fireplace during the months of May, June and 
 July. 
 
 Phoebe Flycatcher: Nests on the beams and top of wall beneath barns, 
 on the timbers beneath bridges, and often on the top rail or cornice of 
 the veranda of the house. 
 
 [20] 
 
NESTING BOXES 
 
 SOMETIME in the long ago an American Indian made the 
 astonishing discovery that birds of certain species could be 
 induced to occupy homes fashioned for them by human hands, 
 and promptly swung aloft from the tips of his lodge-poles, cala- 
 bashes or gourds, the dried shells of which, with entrances prop- 
 erly cut, made ideal nesting-boxes. In many sections of the South, 
 the calabash is grown in large quantities by the planters, and is 
 still used as a nesting-box for Bluebirds, Purple Martins, and 
 Wrens of several species, with most successful results. After the 
 calabash has ripened and the shell has become hardened, a cir- 
 cular opening of a size to admit the particular species of bird for 
 which it is intended, is cut in the side of the calabash, at a point 
 where its diameter is the greatest. The seeds and dried meat are 
 then extracted by means of a piece of wire bent into a hook. 
 Holes are made in the neck, through which a piece of stout tarred 
 marline or other cord is passed, also two small holes, two inches 
 apart, are made in the back, opposite the entrance, through which 
 another cord is passed. The top cord is used for suspending the 
 gourd from a branch, and the lower one is to prevent the gourd 
 from swaying too much in a stiff breeze. Two or three quarter-inch 
 holes bored in the bottom will serve for drainage, — the shape of 
 the calabash being such that more or less water runs inside during 
 rain storms. Calabashes have been used with considerable success 
 as nesting-boxes in one or more towns in New York State; but 
 for New England and other sections of the country in the same 
 latitude, a nesting-box constructed of boards will withstand the 
 wear and tear of the elements far better, as the calabash is rather 
 fragile, and often lasts but one season. In the South their saving 
 grace is minimum cost and ease of production in quantities. 
 
 Nesting-boxes have run the gamut, from tomato cans to elabo- 
 rate affairs, with roofs of burnished copper, and the manufacturer 
 of bird houses has entered the field with his wares. Many manu- 
 factured commodities that are displayed in the shops come from over 
 seas, and the first nesting-boxes constructed on scientific lines, of- 
 fered for sale in this country, bore the mark "Made in Germany.'* 
 
 [21] 
 
( 
 
 B<ZMAJL.— I 
 
 m 
 
 r/G. A. 
 
 F/G. B. 
 
 NESTING-BOX FOR FLICKER 
 
 Figure A. Vertical cross section showing construction. (A) holes bored for 
 nails or screws used in securing box to post or tree trunk. 
 
 Figure B. Front view showing method of fastening top in place by pushing 
 a round galvanized nail (B) in the hole on each side. Nails project far enough 
 to be removed by the fingers. Type of nesting-box used by E. H. Forbush. 
 
 [22] 
 
Baron Hans von Berlepsch, whose lifetime has been spent in 
 the study of the nesting-habits of European birds, evolved this 
 type of nesting-box, copying as closely as possible the works of 
 the woodpecker architects. These boxes are made from sections 
 of bark-covered logs, the interiors of which have been cut out 
 with a special tool, to a form and size corresponding with the 
 original, pear-shaped nesting-hole of the woodpecker artisans. 
 Entrances are then cut at the proper angle, and of sizes suitable 
 to admit whatever particular species of bird is desired as an occu- 
 pant. This type of nesting-box has been used with phenomenal 
 success in Europe, where many hundred pairs of birds of various 
 species nested in them upon the estate of Baron von Berlepsch, in 
 Germany. These boxes are now manufactured in this country, 
 and we hope that our own native birds will take as kindly to them 
 as have their European cousins. Nesting-boxes of the von Ber- 
 lepsch type require the use of special tools and power machines 
 for their manufacture, and it would be useless for the amateur to 
 attempt to make these by hand. With the possible exception of 
 the Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, all our hole-nesting species 
 will use the rectangular box of boards. Ernest Harold Baynes, 
 Meriden, New Hampshire, manufactures the von Berlepsch boxes 
 in quantities, and those who may wish this type of nesting-box 
 may obtain them of him in various sizes. With the exception of 
 the Flicker and the Red-headed Woodpecker, our native species 
 of Woodpeckers still persist in excavating their own dwellings, and 
 have not as yet been induced to occupy these ready-made apart- 
 ments. Dead timber and decayed branches are the building sites 
 of the Woodpeckers. Unfortunately they also harbor both insects 
 and fungus, each a menace to the health of the forest, and the 
 forester is forced to remove these plague spots. Woodpeckers are 
 valuable guardians of the forest, and efforts must be made to re- 
 place the homes thus taken from them, by the offering of a nest- 
 ing-box that they will accept. 
 
 It is not the intention of the author to discourage the manufact- 
 ure and sale of nesting-boxes, but to aid those of moderate means 
 who wish to attract birds, and cannot afford to pay the prices 
 charged by the manufacturer, even though the price be but one 
 
 [23] 
 
/v-l= 
 
 N <=--r=| 
 
 m 
 
 ^ssss»» ^ 'tfs^ss-- 
 
 ^/DE 
 
 FRONT 
 
 onor-rnoNT 
 
 NEIST/NG-BOX 
 
 Drawings show vertical cross section and front view. Door hinged at bottom 
 with brass screws (B). 
 
 Fastened at top with a round galvanized nail (N) pushed in from each side 
 and easily removed when box is to be opened. (H) hole in side of door on each 
 side to admit nails. 
 
 Entrance cut on an angle of sixty degrees. 
 
 Size given above for Flicker, 
 
 For other species consult dimensions given in the list of birds, "That Natu- 
 rally Nest in Cavities in Trees," etc. 
 
 [24] 
 
dollar per box. The motive in putting up nesting-boxes is to at- 
 tract the birds and increase their numbers for economic reasons, 
 thus the cost is an important factor in determining to what extent 
 these boxes will be used by persons of moderate means. Often a 
 person with a large bank account, and whose country estate is of a 
 size to warrant the placing of fifty bird houses, will consider very 
 carefully the advisability of investing fifty dollars in bird homes, 
 even though he realizes the value of birds as destroyers of insect 
 pests. 
 
 Our American birds will use a rectangular box quite as readily 
 as one of the von Berlepsch type. Wood is the best material to 
 use. Nesting-boxes of tin or other metal become very hot when 
 exposed to the glare of the sun, and those made of earthenware 
 are cold and damp. 
 
 A nesting-box that happily combines ready acceptance by the 
 birds, is proof against the depredations of both cats and squirrels, 
 and that can be manufactured at a reasonable cost, is the one to 
 be used. 
 
 Boards, nails, and the few tools essential for the construction 
 of a practical bird house that fulfills the above requirements, are 
 to be found in every well ordered household, and with the aid of 
 the working plans contained in this handbook, the farmer, the 
 school boy, and the commuter, may in their leisure moments 
 enjoy the pleasure to be derived from their own handiwork, and 
 at the same time contribute to the happiness of the birds. 
 
 White pine boards, seven-eighths of an inch in thickness, 
 planed on one side only, makes the best building material. When 
 pine is not obtainable, other woods may be used. Old boards that 
 have become weathered are first rate for this purpose, — only say 
 what you think, **sotto voce" when your saw strikes a hidden 
 nail. Use the planed surface for the outside of the box, the rough 
 side for the interior, and as a further aid to the young birds in 
 their ascent from the nest to the entrance, score the inside of the 
 board forming the front with a series of horizontal saw-cuts. Begin 
 an inch below the entrance, making them an eighth of an inch 
 deep and a quarter of an inch apart. The entrance should be cut 
 on an upward slant at an angle of sixty degrees, and have its 
 
 [251 
 
Fic. I 
 
 Fio. 2.. 
 
 
 'Unj* 
 
 Figure 1. Upper half showing method of fastening 
 nesting-box to top of wooden pole. A step of the same 
 depth as the thickness of the board forming the back of 
 the box, and long enough to extend well up the back and 
 ensure stability, is cut on the side of the pole at its top. 
 The lower edge of the box will rest upon this. Fasten 
 firmly with wood screws, one in front, through the pro- 
 jecting back-board, and two in back through holes bored 
 in pole to prevent splitting. 
 
 Figure 1. Lower half showing manner of fastening 
 pole to fence post or stump of tree. Lag screws are used 
 on account of tlie extra strength needed and of course 
 must be driven by means of a wrench. Bore the holes for 
 these large enough to allow the lag screws to go through 
 the pole without splitting it. In the post itself, do not bore 
 the holes too deep. Just start the hole and then set up the 
 lag screws firmly with the wrench until all the loose play 
 is taken up. 
 
 Figure 2. Left-hand drawing showing nesting-box 
 mounted on iron pipe. Right-hand drawing showing bot- 
 tom of box with the flange or plate, threaded for pipe, 
 firmly screwed on. If preferred, the flange may be dis- 
 pensed with and the end of the pipe flattened on an anvil, 
 holes drilled for screws about six inches apart and the 
 box fastened in the same manner as described for the 
 wooden pole except that the step for bottom of box to rest 
 upon is eliminated. 
 
 [26] 
 
edge champfered or countersunk to make a rounded surface upon 
 which the birds alight before entering. Perches are unnecessary, 
 and when provided are used mainly by English Sparrows. By 
 placing the entrance high up under the projecting roof, and cut- 
 ting it on an upward slant, the birds are sheltered from both sun 
 and rain. Before cutting the entrance, stain the outside of the box 
 a neutral tint of olive brown or gray, using an oil stain for this pur- 
 pose. Not only the edges of the entrance, but also the interior of 
 the box, should be fresh and clean, hence the care in applying the 
 stain. Boxes for the Tree Swallow, that are to be mounted on 
 poles and placed in the open, may be painted white, — boxes of a 
 dark color becoming over-heated when exposed to the direct rays 
 of the sun. For the purpose of ventilation, bore two one-quarter 
 inch holes in each side of the box, about an inch below the top 
 or rooL Obtain some coarse dry sawdust, or some ground cork 
 from your Italian vender of fruit, in which come packed his Mal- 
 aga and Tokay Grapes. Before fastening the boxes in permanent 
 position, place in each a quantity of this sufficient to cover the 
 bottom to a depth of two inches. Do not overlook this important 
 detail, especially in the boxes designed for members of the Wood- 
 pecker family. The dimensions given for each individual nesting- 
 box in the list of birds, are inside measurements in all instances, — 
 unless otherwise specified, so whoever may construct bird houses 
 from these dimensions must allow for thickness of material when 
 cutting up his stock. When many boxes are to be made, it will 
 expedite matters to have the stock run out by a local lumber mill to 
 the proper width for front, back and sides of the individual boxes. 
 It is then a very simple matter to cut off the pieces as required. 
 A carpenter's bench and the following list of tools are all the 
 equipment needed for this work. Two saws, one a cutting-off, 
 the other a splitting saw; a carpenter's square; a hammer; a block 
 plane; a bit-stock, with an extension bit for cutting the different 
 sized entrances, and two or three small drills; a two-foot rule; a 
 stout screw-driver; a sharp pocket-knife, and last but not least, 
 pencil with soft lead. In addition you will need a supply of gal- 
 vanized nails and brass screws, of a size best adapted to the thick- 
 ness of material used. Better begin with a few wood-working 
 
 [27] 
 
tools, and add to the list from time to time, whatever is found to 
 be needed, than purchase at the outset an expensive outfit, many 
 tools of which may prove later to be of no special value. 
 
 Where the nesting-boxes shall be placed is the next proposi- 
 tion. When the box is to be fastened to a tree, one should be 
 chosen that stands in the open, along the borders of country high- 
 ways, edges of woodland, or open spots in the forest. Birds do 
 not like the dense cover of the forest, especially those nesting in 
 holes in trees or bird houses. 
 
 A light pole, twelve or fifteen feet in length, may have a bird 
 house fastened to its top, and this pole may then be bolted to a 
 post in the fence inclosing your garden, meadow or orchard. By 
 placing bird houses in this manner at intervals of two hundred 
 feet along the line of fence, Bluebirds and Tree Swallows may 
 thus be colonized, and a multitude of insects injurious to both 
 fruit and foliage will be destroyed by these birds in the imme- 
 diate vicinity. At the end of the season poles and boxes may be 
 taken down, cleaned and stored away until the following spring. 
 In the country these poles are to be had for the labor of cutting. 
 Bluebirds, Wrens and Tree Swallows are the only species that 
 readily occupy houses that are placed on barns and other farm 
 buildings. The height above ground at which the various houses 
 should be placed is given in the chapter entitled ** Birds That We 
 Should Encourage to Nest About Our Country Homes." A good 
 rule to follow is to place a bird house not less than eight feet above 
 the ground or more than twenty. 
 
