es,
if they can be obtained, are relished. Bluebirds seem fond of meal
worms such as develop in old cereals. All birds require water and
frequently suffer because this is not to be had. If it is possible to
meet this need a great service is rendered. Finally, when the ground
is snow covered, many birds appreciate a supply of sand and finely
ground poultry grit. Many birds are lost each winter because of
insufficient food during inclement weather, that if cared for would
remain near neighbors in the summer to wage war upon insect pests.

BIRD BATHS.

The best bird baths have to meet two requirements: (a) clean, fresh
water, and (b) safety from enemies. Almost any shallow dish will meet
both requirements if properly placed and cared for.

[Illustration: FIG. 62. THE PALM GARDEN EXHIBIT OF BIRD BATHS, ETC.,
ST. PAUL, MINN.]

[Illustration: FIG. 63. (CONCRETE BIRD BATH)]

Fig. 62 shows several baths made of concrete. The pedestal and basin
are made of two separate pieces, and are cast in a form or mold. A
more difficult concrete bath is shown in Fig. 63. This project is made
in four pieces. The base consists of two parts, the bottom being cast
in a form made of 1/2" or 7/8" stock. The upper part is "swept up" by
means of the templet shown, which revolves about an iron rod or a
dowel-rod firmly fastened above, and held below in a hole bored in a
temporary base of wood. The column is cast in a mold made of sheet tin
or galvanized iron run thru tinners' rolls, and held by means of
several wires twisted about it. When this is being cast two pieces of
iron rod are inserted as shown which are to pass into both bowl and
base to make the whole job firm. The bowl may be swept by either of
two methods. The first consists of the making of two templets. With
the first templet a core of clay is swept up of the desired depth and
diameter. Then concrete is placed over this core, which has previously
been treated to a coat of oil. Woven wire is cut into a circular shape
and bent to approximate the curve of the bowl. More concrete is placed
over this, and swept up by means of the second templet. Some
difficulty will be experienced in removing the templet if undercut as
much as shown; however, the mark where it was taken off can easily
be troweled smooth again. The finished pieces are now assembled with a
small quantity of "neat" cement in each joint. The second method for
making the bowl begins with the making of templets cut