The best way is to guard the tree trunks with tin as suggested in several ways in Plate [19]. For tramp cats, having no home or owner, the trap shown in the same plate will be found efficient.
Spikes may be driven in part way about a pole so that the row of heads prevent the cats getting by.
Fig. 11. Children Starting Out to Put Up Houses.
English Sparrows are another sworn enemy of our song birds and they should be exterminated in every way possible.
Traps, air guns and any other means, no matter how diabolical, are all too good for this feathered pest. Their nests should be pulled down and the young destroyed whenever and wherever found. They are persistent and must be continuously harassed.
Squirrels and snakes also steal both the eggs and the young and they should be driven from localities frequented by birds.
General Directions for Starting Work on the Bird Boxes.
First decide upon the bird for which your house is to be made and, referring to the drawings, select the one which best suits your fancy.
Look the various pieces over and estimate about how much lumber will be required, then plan your work so as to cut your board with as little waste as possible. Take pieces of a similar width and get them out in one long piece from your board.