 Nesting-boxes should not be placed too near one another. Birds 
 are fickle in making a choice of apartments, and will quarrel about 
 them. Two hundred feet is about the right distance that each box 
 should be from its neighbor. The beginner, in his enthusiasm, is 
 quite apt to put up too many nesting-boxes the first season. Better 
 put out a few the first season, and, if results are favorable, in- 
 crease the number the next year. Where the nesting-box is placed 
 in the open, the entrance should face the South or West. Boxes 
 facing the North or East are exposed to cold, driving rainstorms, 
 that are likely to occur at any time during the nesting season, and 
 which are fatal to both eggs and young. 
 
 [28] 
 
The boxes should be fastened in a vertical position when pos- 
 sible, and if at an angle, they should tip slighdy forward rather 
 than backwards. Late in the month of February or early in March 
 is the best time to put up bird houses. There is no particular 
 advantage to be gained by putting them up late in the autumn, 
 and squirrels and wood mice soon fit them up for winter quarters. 
 
 The author suggests that a plan of one's country estate be 
 drawn, upon which the location of each nesting-box may be marked 
 and a number assigned to it. Each nesting-box will have a 
 number corresponding to the one upon the plan. The boxes may 
 have the numbers marked upon the under side of each, or better 
 have them placed at the height of one's eyes at the base of the 
 tree or pole upon which the box is fastened. Much interesting 
 and valuable data may be collected concerning the nesting-habits 
 of the birds occupying the boxes, — length of time from the taking 
 possession of the box until the young leave the nest; number of 
 broods raised by each species during the season; list of species 
 using the nesting- boxes; list of the various species of insects 
 brought to the young by the parents. 
 
 After the departure of the birds, the nesting-boxes should be 
 carefully cleaned, — the nests removed, and a search made for the 
 egg clusters of the gypsy moth frequently deposited in bird houses. 
 Sprinkle in each box a small quantity of powdered sulphur to free 
 them of parasites. 
 
 When possible the nesting-boxes should be taken down and 
 stored for the winter, replacing them again late in the month of 
 February or during the first week in March, as before mentioned. 
 
 Cats and squirrels are enemies of birds, and if we are to have 
 birds about our homes in numbers, we must eliminate these pests. 
 Cats climb trees without the slightest difficulty, and being noc- 
 turnal in habit, hunt at hours when they are concealed from our 
 watchfulness, climb to the nesting-boxes, pull out the young birds 
 or their parents and devour them. 
 
 Both species of squirrels, the red and the gray, are destroyers 
 of birds, their eggs, and young. The red squirrel is the more vil- 
 lianous of the two, and should be destroyed on sight wherever 
 found. Gray squirrels are found in far too great numbers in our 
 
 [29] 
 
parks and on some large private estates, and should be systemati- 
 cally ''thinned out." On many occasions I have seen a gray 
 squirrel racing at top speed along a wall or fence, pursued by sev- 
 eral irate robins, furiously pecking at him, until the chase ended 
 by the squirrel taking refuge in the stone wall or a hole in a tree. 
 Squirrels will also enlarge the entrances to bird houses by gnaw- 
 ing, and render them unfit for use. 
 
 A wide flange of tin or galvanized iron placed around the tree or 
 post on which the nesting-box is fastened, will prevent cats from 
 climbing, and this arrangement will also keep squirrels from 
 ascending to the nest, when the tree stands at a distance from 
 others. On a tree whose branches mingle with its neighbor's, this 
 would not avail, for squirrels travel with ease among the tree- 
 tops, and would leap from an adjoining tree to the one containing 
 the nesting-box, descend and devour its contents at their leisure. 
 
 A galvanized iron plate, threaded for an inch pipe, may be fas- 
 tened to the bottom of the nesting-box. A pipe, twelve or fifteen 
 feet in length, may then be substituted for the light wooden pole; 
 have its top threaded and the nesting-box firmly screwed on. 
 Two one-quarter inch holes, drilled in the lower end of the pipe 
 about six inches apart, will allow of its being bolted to the fence 
 post, and I guarantee that no feline claws will obtain a foothold 
 upon this iron post of small diameter. Suitable lengths of discarded 
 iron pipe in good condition, may frequently be obtained at a low 
 figure. These will answer the purpose fully as well as new pipe, 
 and any plumber will cut a thread on each to fit the bottom-plate. 
 Another method of fastening is to flatten the end of the pipe on 
 an anvil and drill two holes through it, six inches apart, and fasten 
 the pipe securely to the back of the nesting-box with screws or 
 light bolts. In this manner the box is rigidly secured. 
 
 In order to be successful in securing as tenants our native spe- 
 cies of birds, one must keep a watchful eye upon the nesting- 
 boxes, otherwise they will be pre-empted by English sparrows, 
 starlings and squirrels. Nesting-boxes that are put up and left 
 unwatched during the nesting season, will be as unproductive of 
 results as a farmer's garden in which the weeds have been allowed 
 to run riot. 
 [30] 
 
MARTIN HOUSES 
 
 THE Purple Martin is the largest of the Swallows, beautiful 
 in color, form and flight, and displays a fondness for man 
 by nesting always in close proximity to our dwellings. Some tribes 
 of North American Indians encouraged the presence of Martins 
 about their wigwams, by suspending from the lodge poles, cala- 
 bashes or gourds fashioned into nesting boxes, which these birds 
 readily occupied. The French Creoles of Louisiana also adopted 
 this same method in providing nesting places, the gourds in this 
 instance being fastened to the top of a pole set in the ground. 
 Martins are birds of a sociable disposition, and will nest in com- 
 munities when provided with a nesting box containing many 
 apartments, each family living in a state of perfect harmony with 
 its neighbors next door. Being a bird of powerful flight, it is able 
 to travel long distances in foraging for food, and a large colony of 
 Martins will thus rid a wide area of winged insect pests, especially 
 during the period following the hatching of the eggs and until the 
 young birds have left the nest. Disastrous cold storms in the 
 spring of 1903, and wanton shooting in the southern states during 
 the years following, sadly decimated the ranks of the Martins. 
 Thanks to a wise legislation, our migratory birds are now the 
 feathered wards of the United States Government and protection 
 at all times is afforded them within the borders of the United 
 States. Thus, barring destruction by the elements, the Purple 
 Martin should soon re-establish itself in its oldtime abundance 
 throughout southern New England, provided suitable nesting sites 
 are made ready for the birds. Let us therefore encourage the pres- 
 ence of these beautiful birds by erecting a Martin house, such an 
 one as will add picturesqueness to its environment of lawns and 
 shrubbery. 
 
 Martin Houses are really miniature reproductions of our own 
 dwelling houses, and various st}'les of architecture may be used in 
 their design, and they may contain few or many rooms, as may 
 suit the fancy or ability of the builder. Unless one is very proficient 
 in the use of wood-working tools and has a well-equipped carpen- 
 ter's bench, it would be advisable to purchase a Martin house out- 
 
 [31] 
 
right from a reputable builder of these houses. There are in this 
 country at least three manufacturers who furnish houses complete 
 with pole, and whose advertisements appear in the columns of 
 magazines devoted to birds and the out-of-doors. However should 
 one wish to attempt the construction of a domicile for Martins, 
 he will find that a light (weight) oak barrel, with entrances 
 properly cut, and compartments fitted inside, the top finished with 
 a conical-shaped roof and the whole affair neatly painted, makes 
 both a practical, and an artistic house. Each room should be at 
 least six inches or more square, and seven or eight inches high, 
 with the entrance two and one half inches in diameter. The en- 
 trance may be either circular in form, or shaped like an inverted 
 U. The lower edge of the entrance should be made flush with 
 the floor of the apartment, thus facilitating the removal of old 
 nesting-material and a thorough cleaning of each apartment at the 
 end of the season. One may use his individual taste in adding 
 perches at the entrances, or in making a little balcony completely 
 around the house, two inches below the edge of the entrances, on 
 each tier of apartments. This house should be mounted on a pole 
 twenty feet from the ground. Heavy galvanized pipe makes an 
 ideal material for this purpose, the pipe being run through the 
 centre of the barrel, where it may be securely bolted, and the ground 
 end firmly imbedded in a barrel of cement sunk level with the sur- 
 face of the lawn. Given a coat of enamel paint, this pole is proof 
 against the claws of any felines who may seek to go aloft in quest 
 of the feathered tenants or their progeny. 
 
 While the Purple Martin is courageous and will give chase to 
 any species of Hawk venturing near its home, it seems to be 
 unable to successfully cope with the English Sparrow. This 
 undesirable bird will, unless rigorous methods of extermination 
 are used, pre-empt the Martin houses and destroy both their 
 eggs and young. There is nothing quite as exasperating to the 
 bird-lover, as the sight of a crowd of Sparrow gamins sitting at 
 the entrances of the Martin houses, and yelling notes of derision 
 at the rightful owners. The English Sparrow is a canny bird, 
 and will desert a neighborhood for several months after having been 
 shot at a few times. Use a shot-gun of small bore persistently 
 [32] 
 
during the entire year, supplemented by wire Sparrow traps 
 baited with cracked corn during the winter, and destroy their 
 eggs and nests wherever found. Martins arrive during the first 
 or second week in May, and by keeping the Martin house cov- 
 ered with burlap or bagging until their arrival, the Sparrow will 
 be forced to look elsewhere for quarters, for it is an early breeder, 
 and nests before the Martin arrives. 
 
 The European Starling has now made its appearance in Massa- 
 chusetts and adjoining states. Is fast becoming established, and is 
 increasing in numbers. The Starling, like the English Sparrow, 
 was introduced by some thoughtless, but well-meaning individ- 
 ual, for the purpose of combating the ravages of injurious insects. 
 The results have not been satisfactory from an economic point 
 of view, from the fact that the Starling has shown a disposition 
 to acquire a liking for fruits of many sorts as well as grains. 
 While it is true that at certain seasons of the year he destroys 
 many harmful insects, that his glossy plumage, yellow bill, his 
 sedate saunterings about the lawn, his gurgling, whistling notes 
 and droll antics afford both interest and amusement to the observ- 
 er, — yet he can never fulfill the mission that rightfully belongs 
 to many species of our native birds. 
 
 It is deplorable that the time and energy wasted in unsuccess- 
 ful attempts along these lines, could not have been devoted in 
 the years that have gone to increasing the numbers of our native 
 birds. 
 
 The Starling will nest in bird houses, in cornices and crevices 
 of buildings, and in the abandoned holes of woodpeckers, and is 
 thus a menace to our native birds of similar nesting-habits. 
 
 The owner of a Martin house must use the same vigorous 
 methods of elimination with this species as with the English 
 Sparrow, — or put up nesting-boxes for the Starling. 
 
 The Martins start on their long southern journey late in Au- 
 gust, or during the first week in September. Immediately after 
 their departure, the house should be thoroughly cleaned, — the 
 nests removed, and it is well to look at this time for the egg 
 clusters of the gypsy moth that are frequently deposited in the 
 nesting apartments. A little powdered sulphur scattered on the 
 
 [33] 
 
floor of each apartment will free the premises of parasites. After 
 the process of renovating is completed, and the house has been 
 well aired for two or three days, close all the openings to the 
 apartments. Where the openings are circular in form, large 
 corks may be obtained to fit them snugly, the use of which will 
 not render the appearance of the Martin house as unsightly as 
 when swathed in burlap. The burlap or canvas covering is sug- 
 gested as a material to use only when the shape of the entrances 
 will not allow the use of corks. The saving grace of the burlap 
 or canvas is, that it is easily obtained and quickly applied. 
 
 Professional builders of Martin houses, furnish a pole that is 
 hinged at the ground-end. This arrangement allows the Martin 
 house to be tipped over and placed upon the ground, or better, 
 a carpenter's saw-horse. In this position it is readily cleaned and 
 may then be covered from the weather during the winter, and 
 again raised to position in the spring upon the arrival of the 
 Martins. In this manner the English Sparrow elimination prob- 
 lem is solved. 
 
 The Martin house should be set up in the open and not too 
 near one's own dwelling. The midst of a wide expanse of lawn is 
 a suitable spot for this purpose. Martins like plenty of freedom 
 about their homes, so do not erect the Martin house close to trees. 
 The Martin is a bird fond of the wide expanse of farm lands and 
 fertile, flat valleys of slow flowing rivers, and is not found abund- 
 antly in hilly or mountainous country. 
 
