240 TRANSACTIONS OF THE NORTHERN 



largely on the destroyer, but sadly thin in numbers, would have prevent- 

 ed loss. There has lately been a plague of insects in Paris and the 

 adjoining country. This has been attributed by French observers to the 

 destruction of birds during the siege. Facts bearing on the same point, 

 and equally convincing, have been noted in our country. 



Wherein then lies our remedy against those insect foes which threat- 

 en the forest, the fruit, and even the grain crops of some parts of our 

 country.' Our real remedy plainly lies in increase of birds. To ac- 

 complisli this, there is but one way, better protection, a more tender care 

 for the life of the bird. It is idle fear that even with the best protection 

 that can be given, they will increase beyond the real demand for their 

 services. There are so many dangers that beset, so many accidents that 

 may befall the young birds, that it is not often that a pair of birds are 

 able to rear a whole brood. There are snakes and quadrupeds ready to 

 devour. There are a few kinds of birds, very useful themselves at other 

 times, which do not object to eggs or young birds. A great many, es- 

 pecially in nests upon the ground, are lost during fierce storms. 



But perhaps there is no other enemy which so seriously threatens 

 the bird as the domestic cat. It is searching night and day, and eggs, 

 young birds or old ones are ee^ually acceptable. One often sees half a 

 dozen or more lean, half-starved creatures at a single house. It certain- 

 ly looks as if birds would not thrive well about such places. 



The horticulturist, whether he wills or not, is one of the natural 

 protectors of the birds. The deciduous forest trees and evergreens, the 

 ■fruit trees, shrubs, and vines, are retreats and homes for the birds. 



Is it feared that by an increase of birds a few more cherries and 

 berries will be lost ? We can raise more fruit, and raise it easier than 

 ever before, for we shall not have to contest every plum and apple with 

 the enemy. It must be plain to every one that the injury which birds 

 have done to fruit during the last twenty years, would not equal the loss 

 by the codling moth in a single season. 



Because man plants must he reap all of the fruit ? Must his ener- 

 getic little helper never even taste.' Man did not give life to the germ 

 Avhich he puts into the ground. He does not supply the sun-force that 

 makes the plant grow green and tall, that paints the fruits, and fills them 

 with delicious flavors. Let us kindly share these gifts of God with our 

 winged helpers. It is but a pittance that they ask or take. 



We are debtors to the birds for the music of nature. They are the 

 voice of the hills and valleys, and the woodlands that can only rustle. 

 On May and June mornings, 1 hear the quiet happy strain of the 

 Meadow Lark, come up from the near lowlands long before the break of 

 day. In the early twilight a dozen Robins sing, and as I walk, one flies 

 so close that it almost touches my head. Among the low trees sounds 

 the " E-er e-r te-dee-dee-chip-chij)-dear-dear," of the little Field Spar- 

 rows, as clear and pearly as the dew drops themselves. Where the 

 vines and willows droop along the creek the Catbirds are singing. 

 Many a one of them has sung almost tlie whole night through. Perhaps 



