Fig. 2 is a fruit-can bird-house, with a roof of thatched straw. In this case the bark must be nailed on to the can, and the nails clinched on the inside, or it can be secured by means of fine wires. On the side of the can the tin is cut away in the form of a half-circle, this being bent down so as to form a standing-place in front of the entrance for the birds that are to occupy the house. Over the entrance, ornamentation in rustic-work is nailed on to the bark, as shown in the illustration.
Fig. 3.
The bark that covers the can is one inch less in height than the can, so as to allow the upper rim to remain bare. Into this circle of projecting tin holes are punched one inch apart all around the rim. These holes are made use of when stitching the straw roof to the rim of the can, as shown at A A. To give greater strength and stiffness to the roof, a second circle of stitches is taken at C C, and a third at D, and a fourth at B, to prevent the straws from spreading. The bird-house is now ready for fastening in position on the platform either with screws or nails.
Fig. 4.
Fig. 3 is a more complicated bird-house, and built to accommodate a large number of families. The manner in which it is constructed will be easily understood, however, from the foregoing description and a glance at the engraving.
The weather-vane (Fig. 4) may be made by flattening the side of one of the cans, when, if the figure of the fish is drawn with the point of a knife, any tinman will cut it out for a few cents.