 Martin houses may be obtained of the following makers, all of 
 whom are recommended as builders of thoroughly practical domi- 
 ciles for the Purple Martin : The Audubon Bird-House Company, 
 Meriden, New Hampshire; Joseph H. Dodson, 1200 Associa- 
 tion Building, Chicago, Illinois; Jacobs Bird House Company, 
 Waynesburg, Pennsylvania. 
 
 [34] 
 
BIRD BATHS 
 
 WATER is as essential to birds as food, not only to quench 
 their thirst and help assimilate their food, but also for the 
 purpose of bathing, for birds are cleanly creatures. In hot weather 
 and during the nesting season, birds drink often, and bathe fre- 
 quently, and unless a supply is furnished near at hand, must fly 
 long distances in its quest. Therefore bathing places should be 
 established at intervals about one's grounds, particularly if the 
 estate be of great extent. The selection of location is of vital 
 importance to the welfare of the birds. However wary a bird may 
 be at other times, it is during the pleasure of the bath that its 
 watchfulness is relaxed, and caught off its guard, is pounced 
 upon by some cat that has made a successful stalk from the cover 
 of a nearby clump of shrubbery. 
 
 To make this danger as remote as possible, place the bath in 
 the open at some distance from any cover, and also as an addi- 
 tional precaution have the bath mounted, when practicable, on a 
 pedestal at least three feet in height. 
 
 A bath may be a simple one easily constructed by the amateur, 
 or it may be an affair of exquisite design, such as would fittingly 
 adorn an Italian garden, along with its sundial and roses, and 
 from the centre of which a fountain may play. The possibilities 
 of a bird bath are limited only by the purse of the owner and the 
 skill of the craftsman. 
 
 Frequently boulders are found scattered about over an estate, 
 the tops of which have been hollowed by the elements to a depth 
 and shape ideal for a bath. Such a natural tub for the birds may 
 be filled daily with water by means of a bucket, and is easily 
 cleaned two or three times a week by using a stiff brush and 
 sponge. Trailing or climbing vines planted about the base of the 
 boulder will soon cover its grim sides with a mantle of green, and 
 the moisture generated by the boulder itself, together with that 
 supplied from the water removed from the bath during the pro- 
 cess of cleaning, will keep the vines in a flourishing condition even 
 during the heat of summer. A judicious use of the pruning-shears 
 will keep the vines from over-running and covering the bath. 
 
 [35] 
 
A boulder lacking the naturally hollowed surface, suitable for a 
 bird bath, may by the aid of bricks, or better, rough stones and 
 Pordand cement, be transformed into an excellent bath that may 
 be oval or rectangular in shape, or the sides may follow the con- 
 tour of the boulder. 
 
 A well-proportioned bath should be three feet long and two 
 and one-half feet wide. It should have a depth of one-half inch 
 at the edge, and the bottom should slope gradually toward the 
 centre, where the greatest depth should not be over three and 
 one-half inches. Birds alight at the edge of the bath and wade in 
 cautiously until they find the depth that suits them, before begin- 
 ning their ablutions, — there is no sudden plunge into its depths. 
 
 In making a permanent bird bath in the midst of a lawn, first 
 cut out carefully the turf, making the opening large enough to 
 admit of a siding of bricks set on edge to be placed around as a 
 retaining border, so that the measurements of the finished bath 
 inside the brick edging will be two and one-half by three feet. 
 Remove the earth to the depth of twelve or sixteen inches, placing 
 it upon a piece of canvas spread upon the lawn near by, and thus 
 prevent disfiguring the surroundings with earthy debris. Fill 
 this excavation with pieces of coarse, broken stone to within four 
 inches of the top, and then set the bricks up on edge around the 
 borders. Mix sharp sand and Portland cement together, using 
 only water enough to form a stif? paste that can be easily handled. 
 
 Use three parts of sand to one of cement, and stir the dry 
 materials well together before adding the water. A shallow wooden 
 box makes an excellent mortar-bed in which to prepare the mate- 
 rial. After the cement has been applied and has "set" long 
 enough so that it may be easily manipulated, take your trowel 
 and smooth up the bath. Begin at the centre and work toward 
 the sides, so that the bath will slope gently from the edge to the 
 centre. Before the cement becomes too hard, a thin coating of 
 pure cement may be rubbed over the three to one formula, and 
 will make a more waterproof coating. By consulting a local mason, 
 who win be glad to aid you, if only by suggestions, you will be 
 able to successfully build the bird bath without much difficulty 
 and in a creditable manner. 
 [36] 
 
On many estates where the water supply is furnished either by 
 the municipality, or from a private storage tank, the bird bath 
 may be properly connected by pipes, so that an unlimited iiow 
 of water may be maintained throughout the season. Under these 
 favorable conditions, a pipe may be run up through the centre of 
 the bath, and form a fountain, the gentle spray from which is 
 welcomed by the birds. 
 
 All these suggestions must be worked out by the individual 
 in accordance with the peculiar conditions to be met in various 
 locations. Where the water supply is furnished by pipes, a cut- 
 off must be placed below the freezing point, so that the water 
 may be shut off during the winter months. 
 
 During the winter season the problem of furnishing water for 
 the birds is a difficult one, and we must fall back on our old 
 friend, the dealer in poultry supplies, who will furnish a drinking 
 fountain, the water of which is kept above the freezing point by 
 means of a kerosene heater. 
 
 [37] 
 
WINTER FEEDING OF BIRDS 
 
 BIRDS are neither mendicants nor loafers, and except under 
 the most adverse conditions of weather, do not look to their 
 human friends for a supply of food, but cheerfully and indus- 
 triously gather the insects and seeds of weeds that are everywhere 
 found in abundance, and thus fulfill the economic part planned 
 for them by nature. 
 
 Insects, their larvae, and eggs form the principal diet of all 
 young birds, from the time they emerge from the shell until 
 they are fully grown and strong on the wing, and the quantity 
 of insect food consumed during this period of a bird's life is be- 
 yond conception. 
 
 The eggs of leaf-devouring insects hatch soon after the un- 
 folding of the leaves, in order that the larvae may feed on the 
 foliage while it is young and tender. To counter-balance this state 
 of affairs in the plant and insect world, nature has timed the 
 hatching of the eggs in the nest to coincide with the first appear- 
 ance of the larvae, which furnish the greater part of the food sup- 
 ply of the nestlings, whose demands for food are insistent. In 
 this manner the insects injurious to vegetation are kept in check. 
 
 The migration of birds is regulated not only by weather condi- 
 tions, but also by the scarcity or abundance of food, as the case 
 may be. So long as a bird is well fed, low temperatures have no 
 terrors for him. 
 
 Snow and ice cover the food supply of the ground-feeding 
 birds, and sleet storms incase the trees in an icy mail, that locks 
 up the insects and their eggs securely from the birds that are 
 dependent upon them for food. 
 
 These are conditions that we must offset by providing food of 
 various sorts for our feathered friends. All insectivorous winter 
 birds are fond of beef suet, and this, like all fats, is a heat pro- 
 ducing food of great value to birds during periods of intense 
 cold. A good sized portion of suet should be placed on a piece 
 of galvanized wire netting of one-half inch mesh, fourteen inches 
 long and six inches wide. Fold the netting over so that it incloses 
 the suet, and the ends meet evenly. Twist the wires on top and 
 
 [38] 
 
swimmmDmsE 
 
 Otter <ill 
 
 tu.p.UollA.r'oF 
 ZOic or oUti* 
 
 
 
 %ijisiiu«4L 
 
 SlDEYlLWf 
 
 07ENTROMT 
 
 6 feet L 
 
 TOOD HOU^E Ton (iAME-^mi^ 
 
 .3- fcraa <t^ fett fv*,^ httin^. 
 
 [39] 
 
sides together firmly, or use some short pieces of wire for this 
 purpose. This wire sandwich with the suet filHng may then be 
 suspended from the branch of a tree, is accessible to the birds 
 from either side, and the wire mesh prevents the larger and more 
 greedy birds from carrying it away in large morsels. A number of 
 these should be prepared and distributed about one's country es- 
 tate, and have the supply of suet replenished when needed. 
 
 Seed-eating birds are fond of Japanese millet and hemp seed. 
 Squash and Russian sunflower seed, and the meats of various 
 nuts are eagerly devoured by birds of many species. Dried cur- 
 rants may be added to the menu, and will be appreciated. A 
 small quantity of fine gravel or grit should be accessible to the 
 birds at all times. 
 
 Our two species of gamebirds, the Quail and the Pheasant, 
 should be given a mixture of grains along with a supply of gravel 
 or grit. What is termed by dealers in poultry supplies, "Mixed 
 Scratch Food," is excellent for this purpose, for it contains rye, 
 wheat, buckwheat, Kafhr corn, maize, sunflower seed, and field 
 peas. The grit may be mixed with this food, one-third grit and 
 two-thirds of the grain mixture. This is essential to the health of 
 the Quail and Pheasant, and almost as important as the food 
 itself. These birds are often compelled by deep snows to go for 
 several days without food, and when fed in this starved condi- 
 tion will gorge themselves at once, and without the fine gravel to 
 grind this food, the results may be fatal to many of them. Both 
 of these birds frequently visit the tracks of electric car lines run- 
 ning through suburban districts, in quest of the sand used by the 
 motormen on the steel rails, at a time when the country is snow- 
 bound. 
 
 All food for birds should be placed in a position where it may 
 be easily reached, and at the same time not expose them to attacks 
 by their enemies. A shelter and feeding station for the gamebirds 
 is easily constructed from light boards. It should be made in the 
 form of an open shed, six feet long and five feet deep. The front 
 should be four feet and the back a foot and a half in height. This 
 is then set up in position in a sheltered spot, and the roof and 
 sides covered with brush, cornstalks, or pine boughs. The open 
 
 [40] 
 
front should face the South or Southwest. A few flat stones 
 piled on the covering will prevent the winter gales from sweeping 
 it away. Place a quantity of the mixed grain and grit along the 
 extreme back of this open shelter, where it will be away from the 
 snow that may drift in around the front edges of this shelter. By 
 a little extra labor a shallow trough can be constructed and placed 
 at the back of the shelter, into which the grain may be poured. 
 Chaff, sweepings from the barn floor, or rye straw should be scat- 
 tered on the snow-covered ground in the vicinity of the shelter, 
 for the purpose of enticing the birds to their banquet hall. This 
 arrangement, when the food is regularly supplied, assures the 
 birds that the pangs of hunger will not be felt, no matter how 
 inclement the weather. When the birds have found this free lunch 
 counter, they will resort to it daily, with unfailing regularity, as 
 long as the country is ice and snowbound. 
 
 Should it be necessary to scatter food about on the snow, with- 
 out protection, first trample the snow as hard as possible, and 
 then spread the grain or other food on the trampled spot. Thrown 
 upon the snow without this precaution, it sinks at once, where it 
 cannot be found by the birds, and is simply a waste of both time 
 and material. 
 
 For the smaller birds food houses may be built. There are two 
 forms of these houses that have been used in this country, both 
 of which are simply modifications of the types invented for this 
 purpose by von Berlepsch of Germany. 
 
 One of these is so constructed that when it is set in position it 
 swings with the force of the wind like a weather-vane, and the en- 
 trance always faces away from the wind so that the food and the 
 bird guests are protected from the storms. The other food house 
 is made in the form of a rectangular hood with glass sides, that 
 project below the food shelf within, and both protect the food from 
 snow or rain, and at the same time admit an abundance of light. 
 Working plans with correct dimensions are given on page 39, for 
 the swinging food house and game-bird shelter. 
 
 [41] 
 
BERRY AND SEED BEARING TREES 
 AND SHRUBS 
 
 THE fruits of numerous shrubs and trees, both native and 
 exotic, are eagerly sought after by birds of many species, and 
 at certain seasons of the year form an important source of food sup- 
 ply to them. Many of these retain their berries and seeds through- 
 out the winter, and some persist even after the advent of spring. 
 No matter how deep the snow may lie upon the ground, these 
 trees and shrubs hold high above it their offerings of food to the 
 birds. Wherever an abundance of food of this sort is found, birds 
 that ordinarily migrate to southern latitudes at the first hints of 
 cold weather, may be found in small groups throughout the entire 
 winter. This is particularly true of the Robin and the Bluebird. 
 An abundance of fruits and a warm retreat at night among the 
 dense conifers, enables these birds to withstand almost any down- 
 ward plunge of the mercury. 
 
