A: Birds in flight, confused by reflections of nearby trees, often crash right into windows. Panes on opposite sides of a room are notorious avian traps, as they give the illusion of a clear passageway.

During nesting season, some species barrel into windows for another reason: to defend their territory from their own reflections. Northern cardinals are particularly aggressive in this manner. This behavior wanes as the season ends.

To forestall such collisions, break up the reflection in the windows by hanging ribbons or wind chimes in front of them. Bird feeders also work well, but they should be installed within 2 feet of the window or more than 15 feet away from the house. Or stretch small-mesh netting across the window frame; incoming birds will bounce off the nearly invisible netting and fly away, perhaps dazed, but otherwise unharmed.

Dear Martha: I'd like to raise chickens. Which breed of chicken is best for egg production, and do you have any tips?

A: It's not so much about the breed of chicken as it is about how you're going to keep them. You absolutely must have a well-fenced yard, so raccoons and other animals don't get the chickens; the fence should extend 12 to 14 inches into the ground. The coop will need electricity to run a light and to keep their water from freezing in winter; you can also get a heated water dispenser.

I let my chickens out every day, no matter the weather. All the feed is organic, and I give them scraps that I would otherwise compost, such as apple cores and carrot peelings. We also hang cabbages on wires throughout their yard and in their houses. It gives them something healthful to eat, and they peck the cabbages, not each other. If they are well-fed, they will lay. I've had good luck, and the eggs are utterly delicious.

Dear Martha: I've inherited quilts stitched by my great-grandmother. How can I safely remove stains from them?

A: If your quilts date from the 19th century or are made from sensitive materials such as silk and wool, it's best to seek out a textile specialist. Brittle, damaged or heavily soiled items should also be taken to a professional. To find someone in your area, consult the American Institute for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works, which provides a list of conservators on its Web site, www.conservation-us.org. Or contact a local museum, and ask to speak with the textile curator. She might be able to recommend a qualified restorer.

If yours are cotton and were made in the last century, you may be able to spot-clean or hand-wash them yourself if the patterns are colorfast. First, test each one by applying several drops of water to an inconspicuous area and then pressing with a white cloth to see if the dye bleeds. To tackle most stains, dab with a gentle cleanser and rinse. Rust, however, is trickier. Commercial rust removers, available at fabric or hardware stores, can lighten stains on white or colorfast linen or cotton but may damage some materials, especially older, more delicate ones. Plus, spot cleaning can leave some areas noticeably brighter than others.

To wash an entire quilt - recommended as a follow-up to spot cleaning - fold it in half, place it flat inside a bathtub, and fill the tub with tepid water. In a bucket, mix two tablespoons mild non-ionic detergent, such as Orvus Quilt Soap, with one gallon tepid water. Add this solution to the tub, and let the mixture stand for half an hour, swishing occasionally. Drain and refill the tub a few times to rinse. Carefully roll the quilt to remove excess water, and then lift the quilt out of the tub. (You may need help, because the fibers are especially fragile when wet.) Lay it flat atop several layers of bedsheets or a thick mattress pad; if outdoors, cover with a cotton sheet. Never hang a quilt to dry, as its weight will strain the threads and fabric.

If the stains are not particularly severe, consider leaving the quilt as is. Sometimes you do more harm than good trying to get out all those spots. It can be more prudent to leave a spot as a sign of age. *

Send questions to Ask Martha, C/O Letters Department, Martha Stewart Living, 11 W. 42nd St., New York, NY 10036. Send e-mail to: mslletters@

marthastewart.com. Please include your name, address and daytime phone number.