New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-07-09
DOMESTIC TASTES or GERMAN BIRDS.

from The Londcn Echo
II has long become a recognized fact that tIe
small birds once supposed to be the brigands of the
field and the orchard, are really their very best
guardians and protectors. The most destructive
camDairn against the crops of the agrlcuturlst IS
not carried on bv the hundred and odd birds whom
he chances TO see, but by the millions oil gruDs
whom he does not see, but VINO never escape tne
detection of the little winged police ms TACT mas
become n matter of such general acceptance IN the
fruit districts of Southern Germany That the Guilt
otor now does his utmost to attract and encourage
the yery birds which his father and grandfather
sought to brighten and destroy In many orchard
artificial nests are now erected. which stand Ike
houses to let" rent free until the end OF the
season. in the hope that they may be adopted and
| inhabited by some winged couple III search OF
/ home where they can educate their young, and find
plenty of good food for themselves and their nest
| pgs The practice has become extensive that
the Hildeshem Society for the Protection of AMI
mails. which has been pioneer IN the protest
against the cruel and mlschlevous slaughter OF
these voluntary he peTs OF the cutivatOr has issued
a very interesting publication upon the architecture
and location Of artificial nests Tie farmer is first
of all reminded that different birds require different
sorts Of houses. The presence OF starlngs is fOund
20 be of inestimabe IN the orchards. The chief
demand Of this little householder IS TO have door
opening toward the east southeast. The starting
seems to be a sun-wOrshlpper; IN any case he de-
lights to thrust his head out of the fag-lOch his
door of highland sing his morning hymn TO the
rising sun If the awkward human architect has
built nest with a fug-tcch opening toward the
west. ne will either find that the house remains
inlet" or that the tenant VIII hastily vacate III
upon the first heavy rain, as the ram drives into
the interior with the west winds and drenches the
inmates. A Startling. also, Is easily satisfied; he
will not object to inhabit one among terrace OF
nests He goes long distances IN search OF has food,
and rarely comes IN; conflict with rival hunters.
Consequently whole rows of artificial nests for
starlings may be built with probability OF their
being inhabited. The proper site for terrace OF
etarllngs' Tests is at abOut twenty TO thirty feet
from the ground. on a house wall OF large tree.
With nearly all other species OF small birds, on
the contrary detached villa Is greatly IN demand
As rule they object to neighbOrs. This is particu-
ary the case with those who seek their food close
TO their own home. They look upon every neighbor
az a potential poacher. II the architect Is drawing
nm a plau for a tom-tts hOuse-the tom-ut being
yerv desirable tenant for the lord Of the orchard
he must pay special attention TO the size OF the p~
I0oa or front door Unless the door is made exceed
ingly small that winged burglar, the sparrow, the
most unprincpled of all the small birds Is sure TO
force his way into the tom-tits house. nest for a
tonI-tit should never be built in an open situation
nor on trees which late in their LEAKAGE. such as
the acacia. The Hildesheim Society recommends the
c-tree as the locality most likely to attract the shy
little bird The nests should not be placed higher
that fifteen feet from the ground The red-starts n.y.
catchers and vater-wagtalls demand very open
houses. and scarcely anything like door. they
prefer light and open places, and nests INTENDED 10
attract them should be built upon the house waIs.
The Hildeshem Society reminds all balldeIs that
the principal enemy against whom they nave 10 De
on the watch is the cat hence IT l. advised 10 cease
the construction of nests upon pangs which ls now
s,1o1~ oIn tad