 Every owner or prospective owner of a country estate should 
 select shrubbery and trees that are attractive to the birds. It is 
 possible to obtain the desired beauty of landscape architecture, and 
 at the same time provide for the needs of the birds, from the fact 
 that nearly all of the shrubs and trees mentioned in the addended 
 list have charms of form and color at all seasons. The scarlet and 
 orange fruits in masses supply a vivid bit of color to the fall and 
 winter landscape. The fruits of these shrubs and trees are pre- 
 ferred by the birds when obtainable, to the cultivated fruits of 
 garden and orchard. Russian mulberry, bird cherry, and Chinese 
 crab-apple trees, planted along the borders of the garden will ren- 
 der the fruits of garden and orchard immune from the depreda- 
 tions of birds. The author has included in this list some vines and 
 also a few species of herbaceous plants valuable from the food sup- 
 ply of their fruits and seeds, to many species of birds. 
 
 The time of fruiting of these various trees, shrubs, vines, and 
 herbaceous plants, is given opposite each species, in the list on the 
 following pages, and may be considered fairly accurate for the 
 region embracing New York and New England. 
 
 By making a careful selection from the varieties mentioned, a 
 
 [42] 
 
continuous repast of varied fruit diet will be afforded the birds 
 during each month through all the round year. 
 
 Reputable nurserymen throughout the country will supply 
 nearly all of these plants, also information to the purchaser con- 
 cerning proper time, place and method of planting each variety. 
 
 In planning a new home in a section where our native juniper, 
 upland cedar or savin, bayberry, barberry, and high bush blue- 
 berries are found, wisely conserve these. Even in planting a hedge 
 of privet or Japanese barberry, one may at intervals include a 
 stocky clump of the high bush blueberries, and thus gain lasting 
 favor with the birds. 
 
 DECIDUOUS TREES 
 
 Acer Negundo (September to March) . Ash-leaved Maple, Box Elder 
 Betula popuUfolia (September to March) . . . American Gray Birch 
 
 Celtis occidentalis (Entire year) 
 Cornusflorida (August to December) 
 Crataegus Crus-Galli (August to March) 
 Crataegus Phaenopyrum (October to April) 
 Fraxinus americana (September to January) 
 Lartx decidua (October to March) 
 Morus tartarica rubra (June to August) 
 Prunus pennsyhanica (June to October) 
 Prunus virginiana (July to August) 
 Pyrus americana (July to March) . 
 Pyrus Aucuparia (August to March) . 
 
 . Hackberry 
 Flowering Dogwood 
 Cockspur Thorn 
 Washington Thorn 
 American White Ash 
 European Larch 
 Russian Mulberry 
 Bird Cherry 
 Choke Cherry 
 Mountain Ash 
 European Mountain Ash 
 
 EVERGREEN TREES 
 
 Junlperus virginiana (Entire year) Red Cedar 
 
 Juniperus communis (Entire year) Ground Juniper 
 
 Picea excelsa (October to March) Norway Spruce 
 
 Pinus resinosa (October to March) Norway Pine 
 
 Pinus rigida (October to March) Pitch Pine 
 
 Pinus Strobus (September to October) White Pine 
 
 Pseudotsuga taxifolia (September to March ) ... Douglas Spruce 
 
 Taxus cuspidata (August to September) Japanese Yew 
 
 Tsuga canadensis (October to March) Hemlock 
 
 SHRUBS 
 
 Amelanchier canadensis (June 15 to October 15) 
 
 Berberis vulgaris (July to June) 
 
 Berberis Thunbergii (August to May) . . . . 
 Comus alternifolia (July 15 to October) . 
 
 . Shad Bush 
 
 Common Barberry 
 
 Japanese Barberry 
 
 Blue Cornel 
 
 [43] 
 
Comus sericea (August to October) Silky Cornel 
 
 Comus stolon'ifera (June 15 to March 15) . . . Red Osier Cornel 
 Gaylmsacia frondosa (June to September) . , . . . Dangleberry 
 Gaylussacia baccata (July 15 to October 15) .... Huckleberry 
 
 Ilex vert'icillata (July 15 to June) Black Alder 
 
 Ligustrum vulgar e (July 15 to April 15) . . . . Common Privet 
 
 Myrica cerifera (July to June) Bayberry 
 
 Pyrus arbut'ifolia (October to March) Chokeberry 
 
 Pyrus Jloribunda (September to May) .... Chinese Crab-apple 
 
 BJiamnus cathart'ica (August 15 to April 15) Buckthorn 
 
 Rhus glabra (Entire year) Smooth Sumach 
 
 Rhus typhina (Entire year) Staghorn Sumach 
 
 Rlbes jftoridum (June to September) .... Large-flowering Currant 
 Ribes lacustre (June to September) . . . . Swamp Gooseberry 
 
 Rosa Carolina (August to April) Rose, Wild Rose 
 
 Rj)sa luc'ida (August to April) Dwarf Swamp Rose 
 
 Rosa nitida (August to April) Northeastern Wild Rose 
 
 i^wtf r«^/f/W^ (August to April) . . . . Sweetbrier Rose 
 
 Rubus canadensis (August to October) Low Blackberry 
 
 Rubus occidentalis (July to August) . Black Raspberry, Thimbleberry 
 
 Rubus strigosus (July to October) Red Raspberry 
 
 Rubus nigrobaccus (July to August) .... High Bush Blackberry 
 Sambucus canadensis (July 15 to October 15) . . . Common Elder 
 
 Sambucus racemosa (June to August 15) Red-berried Elder 
 
 Symphoricarpus racemosus (September to March) .... Snowberry 
 Symphoricarpus vulgaris (September to May) . . . Indian Currant 
 Vaccinium corymbosum (June 15 to September 15) High Bush Blueberry 
 Vaccinium pennsylvanicum (June 15 to September 15) Low Bush Blueberry 
 
 Viburnum cassinoides (August to January) Withe Rod 
 
 Viburnum dentatum (July 15 to October) Arrow Wood 
 
 Virburnum lentago (August 15 to April) Sheepberry 
 
 Viburnum Opulus (July 15 to April) .... High Bush Cranberry 
 Viburnum prunifolium (August to January) Black Haw 
 
 VINES 
 
 Celastrus orbiculatus (October to April) .... (False Bittersweet) 
 Ampelopsis quinquefolia (August 15 to February) . . Virginia Creeper 
 
 Vitis cordifolia (July to October) Frost Grape 
 
 Vitis labrusca (August to October) Fox Grape 
 
 HERBACEOUS PLANTS 
 
 Aralia nudicaulis (July to September 15) Sarsaparilla 
 
 Fagopyrum esculentum (August to October) Buckwheat 
 
 Fragaria virginiana (June 1 to October) Strawberry 
 
 Helianthus annuus (August to October) Sunflower 
 
 Panicum Crus-Galli (August to October) .... Japanese Millet 
 Phytolacca decandra (August to April 1) Pokeberry 
 
 [44] 
 
AQUATIC PLANTS 
 
 SMALL ponds containing areas of twenty acres or less, and 
 whose number is legion, dot the surface of the states of 
 Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. Many of these 
 ponds should be set aside as sanctuaries for wildfowl, where all 
 shooting or other forms of molestation are strictly prohibited, and 
 where our wild ducks of many species would find a quiet resting 
 place and food during their migrations, inducements that eventu- 
 ally would tempt many that now journey to the far North Country, 
 to tarry and nest. 
 
 The northern breeding grounds of many species of wild ducks 
 are becoming more limited in area each year. The demands of the 
 agriculturist must be fulfilled, with the result that marshes and 
 swamps, once the summer homes of myriads of wildfowl, have 
 been drained, and where the sedge-grass, cat-tails, and alders held 
 sway, now waves the wheat and corn. New England must offer a 
 home to these evicted wildfowl, and let us set about it. 
 
 In travelling about our Southern New England country It is 
 disheartening to note the dearth of wildfowl about the lakes and 
 ponds. Scores of sheets of water are passed while journeying by 
 trolley or motor car, upon whose blue surface float no groups of 
 wild ducks. Protection on their feeding grounds and the planting 
 of aquatic plants attractive as food, are two rational methods by 
 which these barren wastes of water may be populated with charming 
 wildfowl, that add so much to the beauty of the country by their 
 presence. 
 
 There are three species of aquatic plants eagerly sought after by 
 wildfowl as food, all of which are fairly easily grown in this section 
 of New England. These are wild rice, wild celery and wapato, or 
 duck potato. 
 
 Wild rice may be sown late in the autumn just before the ponds 
 are frozen, or early In the spring soon after the ponds are free of 
 ice. When wild rice seed Is to be sown In the spring time, it should 
 be kept moist until the time arrives for the sowing. If allowed to 
 become dry, it will not germinate. Wild rice Is naturally repro- 
 duced from the seed that shatters out from the ripe head In the 
 
 [45] 
 
autumn, sinks to the bottom of the pond where it lies dormant in 
 the soft mud during the winter, to sprout and grow with the ad- 
 vent of the vernal sunshine. Wild rice should be sown in ponds 
 having a bottom composed of soft mud, and where the depth of 
 water is from two to four feet. It seems to thrive best in ponds 
 having an outlet, such ponds having more or less of a current, and 
 will not persist in stagnant water. Wild rice is an annual, and should 
 be sown in large quantities to insure success, for wildfowl are very 
 fond of this plant, both seeds and tender shoots, and frequently 
 so thoroughly glean the seeds from the bottom of the pond, that 
 few are left to perpetuate a future harvest. When once thoroughly 
 established it will reproduce plants each season. Sixty pounds of 
 wild rice seed should be sown to the acre. Wild rice will also 
 flourish along the borders of streams, the waters of which are 
 slightly brackish and where there is an ebb and flow of the tide. 
 
 Wild celery seed should be sown in the autumn, or plants ob- 
 tained and set out in the summer months. Wild celery grows best 
 in ponds having a soft, muddy bottom, and where the depth of 
 water is from two to eight feet. It thrives in both fresh and slightly 
 brackish water. The seed-pods are from three to five inches in 
 length and from one eighth, to a quarter of an inch in diameter. 
 These pods should be cut into small pieces, soaked in water until 
 they will sink, or imbedded in balls of mud or clay and dropped 
 from a boat. Sow at the rate of a bushel and a half to the acre. 
 Wild celery is a perennial and propagates itself not only by seed, 
 but also by shoots, or runners, the new plants bearing seed about 
 the third year. 
 
 Wapato plants should be set out during the months of June, 
 July, and August, around the borders of ponds having a thick, 
 muddy bottom, setting the plants in water at least six inches in 
 depth at its lowest mean level, for while these plants will grow in 
 marshy soil, they will not be available as food for wildfowl unless 
 planted where water will cover them during the autumn, when 
 wildfowl visit the ponds in large numbers. Wild ducks in feeding, 
 either dive or tip up and dabble below the surface and pick ofiE 
 the young tubers of these plants of which they are very fond. 
 
 The leaves of the wapato are arrow shaped and the plant attains 
 
 [46] 
 
an average height of about two feet, and propagates itself from 
 both bulbs, runners and seeds. In setting out these plants, use a 
 trowel and set them firmly in the mud, about six feet apart. Set 
 at this distance, it will require one thousand plants to the acre. 
 
 It is important that seeds, plants, and bulbs of these and all 
 other aquatic plants, be kept moist until the time for planting 
 arrives. The seed of wild rice and wild celery may be carried 
 through the winter in cold storage in barrels of water kept at a 
 temperature slightly above the freezing point. Wild celery plants 
 and wapato bulbs should be "heeled in" in moist earth, and kept 
 well watered until ready to be transplanted. 
 
 Wild Millet {Echinochloa Crus-Galli) is also well worth consid- 
 eration as a food-plant for wild ducks. This species is not like the 
 preceding, strictly aquatic. Neither do the seeds require to be kept 
 moist until the time of sowing. It is a rank growing grass, vary- 
 ing in height from one to six feet, according to the character of 
 the soil. 
 
 It should be sown from May first to July, in moist heavy soil, 
 along the edge of marsh, lake or pond, and is said to grow in 
 water a foot in depth. 
 
 The seeds shatter from the large fruiting heads to the ground 
 or water, and the plant will reseed itself. Sow at the rate of fifty 
 pounds to the acre. Many species of wild ducks seek their food 
 on the shore as well as in the water, and this plant is one that 
 furnishes these waterfowl with a land food supply. In passing it 
 might be well to mention the fact that Wood Ducks frequent the 
 vicinity of water-oaks in the autumn, the acorns of which they are 
 very fond. 
 
 To those who may be interested in the further study of wild 
 duck foods, attention is called to the following bulletins issued by 
 the United States Department of Agriculture: — "Three Import- 
 ant Wild Duck Foods," Bureau of Biological Survey, No. 81; 
 "Five Important Wild Duck Foods," Bureau of Biological Survey, 
 No. 57; " Eleven Important Wild Duck Foods,' ' Bulletin of the 
 United States Department of Agriculture, No. 205. These pub- 
 lications may be obtained by addressing the United States Bureau 
 of Biological Survey, Washington, D. C. 
 
