Before replacing the block on the top of the pole a cut was made across the end of the pole about two inches deep, by means of the rip saw.
The block was replaced, and wooden wedges driven into the saw cut. This fastened the block securely on the end of the pole, and after making sure that it was level, the bird house was fastened to the block by four 11⁄4-inch screws from the under side.
A piece of sheet tin was wound around just under the house to discourage pussy, and the pole set into the ground about three feet, bringing the under side of the house ten feet above the ground.
A double or two-family house of similar proportions was built next, as shown in [Fig. 139]. The list of material called for:
| One pc. 1⁄2-inch wood 181⁄2 × 61⁄2 (bottom) | |
| One pc. 1⁄2-inch wood 181⁄2 × 51⁄2 (roof) | |
| One pc. 1⁄2-inch wood 181⁄2 × 41⁄2 (roof) | |
| Two pcs. 1⁄2-inch wood 151⁄2 × 3 (sides) | |
| Three pcs. 1⁄2-inch wood 51⁄4 × 41⁄2 (ends and partition) |
The construction was the same as before, each end having a door, and the partition of course being solid. The block for supporting the house on the pole was larger, being 8 × 5 × 11⁄4 inches, and called for six 11⁄2-inch No. 10 screws, to secure it to the under side of the floor. Harry wanted to make it more complete by adding a small wind vane, but Ralph said it might frighten the birds, so it was omitted.
Of course larger and more ornamental houses may be built, but where there are too many families in such close proximity there is apt to be trouble, while houses that are too conspicuous do not appeal to the beautiful American wild birds that we want to attract. With the English sparrow it does not matter so much. For these birds, a tenement house against the side of a barn may be built easily, in the form shown in [Fig. 139].
This may be made any length, each door leading to a compartment separated from the others by partitions. Make as many pieces plus one as there are to be compartments, apartments, or flats; have the bottom project as shown in side view for a perch and walk, and have the roof also project to shed rain.
If not fastened from the inside of the barn by stout screws, this house must be secured to a shelf, or by brackets.