The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-10-12

HOSPITALITY IN THE GARDEN.
There are various ways of keeping open
house for the birds in ones garden. A
fresh bath is a luxury which seems highly
appreciated by all birdkind. and one which
is not commonly found in city premises,
especially during the dry months. A bird
lover who wishes to offer unmistakable
welcome to all the birds has placed shall
low crock in the grass beneath low-hang-
ing sassafras and a second shallow basin
on a shelf arranged between the forks of
great willow. Those birds who are afraid
of neighboring cats-and birds are very
timid when bathing-may battle in the will
low fearlessly.
Two very large willows in the garden are
themselves means of attracting a variety
of bird visitors to feast, although none
ever builds there. OF course, these are at
times infested with caterpillars, but that
delights the hungry birds. The yellow
billed cuckoo comes often during the day,
and spends long intervals silently devour-
ing the fuzzy pests. Some ancient apple
trees rival the willows in harboring feath-
ered inmates who are busy with divesting
their rough bark of insects. Here downy
woodpecker loves to tap, the catbird to
build and the chickadee to swing beneath
a curled leaf. A company of tall sunfowers
dropping against the fence with wealth of
seeds tempts the lively goldfnch to pause
frequently for refreshment as he loops
across the sky on pleasure bent. The grape
vine twining against the barn is the famil-
lar shelter of the cardinal, who chews and
chews and chews its dried grapes with his
big conical beak.
In winter the hostess of the garden makes
additional provision for the comfort of her
guests. Two gourds are fastened up, one
to the old apple tree, the other close be-
meath the edge of the roof against the
barn. Each gourd has round hole cut in
its side, just too small for the English
sparrow, just large enough for the chicka-
dee. Inside is plcnteous store of sunfiower
seeds, accessible from the tiny perch beside
the door. 1t is well to add some canary
bird seed to this. and a few cracked nuts
will afford variety and help warm the blood
of those who partake Of your good cheer
Then it is that the chickadee shows what
a greedy little feather boy he is. 1t would
be tiresome to count the numberless pro-
longed visits he makes to those gourds
fitting so quickly in and out, and retiring
to the apple-tree bough to hammer upon
the seeds. From the house you may hear
his quick, impatient blows and see the COW
ering of the sunlower seeds drop TO the
earth.
To cap the feast add a cocoanut with a
small hole cut for entrance, and fit it to
limb of one of the trees SO that 1t will not
swing. Its popularity will prove amazing
A pair of chickadees soon find it out and
visit it together many times a day. one
waiting outside while the other devours
an astonishing quantity of the white kerr
mel, leaving its surface with the jagged APP
pearance. of saw where their tiny beaks
have delved. When they are absent pair
of titmice often take their place. one scold-
ing the other querulously for eating so
long while he waits his turn-it is to be
hoped that it is he who does the waiting.
Perhaps the titmouse Is an unexpected
guest, and is forced to stand outside the
door and lean far In in strained posture
to reach the white meat. since the door
was only intended for chickadees. Then
enlarge the opening just a little, or else
erect another cocoanut. that both families
may be accommodated at once. There could
be no cheerier company during the dull
winter days.
Could the owner of the garden find 1t in
her heart to allow the brush pile left after
the primer has been working on the trees
to remain, the Carolina wren and, perhaps,
the Bewick wren, too, would often haunt
it. Anyhow, the former bright spirit pays
many visit to the grounds IL only from
curiosity. He eats nuts If he does not care
for the sunfower seeds.
In bitter weather fasten a few small
pieces of suet about in the trees to help the
birds keep the cold from their little hearts,
and do not forget. in freezing weather, to
fill the basins with water. A drink is hard
to find at such times, and birds are thirsty.
Many of them, too. battle when the streams
are edged with ice.
Surely. then, in such a garden the birds
canno. .oubt their welcome nor the hospi-
tally of its owner and will make il a fire.
quent haven of safety. They know better
| than to expect cocoanuts to flourish on APP
pie trees, or gourds TO sprout from barns,
or basins of water to lodge among willows.
ELIZABETH NUNEMACHER.