 [47] 
 
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A 
 SANCTUARY 
 
 THE motive of establishing a sanctuary is to perpetuate our 
 useful and interesting wild birds and quadrupeds. No move- 
 ment of the present day tending toward the conservation of our 
 wild life, is of more vital importance, or will have more far-reach- 
 ing results, than the establishing and maintaining of sanctuaries. 
 Every sanctuary created is an aid to the Federal Government in 
 its work of protection of the migratory birds, by providing quiet 
 nesting places, abundance of food, and freedom from molestation. 
 A game preserve differs from a sanctuary in this fundamental 
 principle : that it is maintained for the specific purpose of afford- 
 ing sport in the form of shooting, to the owners thereof, and the 
 gamebirds and animals are conserved within this prescribed area 
 solely for the pleasure of the sportsmen. The owners of a game 
 preserve have the right to protect this land from trespass, by post- 
 ing notices prohibiting shooting. While theoretically a game pre- 
 serve is maintained for the purposes of increasing the numbers of 
 gamebirds and animals for the pleasure of sport, it will be found 
 upon investigation, that in many preserves the members actually 
 do very little shooting, and contribute to the welfare of the out- 
 lying country, by arresting poachers, by feeding the gamebirds 
 during the severe weather of winter, and by destroying their nat- 
 ural enemies. 
 
 Within the boundaries of a sanctuary, however, all shooting 
 and other methods of destruction and disturbance are strictly pro- 
 hibited, and the birds and animals are encouraged to increase in 
 numbers. Landowners who make of their properties a sanctuary, 
 signify their desire to become public benefactors, by foregoing the 
 pleasure of shooting on their own estates. 
 
 The natural yearly increase of gamebirds and animals would 
 overflow the boundaries of the sanctuary and eventually re-stock 
 the areas open to free shooting. The establishment of a sanctuary 
 becomes a mutual benefit to both sportsman and farmer, for in 
 conserving the gamebirds and destroying their natural enemies, 
 the birds useful for economic reasons, are at the same time 
 
 [48] 
 
increased in numbers, with the result that the farmer's crops are 
 less ravaged by injurious insect pests. 
 
 The English gamekeeper in his desire to increase the numbers 
 of gamebirds upon the estate in his charge, carried on his work 
 of extermination of their enemies so thoroughly, that he unwit- 
 tingly conserved the useful non-gamebirds. The pheasants, the 
 grouse and the partridges were his solicitous charges, but weasels, 
 hawks, and owls, and other ** vermin " prey also upon the smaller 
 birds, so that a decrease of "vermin" spelled an increase of use- 
 ful birds, with the result that today there are more birds to the 
 square mile in thickly-populated Great Britain than in any other 
 civilized country. This is mentioned as an illustration of the vital 
 importance of not relaxing for a moment the campaign of exter- 
 mination that must be waged against the enemies of wild life found 
 within the borders of a sanctuary. 
 
 It is the earnest desire of the author, that public interest in this 
 important work be so thoroughly aroused, that a sanctuary or 
 wild life reservation will be established and permanently main- 
 tained in every city and town, not only in the Commonwealth of 
 Massachusetts, but also in each state in the Union. Public parks, 
 and other municipal and state reservations, are one form of sanc- 
 tuary, but too often are so overrun by a crowd of noisy pleasure- 
 seekers as to be entirely inhospitable to our shy wild creatures. 
 We need a place of seclusion, with thick coverts, and not the 
 newspaper-strewn lawn or paths littered with the debris of former 
 luncheons, conditions that unfortunately exist in most public parks. 
 
 There are two methods by which landowners may form of their 
 holdings a sanctuary. One is to simply post the proposed area 
 with notices forbidding shooting or trapping thereon, and calling 
 attention to the fact that the owners of said land wish to protect 
 the wild life within this territory, and ask the co-operation of all 
 persons in this work. Appeal to the better nature of the individ- 
 ual and show him that there is no selfish motive in this restriction 
 of shooting, but rather a wholesome desire on the part of the pro- 
 prietors to increase the wild life for the benefit of the entire com- 
 munity. Try moral suasion first, and if that fails, use a club. The 
 proprietors must stand firmly in their rights, and not fear to pros- 
 
 [49] 
 
ecute all violators, who may commit depredations within the sanc- 
 tuary. The following is submitted as a form of notice, that should 
 offend no person who aspires to good citizenship: 
 
 NOTICE 
 
 THIS tract of land has been set aside as a Sanctuary for our 
 Wild Birds and Animals, where in safety they may find 
 food and rear their young. Will you, by refraining from Shoot- 
 ing, or any other means of Disturbance, help us to increase the 
 numbers of Useful Birds and Animals. 
 
 Please do not heedlessly cut the Trees, or, uproot the Wild- 
 flowers, and above all cause Forest Fires by the careless use of 
 matches, cigars or cigarettes. 
 
 VIOLATORS WILL BE PROSECUTED. 
 
 {Signatures of proprietors. ) 
 
 Many a person who for the sum of one dollar, procures a 
 license to shoot, has little regard for the property rights of land- 
 owners. He tears down stone walls, leaves the pasture bars open 
 for a ready exit of the farmer's cattle, and perpetrates many other 
 nuisances that arouse the owner's ire to such an extent, that he 
 posts his land against all entry thereon. This is the type of per- 
 son to whom the objects of forming a sanctuary would make no 
 appeal, and who would not hesitate to trespass within the pro- 
 tected area, whenever the chances of discovery by the owners 
 would be remote enough to promise an easy escape. 
 
 The second method is the presenting to the Commissioners of 
 a petition drawn in the following manner and signed by the vari- 
 ous landowners whose properties adjoin : 
 
 1916. 
 
 To the Board of Commissioners on Fisheries and Game: 
 
 The undersigned being owners of land and water in the Town, (or 
 
 Towns) of , 
 
 respectfully petition that you will order a close season for one or more 
 periods, not exceeding five years each, on all wild birds and quadrupeds 
 within the area of the land shown on a plan filed herewith. 
 
 The petitioners being owners of said land in question hereby consent 
 to such a close season. 
 
 Respectfully, {Signatures of proprietors.) 
 
 [50] 
 
A sanctuary is thus formed in accordance with Chapter 410, 
 Acts of 1911, Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In this manner 
 of procedure the Commonwealth, through the Commissioners on 
 Fisheries and Game, instead of the individual landowner, as- 
 sumes the responsibility of enforcement of law against all violators. 
 This method is the better of the two, from the fact that persons 
 usually have more respect for property owned by or under the 
 jurisdiction of the state, than for that of a private citizen. 
 
 One difficulty has been experienced in petitioning the Commis- 
 sioners to close certain tracts. They seem loath to grant these re- 
 quests, fearing that by pre-empting the shooting areas they will 
 lose the support of their constituents, the sportsmen. The Com- 
 missioners, however, agree that something drastic must be done to 
 help keep up the supply of game that is annually sought after by 
 nearly seventy thousand licensed sportsmen throughout this Com- 
 monwealth. Artificial propagation of gamebirds is an expensive 
 proposition and we must look to the sanctuaries as a feasible solu- 
 tion of this perplexing problem. 
 
 The following words of Hon. Joseph Kalbfus, Secretary of the 
 Pennsylvania Commissioners of Game, and one of the best in- 
 formed and most practical men engaged in the conservation of 
 wild life in this country today, are very apropos concerning the 
 value of sanctuaries: 
 
 ' ' I have also given the proposition of raising our native gamebirds, 
 such as wild turkeys, ruffed grouse, and quail in captivity, considerable 
 thought and attention. I have visited several game farms, some operated 
 by public officials, some by private individuals. I have seen some few 
 ruffed grouse that had been reared strictly in captivity. I saw some hun- 
 dred or more quail reared in the same way, and have report of several 
 hundreds of other birds of like character raised in the same way. I also 
 know of very many instances where efforts in this direction have been 
 rewarded by failure, and feel that at the best an undertaking of this kind 
 is extremely precarious, the return very uncertain to say the least, and from 
 the data I have collected I am led to believe that through the extermina- 
 tion of vermin, including house cats and crows, and the feeding of our 
 wild and free grouse and turkeys and quail during severe winter weather 
 a far greater return will be secured in every county of this State than can 
 
 [51] 
 
be secured to the entire State through or because of the establishment of 
 a game farm where the rearing of these birds in captivity is undertaken, 
 no difference how extensive that farm might be or how much money might be spent 
 in that direction. 
 
 * ' Each one of the six sanctuaries created in this Commonwealth and 
 known as Game Preserves, the same being simply tracts of land surrounded 
 by a single wire, a fire line and a line of notices calling the attention of 
 the public to the purpose of the enclosure, whereon no hunting is per- 
 mitted by any person at any time, and whereon no wild cat, or domestic 
 cat, or fox, or crow, or other animals classed as vermin are permitted to 
 live, has produced more game of the kind peculiar to that section; turkeys where 
 turkeys are found, grouse and quail where these birds thrive, than has been 
 produced on any or all of the game farms in all the United States, where such 
 game has been raised strictly in captivity ; this too where the cost of main- 
 tenance and production upon the sanctuaries does not count in pennies as 
 compared with dollars or tens of dollars expended by the game farm. The Resi- 
 dent Hunter's License will make possible one or more sanctuaries of the 
 above-described kind in every county of this Commonwealth wherein the 
 State owns land and from which gamebirds may be trapped for distribu- 
 tion to sections where the State owns no land." 
 
 The author wishes to state for the benefit of those who may- 
 desire to establish a sanctuary in accordance with the Acts of 
 1911, Chapter 410, that the Commonwealth assumes no control 
 of land thus set aside, other than the establishing of a close season 
 within the prescribed area, and the protection of all wild birds and 
 animals found therein. The landowners have the right to transfer 
 their real estate, carry on farming operations or engage in any 
 legitimate pursuit of either business or pleasure. 
 
 Whether a sanctuary be established as a private affair and under 
 the direct supervision of the landowners, or whether it be estab- 
 lished in accordance with the Act of the Commonwealth, is optional 
 with the proprietors, but far more important than either is the 
 choice of a suitable location. 
 
 In selecting a tract of country to be used as a sanctuary, choose 
 a section that contains a diversity of physical conditions, and where 
 a fair number of gamebirds are already established. A tract of 
 country embracing one thousand acres, may be found that has the 
 ideals sought, — both wild and cultivated land, small ponds and 
 [52] 
 
streams, and well wooded areas, comprising both broad leaved and 
 coniferous trees. One or more thickly planted groves of white 
 pine, and some old apple orchards would make a most happy 
 combination. The white pine and the apple tree are much be- 
 loved by the Ruffed Grouse, and as the establishment of sanctu- 
 aries will tend to bring back this fine bird in numbers, we hope 
 that all owners of woodland will reforest their properties with 
 white pines and spare the old apple trees. The pine tree offers a 
 snug shelter to the Grouse on winter nights, and during the day 
 the Grouse frequent the sunny, southern exposures of the grove 
 where it finds shelter from the north wind. Whoever sets out a 
 plantation of white pine, confers a lasting favor upon the Grouse 
 and its admirers. What is more characteristic of the New England 
 country, than the Ruffed Grouse, and the white pine? 
 
 Ponds having an area of over twenty acres should not be Included 
 within the boundaries of a private sanctuary. Such ponds are known 
 as "Great Ponds " and the public has a right of access to them at all 
 times for the purpose of legitimate shooting, fishing or boating. 
 This renders them both unsuitable and ineligible for the purpose 
 of a sanctuary. This question of size Is important, from the fact 
 that all ponds less than twenty acres In extent may be controlled 
 by the riparian owners, and thus be incorporated as a sanctuary. 
 The proprietors of a sanctuary may Indulge in fishing without 
 disturbing the wild creatures, and where a trout brook is found 
 within its borders, it may be profitably stocked with fingerlings each 
 season, and furnish sport to those who are fond of the "gentle 
 art of angling." The ponds may also be stocked with bass. In 
 this manner the element of sport may be Introduced within the 
 sanctuary, and while the angler is busy along the stream or, still- 
 fishing on the pond, he at the same time will have the pleasure of 
 observing the wild life about him, that takes kindly to the unob- 
 trusive fisherman. Thus will he be amply repaid for his self-denial 
 as a sportsman in foregoing the pleasures of shooting within this 
 restricted area created by his fellow sportsmen and himself. 
 
