Jfor Ccacl)er0 anti ^tudentfi^ Tree -Planting THIS is the season for tree-planting, and we cannot too strongly urge the desirability of making our lawns, gardens, and orchards more attractive to birds by planting in them trees which will fur- nish birds with food in summer as well as in winter. If, as a result of a widespread movement in this direction, the suppl' of food for birds should be greatly increased, there would doubtless be a corresponding increase on the part of the birds. Practical bird-pro- tection means not only preventing the destruction of birds but creating conditions which shall make the w^orid more habitable for them. We hope that this matter of tree-planting for the birds will be given especial consideration on Arbor Days when, among the trees which are set out, there should be the mulberry, wild cherry, dogwood, Parkman's apple, mountain ash, and other trees bearing fruit of which birds are fond. In this connection we would refer our readers to Lange's 'Our Native Birds' and to Mrs. Merriam Bailey's 'Birds of Village and Field' for further information in regard to this exceedingly important subject. Birds and Seasons THIRD SERIES APRIL AND MAY BIRD-LIFE NEAR BOSTON Bv Ralph Hoffmann HARDILY two observers will agree on the date of arrival of the same species; for man' factors enter into the problem. In the first place, few people can devote their das to playing tiie "detective of nature;" on our way to our work we too often hear voices calling us to the woods where many new arrivals wait to be recorded. In the second place, indivitlual birils vary greatl in hardiness; a certain Plurbe or Clicbec almost always comes a day or two before the rest of the species; breetiing birds naturally precede the migrants, whose northern homes are not et ready for them. Unless, therefore, an observer lives very near a bird's home, he often misses the arrival. Thus it will alwas happen in the case of rare or local birds that the man who has a Martin box under his wimlow or a White-eyed 'ireo on his beat, is the best authoritv for the arrival ot that bird. Again, some places are on much more favorable migration routes than others; where man' birds pass, the chance for an earh one is of course bi-ttcr. .At the head of Lower Mystic Lake- in Medford. 1 ree Swallows may be seen in earl April in hundreds — among them is often a l^arn Swallow a week or ten days aheaii of liis fellows. Lastly, certain (59)
