DESTRUCTION OP BIRDS. 3 



Even at this inclement season, when sexagenarians like myself, are prone 

 to seek comfort from closed doors and blazing fires, nature without pre- 

 sents sufficient attraction to draw us forth. Visitors peculiar to the 

 season begin to arrive from still colder regions, and very little exertion 

 brings under our observation Fieldfares, Redwings, and a variety of other 

 strangers, to the benefit of our health, and increased enjoyment of our 

 firesides upon returning home, whilst those who are fortunate enough to 

 reside in retired rural situations, are gladdened with the nearer approach 

 to their dwellings, of Blackbirds, Thrushes, and many others of our native 

 birds, affording opportunities of feeding them, and of closer observation. 



As spring advances, the lover of nature becomes full of pleasurable 

 anticipations; he looks out for the Sky-lark, watches his soaring flight, 

 and listens with lively satisfaction to his swelling notes. The appearance 

 of the Swallow tribe is anxiously waited for, and the arrival of the various 

 species carefully written down. The harsh cry of the Wryneck, the avant 

 courier of the Cuckoo, gives notice of his approach, and the country round 

 soon abounds with his welcome, though monotonous note. Numerous other 

 birds follow, whilst Blackbirds, Thrushes, and many others of our constant 

 residents, hitherto silent, open their little throats, filling the air with 

 their music, and making the woods ring with their son^s. Now is the time 

 for full enjoyment of the country, and happy, thrice happy, are they who 

 have the good fortune to reside in the rural districts. 



(To be continued.) 



DESTRUCTION OF BIRDS. 



BY 0. S. ROUND, ESQ. 



In the September No. of "The Naturalist," there is an article by 

 Mr. Thomas Fuller, upon the "Scarcity of Birds" in particular districts, 

 involving the difficult question, "how far their destruction is necessary?" 

 With regard to the question of their destruction through mere wantonness 

 or ignorant superstition, this we may of course dismiss at once, as indefen- 

 sible; but, on the other hand, I am afraid that, were the natural checks 

 to undue increase removed, (one of which I take cats to be,) it would be 

 subversive of natural economy, and this too, in a state of things where 

 even greater checks are rendered necessary. What I mean is this, suppose 

 this country were an Arcadia, and man, subsisting upon the spontaneous 

 products of the earth, roamed at will, unharmed and unharming, it is 

 obvious that both cats and birds would be vastly more numerous than at 

 present; cats then would prey upon birds, and in their turns have, probably, 

 as many enemies at least, as at present, and we know very well that no 