 Whenever practicable It is a wise plan to have the tract of land 
 to be used as a sanctuary definitely bounded on all sides by the 
 public highways. This method leaves no question of doubt as to 
 
 [53] 
 
where the boundaries begin or end, and also offers a conspicuous 
 place for the posting of notices, where they will surely be seen, 
 even by the casual observer. The roads or highways also act as 
 safe-guards against the spread of forest fires, and in addition should 
 be cleared of brush on both sides for a space of twenty-five or 
 thirty feet, and have the brush piled and burned at the time pre- 
 scribed by the local fire-warden. 
 
 Woodcock, Ruffed Grouse, Quail, Pheasants, Wild Ducks, 
 Deer and Hares are frequently found within a tract of land em- 
 bracing a thousand acres. All the briery tangles and alder swales 
 should be left undisturbed and their growth encouraged. These 
 retreats are needed by the Ruffed Grouse and other gamebirds 
 when pursued by their winged enemies, — conditions that unfor- 
 tunately are lacking in many state reservations, where the under- 
 growth has been so thoroughly removed that no gamebirds can be 
 induced to stay. The forester should leave here and there sizable 
 clumps of tangle, if he wishes these birds to tenant his woodlands. 
 
 Woodcock nest early in the spring season among moist, swampy, 
 hardwood growth, and after the young birds are able to fly well, 
 the entire family resort to the cornfields, where they probe for 
 earthworms about the roots of the corn-stalks. They also visit the 
 lawns and kitchen garden in search of grubs and earthworms. Early 
 in September, the Woodcock seeks the uplands and is found among 
 the birches and huckleberry bushes of the pasture. After the first 
 heavy frost, Woodcock that have bred within the sanctuary move 
 along on their southern migration. There is nothing that can be 
 offered the Woodcock except protection, for it is mainly insectiv- 
 orous in its diet, and as soon as the ground freezes is compelled 
 to leave its summer haunts. 
 
 Of all our upland gamebirds, none is more widely known or 
 has more sincere admirers than the Ruffed Grouse, and no other 
 gamebird has the like robust constitution or the ability to with- 
 stand the rigor of our New England winters. Its habits are such 
 that it is enabled to obtain a plentiful supply of food during the 
 deep snows of winter, when the Quail and Pheasant, being ground 
 feeders, and dependent upon the supply of seeds and nuts, would 
 perish of starvation. After the fall of snow, Grouse feed upon the 
 
 [54] 
 
fruits, seeds, and twigs of many trees and shrubs, in fact the list 
 of these trees and shrubs given elsewhere in this volume, includes 
 many species that furnish a winter food supply to the Ruffed 
 Grouse. This bird is also fond of the buds of the birch and apple- 
 tree, and consumes quantities of these during the winter months, 
 especially during February and March. During the fall months 
 Grouse are found around wild apple-trees, where they eagerly pick 
 out and devour the seeds of apples that have fallen. So it will be 
 seen how important a part the wild apple-tree plays in the exist- 
 ence of the Grouse. Except in extremely cold weather, the Grouse 
 spends the night high among the branches of the pines or other 
 dense coniferous trees and is safe from the attacks of predaceous 
 quadrupeds, to which other species like the Quail, that spend the 
 night upon the ground are subject. When the mercury drops low 
 and the ground is deeply snow-covered, the Grouse will plunge 
 into it, and spend the night there, warmly covered with the snow 
 blanket. Extermination of its natural enemies and the planting of 
 trees and shrubs that furnish winter food will surely bring back 
 this fine species in goodly numbers. The Grouse moreover is a 
 woodland bird, and wherever the forest is removed by the lum- 
 berman's axe, it disappears from the locality. More tracts of 
 woodland should be conserved especially for this species of our 
 gamebirds. 
 
 The Quail or Bob-white is a bird of the open, cultivated, farming 
 country, persists in spite of the toll exacted from its numbers by 
 the sportsman, and is a valuable ally of the farmer, for it destroys 
 vast quantities of weed seeds and injurious insects. Quail will not 
 survive the winter, in sections of the country where the snow lies 
 deep upon the ground for any great length of time, for the food 
 supply of seeds, grains, and the ever essential gravel, is then 
 inaccessible. Wherever deep snowfalls are liable to occur, thick 
 shelters of brush and boards, with the openings facing the South, 
 should be constructed early in the season, near the feeding places 
 of each bevy of Quail, and liberally stocked with mixed grains and 
 fine gravel. By encouraging the birds to visit this feeding-station 
 long before the first snowfall, you will be assured that they will 
 resort to it regularly throughout the winter. It would be a good 
 
 [55] 
 
plan to sow both rye and buckwheat in numerous small patches 
 throughout the sanctuary, and let these grains mature and stand 
 unreaped as a food supply. 
 
 The Chinese or Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus torquatus) 
 has become firmly established throughout a large section of Mass- 
 achusetts. While this bird has been very unfavorably commented 
 upon from the standpoint of our sportsmen as a gamebird, 
 from the fact that its habits are such that it cannot be pursued 
 with the same success that attends our native Grouse and Quail 
 when hunted with either pointer or setter, yet it will thrive and 
 increase in sections where the last named species have entirely 
 disappeared or where the environment is not congenial to them. 
 
 No conclusive evidence has been produced to show that the 
 Pheasant is antagonistic to our Grouse and Quail or that it de- 
 stroys their nests or even the birds themselves, statements that 
 have foolishly been made by certain individuals. The Pheasant 
 being the larger bird, might during a time of scarcity of food, 
 drive away other birds, when it was a question of self-preservation, 
 and a survival of the fittest. This danger could be easily overcome 
 by putting out food in abundance for all. 
 
 The Pheasant in spite of the antipathy shown it by sportsmen 
 and others, has many redeeming traits. It destroys large quantities 
 of insects of many species injurious to the farmer, even though it 
 may at times help itself to fruit and vegetables. It is valuable as a 
 tablebird, for the flesh of the Pheasant is excellent in flavor, and 
 the bird surpasses any of our native species of gamebirds in both 
 size and weight. It furnishes an incentive for healthful outdoor 
 exercise to those who are fond of legitimate shooting, and value 
 " a sound mind in a sound body." Last but not least the Pheasant 
 by reason of its size and showy plumage, and its adaptability to 
 urban conditions, adds much to the attractiveness of the landscape 
 about metropolitan estates, where owing to the abundance of thick 
 shrubbery and other suitable cover for nesting, it takes up its abode. 
 
 The Pheasant like the Quail is not a " budder," and when the 
 ground is snow-covered must be fed under shelters in the same 
 manner and with the same sort of food as the Quail. 
 
 Throughout Southern New England and many of the Atlantic 
 
 [56] 
 
states, Black Ducks, Mallards, and Wood Ducks breed in more 
 or less abundance, and it is hoped through the establishing of 
 many sanctuaries, to induce other species now nesting farther 
 north to spend the summer in this locality. Wild Ducks of all 
 species need absolute protection from disturbance on their feeding 
 grounds, the planting of food-plants as given in the chapter de- 
 voted to *' Aquatic Plants," and particularly for the Wood Duck, 
 artificial nesting-sites. The Mallard and the Black Duck nest upon 
 the ground, and all that can be done for them is to render their 
 chosen nesting-sites immune from all disturbances during the 
 period of incubation. The Wood Duck is a hole-nesting species, 
 and the storms of winter or other causes frequently destroy nesting 
 places that have been used annually by these birds for many 
 seasons. Nesting-boxes should be constructed of rough boards or 
 hollowed logs, and fastened to trees in the vicinity of ponds and 
 streams. Place in the bottom of these nesting-boxes enough old 
 weathered sawdust or particles of rotted wood to form a layer three 
 inches deep, topped off with some fine, dried grasses. To this 
 foundation the female may add other nesting-materials, before 
 plucking the finishing lining of down from her own breast. 
 Throughout its entire range the Wood Duck has become so re- 
 duced in numbers as to be threatened with the grave danger of 
 becoming extinct. Of all the various species of Wild Ducks found 
 throughout the world, none excel the Wood Duck in beauty of 
 plumage or grace of form and movements, and strenuous efforts 
 should be made to save this most interesting, and typically 
 American species from extermination. 
 
 In many sections throughout Southern New England, where 
 twenty years ago the Virginia Deer was locally unknown, it has 
 now become plentiful, both in wild or forest lands and in the cul- 
 tivated farming country. For many years Deer have been protec- 
 ted in Massachusetts, and also in the adjoining state of Vermont, 
 where they increased in such numbers as to become more or less 
 of a menace to the agriculturist. Many of these Vermont Deer 
 drifted south into Massachusetts and from thence into the states 
 of both Connecticut and Rhode Island. 
 
 Our Massachusetts game laws now allow an open season of one 
 
 [57] 
 
week in which the sportsman may kill one Deer only, and in this 
 way their numbers are kept within reasonable limit. The law also 
 gives the owner or occupant of a farm the right to kill at any time 
 Deer that are found injuring or feeding upon cultivated crops or 
 fruit trees. Deer are really creatures suited only to the wild, uncul- 
 tivated portions of our country, and cannot be tolerated in large 
 numbers in farming districts. 
 
 Like other wild creatures. Deer will soon discover the protec- 
 tion offered by a sanctuary, and will persist and become numerous 
 within its borders. The proprietors of a sanctuary must then 
 decide whether these Deer should be tolerated for purely senti- 
 mental reasons, and if so, whether the pleasure derived from the 
 touch of wildness their presence adds to the surroundings, will 
 counter-balance, the damages they may incur upon farm and 
 orchard. 
 
 Deer are often driven by hunger during deep snows, to browse 
 upon the branches of young apple-trees. This destruction of young 
 orchards could be largely overcome by placing alfalfa or red clover 
 hay, of which Deer are very fond, in small stacks in wooded por- 
 tions of the sanctuary, with a lump of rock salt nearby where it 
 would be accessible to them in snowy weather. 
 
 Hares, or as they are commonly called "Rabbits," safeguard 
 the gamebirds within the sanctuary from their enemies, particu- 
 ularly the Fox. Hares are prolific creatures, and when plenty 
 form along with mice, the main food supply of the Fox. Foxes 
 have become so numerous throughout Massachusetts and adjacent 
 states, as to now be a menace to our gamebirds, the supply of 
 Hares and mice not being sufficient to supply the demands of an 
 ever increasing population of Foxes, Reynard pursues the game- 
 birds, — for a Fox must live. 
 
 Foxes as well as other predaceous animals cannot in safety be 
 tolerated within a sanctuary, even though an abundance of Hares 
 may somewhat modify the danger to the useful birds. Their num- 
 bers must be reduced by trapping the adults and destroying their 
 cubs in the spring-time, when the Foxes' earth can then be dis- 
 covered and the litter of young removed. 
 
 After establishing a sanctuary do not be disappointed, if dur- 
 
 [58] 
 
ing the first year or two of its existence, the wild life does not 
 increase in numbers as rapidly as you had hoped. Like any legit- 
 imate enterprise, its growth may be slow, but keep everlastingly 
 at it. This is a work of cooperation and you must enlist in the 
 cause all of your friends who have a love for the wild creatures. 
 Among these you may be fortunate enough to find a civil engi- 
 neer and possibly a landscape architect. The former will be glad to 
 assist in the planning of roadways and the latter to suggest the 
 planting of proper shrubbery. Some of the proprietors should be 
 appointed as game wardens having full power to arrest and pros- 
 ecute violators, and thus not be entirely dependent upon the state 
 officers for the enforcement of law. 
 
 Establish winter feeding stations for the birds and systematically 
 feed them. Place nesting-boxes in suitable places for the hole- 
 nesting birds, and bird baths in numerous places, when an abun- 
 dant natural supply of water is lacking. Keep the vermin reduced 
 in numbers, for when the useful birds become numerous, their 
 enemies likewise increase. Establish a small nursery, in which may 
 be propagated many species of trees and shrubs, the fruits and 
 seeds of which are attractive to both useful and gamebirds. From 
 this community nursery, as it might properly be called, plantings 
 could be made each year in various sections of the sanctuary. 
 
 There are a number of native species of trees and shrubs, whose 
 berries and seeds form an important winter food supply of the 
 birds, and many of which retain their fruits until the advent of 
 spring. The following are indigenous to Southern New England, 
 and if not already found within the borders of a sanctuary, may be 
 easily transplanted, will thrive and become permanently estab- 
 lished: — Bayberry, Ground Juniper, Barberry and Upland Cedar 
 or Savin. These are but a few of many species, both native and 
 exotic, a list of which is given in the chapter devoted to that sub- 
 ject in this volume. In many spots sheltered from the northerly 
 winds sow rye and buckwheat, each of course by itself. Along the 
 edges of the fields plant long rows of the large Russian sunflower 
 and in moist land sow Japanese millet. All of these plants furnish 
 a food supply relished by birds of many species. 
 
