As previously stated martins are by far the most social birds we have. They always live in colonies, and only an apartment house will suit them. To make an attractive martin house is quite an undertaking, and while space is not available for plans and descriptions, it may be stated that to be successful ample provision should be made for cleaning, and the house should be placed about twenty feet from a building and on a pole fifteen to twenty feet high.

In conclusion it will not be amiss to remind the reader that there are other attractions for birds in addition to providing suitable houses. Thus a food shelter, where lettuce leaves, seeds, grain, or some suet may be placed, is particularly desirable in cold weather when food is scarce. In summer time a bird bath, consisting of a shallow pond two or three feet across, is a great attraction, and it is always advisable to provide nesting material such as bits of string, small feathers and tiny scraps of rag.