Rural School Leaflet. 969 



our friends. True, in our introduction of poultry, we have greatly 

 increased the available food supply of certain of the birds of prey, and 

 it is natural that they should take advantage of it. The toll they levy 

 upon our poultry yards, however, is but little compared with their value 

 in keeping down the number of weasels and small rodents. 



Laying aside then all aesthetic reasons, which in themselves are 

 sufficient, we ought to protect all of our birds, not only for their indirect 

 but for their immediate influence on our personal welfare. This is true 

 not only for the farmers, but also for those living in the villages and 

 cities. Wherever there are trees or gardens to be protected from insects 

 and weeds, the birds are our best friends. Books have been written, 

 filled with certified instances of birds having prevented invasions 

 of aphids, caterpillars, potato beetles, cut-worms, white grubs, and pests 

 innumerable. 



But enough has been said to convince us of the actual value of the 

 birds. Now what are we to do? What is the legacy which previous 

 generations have left us ? In the first place, we must counteract what has 

 been done in past years in frightening away the birds. We must call 

 them back to haunts from which they have long since been driven and 

 do what we can to overcome the fear which has been instilled into them. 

 It is true that wild birds respond to kindness, and where dangers have 

 been removed some of the most timid have been found to become as tame 

 as domestic fowls. When their sense of fear has been allayed, they 

 will flock to our habitations to destroy insect invasions even as they 

 now flock to similar invasions in the wilds. But it means a long, hard 

 fight to overcome the dreadful work of so many years. The coming 

 generations must be educated to the knowledge that birds have a better 

 use than as targets for sling-shot and gun, that they are more valuable 

 than meat in the pot-pie or decoration for women's hats; that especially 

 about our homes should they be encouraged and protected; that a bit 

 of suet in the tree or some seeds on the snow may mean a troupe of 

 watchful little guards about our orchard all winter; that the removal 

 of a few stray cats and the proper care of our pets is our just duty; that 

 a few bird houses about the house and garden for blue birds and wrens 

 will do more to keep down the insects than many a gardener; that wood 

 lots and thickets about the farm are as necessary as high fences; that 

 bushes and trees about' the house and garden for the protection of the 

 birds are as necessary as laws; that the planting of wild fruit for the 

 birds will save our cultivated trees. These and many other things must 

 be taught to the coming generation. \ 