 Whenever time and expense will admit, a series of connecting 
 
 [59] 
 
roads and bridle-paths should be constructed, intersecting the sanc- 
 tuary. These serve not only as fire-lanes to prevent the spread of 
 any forest fires that may unexpectedly break out, but also provide 
 sunny places and highways for the woods creatures. Ruffed Grouse 
 are fond of these forest roads, where dusting places and wild fruits 
 are found in abundance along their borders. Immediately after the 
 first snowfall a tour of inspection should be carefully made through- 
 out the entire length and breadth of the sanctuary, not only to 
 supply the needed food to the worthy furred and feathered guests, 
 but also to discover what enemies of theirs are abroad and what 
 record of their evil deeds has been written upon the tell-tale snow. 
 Now is the time to begin the campaign of extermination of the 
 "vermin." The lean and hungry winter renders the Fox more 
 susceptible to the enticing bait of the trap, and the semi-wild house 
 cat will enter the box-trap, in quest of the proffered morsel of fish. 
 The services of a professional trapper at this season of year, would 
 more than pay the initial cost to the owners, and when possible a 
 man should be engaged for this purpose, especially when the sanc- 
 tuary is situated in wild portions of the country. 
 
 In these closing lines the author wishes to impress upon the 
 reader how far-reaching will be the results obtained through this 
 establishing of Sanctuaries or Wild Life Reservations, not only in 
 ** bringing back the gamebirds," but also in protecting and increas- 
 ing the numbers of our useful birds. We have reached the '* danger 
 point" where, unless something drastic is done and done without 
 delay to protect certain areas, persistent shooting will simply spell 
 extermination. Whether a sanctuary consists of the combined acres 
 of a few farmers, and managed under simple methods, or whether 
 it be a territory that embraces many square miles and is under the 
 supervision of a trained wild life protectionist, the fundamental 
 principles are the same in each, and the founders should be looked 
 upon as men who have the welfare not only of their own commun- 
 ity at heart, but also of the entire nation. 
 
 Some men will always delight in shooting as a recreation and 
 
 among these there exists a feeling that chances of enjoying their 
 
 sport are becoming less with each ensuing year, owing to these 
 
 restricted areas. To them we would say that it is only by the estab- 
 
 [60] 
 
lishment of sanctuaries and allowing the game to Increase within 
 their boundaries, that the sections now open to shooting can be 
 kept supplied with animals of the chase, by the natural overflow 
 from within the protected areas. 
 
 Many useful and interesting species of our wild birds and ani- 
 mals have either entirely disappeared from our country, or become 
 in danger of extermination, all within a comparatively few years, and 
 it is only through methods of perpetuation such as are brought 
 about by the establishment of Sanctuaries and Game Preserves, that 
 we shall be able to convey to future generations a part of the her- 
 itage that is due them. 
 
 Until our gamebirds and animals have been sufficiently increased 
 in numbers through protective measures, to allow with safety the 
 shooting of the yearly increase, we must keep certain areas closed. 
 One season of persistent and promiscuous shooting will destroy 
 all the good results that have been obtained through ten seasons of 
 protection. Many tracts must be maintained as Wild Life Reserva- 
 tions, and forever held inviolate from destructive agents. Protec- 
 tion IS, the one thing that will spell success in this attempt to increase 
 our wild life. Protection from the lawless human element; protec- 
 tion from starvation; protection from their natural enemies. Given 
 these, the birds and quadrupeds will rapidly multiply without the 
 aid of artificial means of propagation. 
 
 Time was when our wild birds and animals formed an important 
 source of food supply to the people of this country. But with the 
 advance of civilization and its modern methods of producing food 
 in abundance and in a portable form, our wild life has ceased to be 
 a commodity of this sort, except in a few remote corners of the earth 
 peopled by savage tribes. Today our wild life in civilized commun- 
 ities plays a far more important part in the economic, sentimental 
 and recreative life of the people. 
 
 Since we may thus increase our wild creatures by simple methods 
 that put incumbrance upon none, let us assure posterity that the 
 woods in springtime will always resound with the drumming of the 
 Ruffed Grouse; that from the blue overhead will come down to us 
 the "honk" of the swiftly winging platoons of the Wild Goose; 
 and that the Deer will always feed in the wild pastures. 
 
 [61] 
 
ENEMIES OF WILD BIRDS 
 
 WE may never hope to increase the numbers of our useful 
 birds and quadrupeds until their natural enemies and other 
 destructive agents are either largely removed or reduced to a 
 minimum. Each year sees a fresh horde of illiterate immigrants 
 landed upon our shores, off scourings from the southern countries 
 of Europe, people to whom our wild creatures appeal only as a 
 welcome addition to the bill-of-fare. 
 
 Every season, hundreds, yes thousands of our useful birds are 
 both shot and snared by the Italian and Slav poacher. Our coun- 
 try is too wide, and the game wardens too few in number to 
 successfully cope with this menace. A large percentage of these 
 foreign violators of our game laws, belong to the laboring classes, 
 and are employed by railway companies, and contractors who need 
 wielders of the pick and shovel, and carriers of mortar. There is 
 a remedy for this sort of violation, and one that would have last- 
 ing effect. Every employer of foreign labor, whether railway com- 
 pany, or building contractor, should establish a hard and fast rule, 
 that the first man in their employ found with either a rifle or shot- 
 gun in his possession, or who destroyed any form of wild life 
 contrary to the laws of either state or federal government, be 
 summarily discharged. This would have a most wholesome 
 effect, and at the same time create of the employer a powerful 
 public benefactor. Why should not the employer of this sort of 
 violator treat the matter so far as the public is concerned as though 
 it was of a personal nature. Would the wealthy employer tolerate 
 the shooting of the useful birds upon his country estate, by his 
 own laborers? Why then should he not insist that they refrain 
 from destroying them elsewhere. 
 
 The alien violator of our game laws, may offer as an apology for 
 his misconduct, ignorance of our protective laws and that he has 
 simply followed the customs of the country of his birth, where in 
 many instances all forms of wild creatures are considered legitimate 
 objects of pursuit for either sport or food. We have unfortunately 
 among our young American citizens a certain class, that seem to 
 be absolutely lawless, in spite of home influences or education, and 
 [62] 
 
who not only violate the game laws, but also set forest fires, and 
 commit other depredations simply from a spirit of maliciousness. 
 There is no excuse to be offered by this class of violator. A heavy 
 fine, a term of imprisonment, or both, is the only sort of punish- 
 ment that produces any effect on this sort, — moral suasion is too 
 weak. 
 
 There are a number of predatory birds and animals that should 
 be killed on sight, or by methods of trapping. 
 
 At the head of the list stands the house cat. More birds, both 
 useful and game birds are destroyed each year by this pest, than 
 by any other of their winged or four-footed enemies. Hundreds 
 of semi-wild house cats roam the woods and fields, from the 
 borders of Long Island Sound to the Canadian boundaries of our 
 northern New England States. Trappers engaged in the pursuit 
 of fur-bearing animals catch many house cats, in the woods far 
 removed from human habitations. These cats subsist upon the 
 birds and smaller quadrupeds, and it is a wonder that a single 
 ruffed grouse, quail, woodcock, or hare is left in our covers. In 
 the suburban districts cats destroy large numbers of useful birds, 
 their eggs and young, both by day and night, for the cat is largely 
 nocturnal in its habits, and carries on its work of destruction when 
 its movements are cloaked by darkness. 
 
 Many of the cats now roaming the woods are the victims or 
 their descendants, of the negligence of persons from the city, who 
 in their exodus to the country for the summer, brought along 
 their household pet that it might be cared for by themselves, rather 
 than leave it in charge of a neighbor during their absence. 
 
 This is no doubt humane and highly commendable, but fre- 
 quently in the hurry of departure for the city at the end of the 
 season, the cat at the last moment cannot be found. The train is 
 about due, and time must not be consumed in a hunt for the 
 missing animal. Consequently the cat is left without shelter or 
 food, and soon becomes a menace to the hfe of woods and fields. 
 
 Unless drastic measures are speedily taken to reduce the 
 numbers of house cats found at large throughout our country, the 
 establishing of protected areas for useful wild creatures will fail of 
 their purpose. The writer knows of one specific instance of the 
 
 [63] 
 
destructiveness of the semi-wild cat, in which a bevy of fourteen 
 quail was reduced in numbers, until two only of the original bevy 
 were left, and this took place within a wild life refuge where all 
 shooting had been discontinued. We are now face to face with the 
 same problem that presented itself to the game preservers of Eng- 
 land fifty years ago and which still continues at the present time, 
 
 — how to get rid of the semi-wild house cat in an effective and 
 humane manner. Until cat owners are compelled by law to license 
 their pets and properly restrain them, this animal will continue to 
 be a wild creature, without legal status and against whom the 
 righteous bird protectionist must forever wage a war of extermi- 
 nation. 
 
 The writer wishes to quote a few lines from the book of that 
 charming English author, the late Richard Jefleries, entitled "The 
 Gamekeeper at Home," in which he sets forth the alarming de- 
 struction wrought by house cats among wild creatures in England. 
 These are taken from the third American edition published in 
 1879. " All the cats were shot or caught in the traps set for vermin 
 by her husband (the Gamekeeper) or his assistants. The majority 
 were wild — that is, had taken up their residence in the woods, 
 reverting to their natural state, and causing great havoc among 
 the game." 
 
 '*This gives an idea of the extraordinary number of cats which 
 stray abroad and get their living by poaching. They invariably 
 gravitate towards the woods. The instance in point is taken from 
 an outlying district far from a town, where the nuisance is com- 
 paratively small ; but in the preserves say from ten to twenty miles 
 round London the cats thus killed must be counted by thousands. 
 Families change their homes, the cat is driven away by the new 
 comer and takes to the field. In one little copse not more than 
 two acres in extent, and about twelve miles from Hyde Park Cor- 
 ner, fifteen cats were shot in six weeks, and nearly all in one spot 
 
 — their favorite haunt. When two or three wild or homeless ani- 
 mals take up their abode in a wood, they speedily attract half a 
 dozen hitherto tame ones; and, if they are not destroyed, it would 
 be impossible to keep either game or rabbits." 
 
 Both Cooper's and Sharp-shinned Hawks are very destructive 
 
 [64] 
 
of bird life, and should not be tolerated. Shooting is about the only 
 means of riddance. Fortunately the Goshawk's visits are infre- 
 quent, but when this bird does appear it is usually in large numbers. 
 The last large flight was during the autumn and winter of 1906- 
 1907, at which time the writer shot several of these birds and saw 
 many others. This species of hawk is very fond of the flesh of 
 RufTed Grouse, and during the above mentioned flight the writer 
 found the remains of several Grouse that had been killed and 
 eaten by this bird. When this hawk appears in the vicinity a 
 systematic campaign of extermination should be waged against it 
 with the shot-gun. 
 
 Foxes in the last decade have become very numerous through- 
 out Massachusetts and other states. Reynard is not however as 
 black as he is sometimes painted. He seems to live on neighborly 
 terms with the Ruffed Grouse, and what few birds of this species 
 he picks up are usually those that have been wounded by and es- 
 caped from the gunner, or some weakling of the covey not strong 
 enough to burst away on whirring wing. When mice and hares 
 are plenty the Fox takes his toll from these. Should Foxes become 
 a menace to the game birds, the shot-gun and hounds, and the 
 steel-trap must be used to reduce their numbers to a safety point. 
 Encourage the hares to increase and you will divert the Fox from 
 preying upon the game birds. 
 
 In many metropolitan suburbs the Crow and the Blue Jay have 
 become both too numerous and too familiar to be tolerated with 
 safety to our more useful birds. They should be systematically 
 "thinned out." Individual Crows develop strong likings for 
 young birds and eggs, particularly when the Crows have a family 
 of their own dependent upon them. During the spring of 1914, a 
 pair of Crows built a nest within a quarter of a mile of my home, 
 and managed to make away with between thirty-five and forty 
 chickens about a week old, before the theft was discovered. These 
 Crows afterwards quietly dangled from the tip of a pole on the edge 
 of the field as a warning to others of their tribe, who might seek 
 to carry on depredations of a like nature. This same season, while 
 journeying by train, I saw a Crow flying along within twenty yards 
 of the car window, with a Quail's egg impaled upon its beak. I 
 
 [65] 
 
will wager that later trips were made by this Crow to the Quail's 
 nest as long as the supply of eggs held out. 
 
 Blue Jays sneak quietly through the woods, and among the 
 orchard and shade trees during the nesting season and help them- 
 selves to the eggs and young of useful birds. For a bird usually so 
 garrulous, the Blue Jay at this season of the year is strangely silent. 
 It is an ominous silence, the silence used by a thief in his under- 
 handed work. Whenever the Robin discovers a Jay during the nest- 
 ing season on the prowl, he immediately sounds the alarm, when 
 Robins and other birds immediately flock to the scene and hustle 
 the Jay out of the neighborhood. When this commotion is heard 
 among the birds, grab the shot-gun and annihilate the Blue Jay. 
 
