376 MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURE. 



" Ornamental Tree Association." Such societies have been 

 formed in several towns within my knowledge, and their influ- 

 ence has been felt, aye, and it will be felt and seen too, to the 

 end of time. A few enterprising men, by united effort in this 

 way, would double the value of real estate in many of our 

 towns in ten years, and their works would be left behind them 

 as an enduring monument of their taste and refinement. 



Wherever these associations exist they will do well to make 

 it a special object to look after the birds, and protect them from 

 the wanton cruelty of those who would rob us of the best friends 

 we have. In regard to the destruction of birds it is to be hoped 

 that the minds of men will greatly change. If not, we shall 

 try in vain to guard against the various grubs and worms which 

 have so much increased of late as to cause serious apprehen- 

 sions. This increase is, undoubtedly, in a great measure, the 

 consequence of the diminution in the number of birds which 

 feed on them. I believe that even the poor crow, persecuted 

 and hunted as he is, does more good than harm, and as the 

 corn may be prepared so as to be decidedly unpalatable to him, 

 why not let him walk over the field and pick up worms, with 

 the condition and the caution that he shall not toiTcli the corn ? 

 Suppose we soak it before planting, in soft soap, and try that, 

 and if that will not stop him altogether, let us try a little tar, 

 afterwards rolling in plaster for the convenience of handling. 

 If it is objected that this is too troublesome, we can soak a lit- 

 tle corn in alcohol or rum, and scatter it over the surface of 

 the cornfield and send him reeling and tumbling off as happy 

 as any other bird. But as that might drive him away entirely, 

 and as his presence is desirable, suppose we simply scatter a 

 little corn over the surface and let him help himself, trusting 

 to his honor to pay for it in labor ? • 



There are other species of birds against which a merciless 

 war is constantly waged. A more careful study of their habits 

 would, in many cases, prove them to be of positive service to the 

 farmer. The preservation of birds and insects beneficial to 

 vegetation deserves the careful attention of every agriculturist. 



