272 SCIENCE PROGRESS 



cases, but from specimens collected from all parts of the British 

 Isles during a period of six years. 



There is a considerable amount of evidence to show that 

 pheasants are frequently blamed for the misdeeds of other 

 birds, particularly the wood-pigeon and the rook. Some little 

 time ago our attention was drawn by a farmer to the damage 

 that pheasants were doing to a clover crop by eating the young 

 leaves. Close observation was kept upon the particular field 

 for the better part of a day, but not a single pheasant was seen 

 to visit it, although there were plenty in an adjoining wood, 

 but wood-pigeons were seen in the field at all times of the day. 

 One of these was shot, and upon being opened was found to 

 be literally stuffed full of young clover-leaves. Cases of this 

 kind are known to every keeper and all interested in game- 

 birds. The very fact that they are preserved seems sufficient 

 excuse to some people for blaming them for the misdeeds of 

 all other feathered culprits. 



It is a well-known fact, and has frequently been commented 

 upon, that where many pheasants are reared there is usually 

 an absence of wireworm. In this connection we may cite the 

 statement of Mr. F. C. Gooch x of cases where this bird was 

 found with 1,200 and 726 wireworms in their crops. 



We do not propose to trouble the reader with the experience 

 of other observers; it is sufficient to know that they agree 

 very largely with our own, and, failing any other six years' 

 record showing materially different percentages, we must refuse 

 to believe that the pheasant is other than a most valuable bird, 

 and that its relationship to agriculture is directly beneficial 

 also. Where, however, an excessive number of birds are reared 

 on a small acreage, in short, for shooting tenants who are 

 mainly concerned in obtaining their money's worth, then 

 damage is bound to ensue, for the conditions are altogether 

 unnatural. 



The Red Grouse 



All who have paid any attention to the food of the Red 

 Grouse are unanimously of opinion that heather (Calluna vul- 

 garis) constitutes the bulk of its food, in addition to which the 

 cranberry, blaeberry, cloudberry, creeping willow, sorrel, bog- 

 myrtle rush, tormentil, etc., are eaten. 



1 Morning Post, January 17, 191 7. 



