REPORT OF STATE HORTICULTURIST. 



BIRDS OF THE ORCHARD. 



William E. Powers, Machias. 



So widespread is the fear of insect devastation, and so uni- 

 versal is the behef in the interdependence of the kindred sci- 

 ences, entomology, ornithology and botany, that the Biological 

 Survey of the Department of Agriculture at Washington is 

 cooperating with state governments in endeavoring to main- 

 tain a balance between the vegetable and animal kingdoms. 



As a result of all this study, every effort is now being made 

 to protect, encourage and foster the native bird population of 

 the land. Scientists are studying the life histories of plants 

 and animals and nature clubs are collecting facts of great value, 

 while the societies of national scope are scattering broadcast 

 the results of intensive study along particular lines. The utility 

 of birds in suppressing outbreaks of injurious insects by mass- 

 ing in enormous numbers at the point of attack is beginning to 

 be understood, and the wanton destruction of the species bene- 

 ficial to man is now restricted in every state. 



It is my purpose to recall something of the destruction caused 

 by a few of the insects most injurious to the fruit industry and 

 then show the great work done by birds in keeping these insects 

 in check. 



San Jose scale, bark lice, aphids, currant worms, grape vine 

 moths, chinch bugs ! Where shall I begin ? "The annual loss 

 in the United States from the chinch bug alone," says Dr. 

 Howard, "cannot be less than $20,000,000," and the total value 

 of farm products ruined yearly by injurious insects is estimated 

 at from $800,000,000 to $1,000,000,000, without reckoning the 

 vast amounts expended for insecticides and the labor of apply- 

 ing them. 



The codling moth or apple worm, perhaps the most destruc- 

 tive insect in this country today, may serve us for a beginner. 

 This pest was early imported from Europe and is now at home 

 wherever apples are grown in this country or Canada. It 



