206 TRANSACTIONS OF THE HORTICULTURAL 



quite generally remarked how abundant were the Inrds, both in num- 

 bers and variety; yet when the trees were tally clothed with foliage 

 the}'^ seemed onl}' about as usual. At hrst they lived out of doors — 

 the leaves afterwards were their tents, in which they dwelt secure 

 from observation. Birds are always abundant whether we note them 

 or not. We should soon note their absence by the increase of loath- 

 some insects of which their presence happily rids us. 



DISCUSSION. 



Mr. Thomas — The paper may be very interesting, but think it 

 has failed to give us any practical information. I should like to hear 

 some discussion on the subject. 



Mr. Minkler — I think the gentleman will find the desired in- 

 formation in Prof. Forbes' paper in the State Society Report. I am 

 sorry that our reports are not more appreciated by the masses of the 

 people. We come together twice a year at our own expense for the 

 disseminating of knowledge for the whole, that we may make our 

 homes better and enlighten the people. Every librar}'^ in the coun- 

 try ought to have our volumes in it, and I should like to hit upon 

 some plan whereby they could be disseminated among the masses of 

 people, schools, etc. The volume only costs one dollar, and there are 

 many valuable and interesting papers in them that are worth much 

 more than the price of the book. 



Mr. Cotta — I am much pleased with the remarks made by Mr. 

 Minkler on the distribution of our volume. It should be in the 

 house of every farmer, and it seems to me that there is a lack of 

 knowledge among our farmers as to what we are doing. Is there no 

 way we can get the more intelligent farmers of our country to be- 

 come members of our societies? Would it not be a good idea to 

 send circulars to some of our best farmers giving an account of our 

 volume, and the good contained in it, terms, etc. ? 



A motion to that effect was offered l)ut deferred to time of un- 

 finished business. 



Question — Is there any good in the English sparrow, or has 

 any one seen him iu the country? 



Mr. Minkler — I have noticed that they are getting rural habits: 

 have seen quite a number at my place in the country. 