 The Great Horned and Barred Owl, are both very destructive 
 to bird life and should be shot wherever found. 
 
 The Snapping Turde destroys many young Wild Ducks of 
 all species, and is rather difficult to capture. This Turtle not only 
 seizes the downy young, but also ducks that are half-grown. The 
 bird protectionist has however a valuable ally in the much ma- 
 ligned Skunk. The Skunk undoubtedly destroys some eggs and 
 young of our ground-nesting birds, but endeavors to repay this 
 loss by destroying many eggs of the Snapping Turtle. The 
 Skunk has a decided epicurean taste in this respect, and makes 
 a most thorough search for the eggs of the turtle that have been 
 deposited in sandy stretches near river or pond, prompdy digs 
 them out and devours them on the spot, the broken shells scat- 
 tered about giving evidence of the work. 
 
 Too many dogs roam the woods during the nesting season, and 
 a law should be enacted compelling their owners to restrain them 
 at home during the spring and summer months. Some bird 
 dogs develop what is called the "self-hunting" habit, and catch 
 gamebirds on their nest, or the young. Most of the danger how- 
 ever comes from the presence in the woods at night of both rabbit 
 and fox hounds. These dogs while in chase of their quarry, 
 frighten many ground nesting birds from their nests, with the 
 result that the eggs are left to become chilled, and thus prevented 
 from hatching, or the young birds die from exposure before the 
 parent can return to them with the coming of daylight. 
 [66] 
 
Rats and Weasels are very destructive, and should be trapped 
 or shot whenever or wherever one may chance to find them. 
 
 One of the greatest difficulties that the protector of wild life 
 experiences in his efforts to increase the numbers of useful birds 
 and animals, is the constantly recurring numbers of predatory spe- 
 cies that will inevitably swarm within his protected area. However 
 we must admit, from the results of observations by reputable nat- 
 uralists, covering a period of many years, that predaceous species 
 of both birds and mammals, when not too abundant, render an 
 important service in keeping the health of our useful species at 
 its highest standard, by destroying the sickly and maimed indi- 
 viduals. This prevents disease from spreading and becoming a se- 
 rious epidemic, particularly among our upland gamebirds. All the 
 hawks, owls and foxes should not be destroyed, for then our 
 country would soon be overrun by weasels, rats, mice and other 
 rodents. It is only when the numbers of harmful species are out 
 of all proportion to those of the useful species that we must by a 
 process of extermination restore nature's balance. Unfortunately 
 today the predaceous birds and species in many sections of our 
 country have multiplied in numbers beyond a point of safety. 
 There Is no way of overcoming this menace except by eternal 
 vigilance in judicious trapping and the use of firearms. Like vul- 
 tures, these "pests "as Dr. Hornaday rightfully calls them, seem 
 to intuitively gather to the good hunting grounds of the Wild 
 Life Refuge or Sanctuary. 
 
 Present day methods of spraying trees with poisonous fluids and 
 the use of powerful machines for the purpose, must no doubt 
 continue, in order to destroy the myriads of leaf-eating insects that 
 defoliate our trees. Nevertheless, nests, eggs, and young birds are 
 destroyed by the powerful, drenching stream thrown by the power- 
 sprayer. Birds are not found in numbers in sections where the 
 trees have been thoroughly sprayed. Not only have their homes 
 been destroyed, but also the insect life upon which they feed. 
 Whether many birds die from the effects of eating insects that 
 have been poisoned is a question that still remains unanswered. 
 
 [67] 
 
BIBLIOGRAPHY OF WORKS PERTAINING 
 TO BIRDS AND THE OUT-OF-DOORS 
 
 THIS list of books was compiled as an aid to those who may 
 wish to continue the study of bird protection and the estab- 
 lishment of game refuges and sanctuaries. Works on shooting, 
 fishing and exploration have also been included, from the fact that 
 much interesting and instructive material is often found among 
 the pages of books on these subjects, and in many instances their 
 authors are among our foremost advocates of wild life conservation. 
 Many of the members of this Association are both enthusiastic 
 sportsmen and anglers, and it is only fair that a list of books on the 
 subjects most dear to them should be included in this compilation. 
 The books included in this list comprise not only the most 
 recent publications on the various subjects, but also well known 
 works that have stood the test of time and the critics, and which 
 are indispensable to the student of wild life. Many of these are 
 classics, and should always be within the reach of everyone who 
 has a love for the out-of-doors, and religiously read at least once 
 every season. What can more completely veil your urban sur- 
 roundings of a winter's night, and transport you to the open 
 country, than the reading of Frank Bolles's "Land of the Lin- 
 gering Snow" and **At the North of Bearcamp Water," or John 
 Burroughs' "Wake-Robin"? 
 
 Many books that have not been included in this list have great 
 merit, but space would not admit of more. So the writer must be 
 pardoned if he has unintentionally slighted the books of other 
 authors by not placing them on these pages. 
 
 BIRDS 
 
 Audubon and his Journals. 2 vols. $7. SO 
 
 Bailey, Mrs. Florence Merriam — Birds of Field and Village. 
 
 Illustrated 2.00 
 
 Bailey, Mrs. Florence Merriam — Handbook of Birds of the 
 
 Western United States. Illustrated 3.50 
 
 BoUes, Frank — At the North of Bearcamp Water 1.25 
 
 Bolles, Frank — Land of the Lingering Snow 1.25 
 
 [68] 
 
Brewster, William — Birds of the Cambridge Region, Massachu- 
 setts $2.50 
 Burroughs, John — Wake-Robin. With Portrait 1.15 
 Chapman, Frank M. — Handbook of Birds of Eastern North 
 
 America. Colored plates. 1914 3.50 
 
 Chapman, Frank M. — The Warblers of North America. Col- 
 ored plates. 1914 3.00 
 Forbush, Edward Howe — History of the Game-Birds, Wildfowl, 
 
 Shore Birds of Massachusetts and Adjacent States. Illustrated 1.00 
 Forbush, Edward Howe — Useful Birds and Their Protection. 
 
 Illustrated 1.00 
 
 Herrick, F. H.— Home Life of Wild Birds. Illustrated 2.00 
 
 Hoffmann, Ralph — A Guide to the Birds of New England and 
 
 Eastern New York. Illustrated 1.50 
 
 Minot, Henry D. — The Land-Birds and Game-Birds of New 
 England. Edited by William Brewster. With Portrait and out- 
 line illustrations 3.50 
 Reed, Chester A. — Bird Book. Illustrated, colors. 1915 3.00 
 Sandys, E. W., and Van Dyke, T. S. — Upland Game-Birds. 
 
 Illustrated 2.00 
 
 Sanford, L. C. — Waterfowl Family. Illustrated 2.00 
 
 Townsend, Charles W. — Birds of Essex County, Massachusetts 2.50 
 Townsend, Charles W. — Along the Labrador Coast. Illustrated 1.50 
 Townsend, Charles W. — A Labrador Spring. Illustrated 1.50 
 
 Townsend, Charles W. — Sand Dunes and Salt Marshes 2.00 
 
 Trafton, Gilbert H. — Methods of Attracting Birds. Illustrated 1.25 
 
 Trumbull, Gurdon — Names and Portraits of Birds Which Inter- 
 est Gunners. Illustrated 2.00 
 Wright, Mabel Osgood — Birdcraft. Illustrated 2.00 
 
 SHOOTING, FISHING AND WOODCRAFT 
 
 Bennet, E. — Shots and Snapshots in British East Africa. 
 
 Illustrated. 1914 2.00 
 
 Breck, Edward — The Way of the Woods; a Manual for Sports- 
 men. Illustrated 1.75 
 
 Camp, Samuel G. — Fishing Kits and Equipment 1.00 
 
 Carnegie, W. — Practical Game Preserving 3.00 
 
 Dugmore, A. Radclyffe — The Romance of the Beaver. Illustra- 
 ted with photographs from life and drawings by the author. 1914 2. 50 
 
 Duncan, Stanley and Thome, Guy — Complete Wildfowler 
 
 Ashore and Afloat. Illustrated 3. 75 
 
 Frazer, Perry D. — Angler's Workshop 1.00 
 
 [69] 
 
Gathorne- Hardy, A. E. — My Happy Hunting Grounds. Illustrated ;^3.00 
 
 Grinnell, George B. — Hunting in High Altitudes. Illustrated 2.50 
 
 Holder, Charles F. — Big Game at Sea. Illustrated 2.00 
 Holder, Charles F.— Big Game Fishes of the United States. 
 
 Illustrated 2.00 
 
 Holder, Charles F. — Game Fishes of the World. Illustrated 5.00 
 
 Holder, Charles F. — Salt Water Game Fishing ,70 
 Hornaday, William T. — Camp Fires in the Canadian Rockies. 
 
 Illustrated 3.00 
 Hornaday, William T. — Camp Fires on Desert and Lava. 
 
 Illustrated 3. 00 
 
 Hornaday, William T. — Our Vanishing Wild Life. Illustrated 1.50 
 Hornaday, William T. — Wild Life Conservation. Illustrated. 1914 1.50 
 
 Huntington, Dwight W. — Our Big Game. Illustrated 2.00 
 
 Huntington, Dwight W. — Our Feathered Game. Illustrated 2.00 
 
 Huntington, Dwight W. — Our Wild Fowl. Illustrated 1.50 
 Jefferies, John Richard — The Gamekeeper at home. New edition. 
 
 Illustrated 1.20 
 Jones, Owen and Woodward, Marcus — Game Keeper's Note 
 
 Book 2.10 
 Jordan and Evermann — American Food and Game Fishes 4. 00 
 Kearton, Cherrie — Wild Life Across the World with the Camera 5. 00 
 Kephart, Horace — Book of Camping and Woodcraft. Illustrated 1.50 
 LaBranche, G. M. L. — Dry Fly and Fast Waters 2.00 
 Marbury, Mary Orvis — Favorite Flies and Their Histories. Illus- 
 trated in colors and black and white 5.00 
 Martindale, Thomas — Hunting in the Upper Yukon. Illustrated 2.00 
 Mcllhenny, Edward A. — The Wild Turkey and its Hunting. 
 
 Illustrated. 1914 2.50 
 Rhead, Louis — Bait Angling for Common Fishes 1.25 
 Rogers, Sir John Godfrey — Sport in Vancouver and Newfound- 
 land. Illustrated 2.00 
 Roosevelt, Theodore — African Game Trails. Illustrated 4.00 
 
 Roosevelt, Theodore — Outdoor Pastimes of an American Hunter. 
 
 Illustrated 3.00 
 
 Scull, E. Marshall — Hunting in the Arctic and Alaska. Illustra- 
 ted. 1914 2.50 
 
 Sears, George W. (Nessmuk) — Woodcraft. A Classic 1.00 
 
 Seton, Ernest Thompson — Life Histories of Northern Animals. 
 2 Vols. Complete history of North America Animals from the 
 
 Field Mouse to the Moose. Illustrated 18.00 
 
 Seton, Ernest Thompson — The Arctic Prairies. Illustrated 2.50 
 [70] 
 
Sheldon, Charles — The Wilderness of the Upper Yukon. Illus- 
 trated $3.00 
 Sheldon, Charles — Wilderness of the North Pacific Coast Islands. 
 
 Illustrated 2.00 
 Singer, Daniel J. — Big Game Fields of America — North and 
 
 South. Illustrated. 1914 2.25 
 Southard, Charles Z. — Trout Fly-Fishing in America 7.50 
 Thomas, W. S. — Trails and Tramps in Alaska and Newfound- 
 land. Illustrated 2.50 
 White, Stewart Edward —African Camp Fires. Illustrated 1.50 
 White, Stewart Edward — Camp and Trail. Illustrated 1.50 
 White, Stewart Edward — Land of Footprints, (Hunting Adven- 
 tures in Africa.) Illustrated 1.50 
 White, Stewart Edward — The Forest. Illustrated 1.50 
 White, Stewart Edward — The Mountains. Illustrated 1.50 
 White, Stewart Edward — The Rediscovered Country. (Africa.) 
 
 Illustrated. 1915 2.00 
 
 Whitney, Harry— Hunting with the Eskimos. Illustrated 3,50 
 
 Nearly all of the books mentioned in the above list may be found on the 
 shelves of the larger City and Town Libraries throughout our country. Many of 
 these are desirable to own, and the price has been given opposite each. 
 
 [71] 
 
LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 
 
 001 259 342 9 <