128 STATE POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



tall says: "For hours together he maybe seen feeding on the all-despoiling 

 canker worm, which infests our apple and elm trees." 



The chipping sparrow and ground bird live on seeds, bugs, and worms on the 

 ground. 



The third class of birds is called omnivorous, or all-eaters, which include 

 the robin, thrush, lark, and cat-bird. 



In the spring the robin destroys an immenss number of cut worms and 

 injurious insects. Later in the season he takes to fruit. 



The thrush, or brown thrasher, feeds mostly on beetles, larvae, and berries. 

 The lark seems to subsist upon grubs, worms and seeds. The food of the 

 cat-bird is mostly larva?, pear slugs, and fruit. 



Thus nearly all the noxious insects which infest our fields and forests are 

 devoured. Thousands are destroyed in a day by these harmless songsters, yet 

 the selfish man dooms them to destruction. But this is not all; they have 

 powers of music unequaled by works of art. Their charming songs and beau- 

 tiful plumage lend life and vivacity to the dullest place: 



The robin sings sweetly from her native bowers, 

 The humming-bird sips the dewy flowers, 

 And the blue-jay's voice is often heard 

 From the forest, by fragrant breezes stirred. 



The thrush, perched upon some lofty tree 

 That overshades the way. 

 Pours forth her song with joy and glee, 

 As if to welcome the coming day. 



The lark's sweet warble from the grassy dale 

 Mingles with the lay of the cat-bird and quail. 

 And the chipping sparrows afford a charm 

 To the thicket as well as the farm. 



The wren chants merrily from the spreading trees 

 That surround her home of delight. 

 She smooths her pinions in the passing breeze 

 And sings from morning until night. 



The blue-birds warble from the orchards fair. 

 And the swallows twitter as they fly through the air, 

 And the yellow-bird's notes from the neighboring hill 

 Resoimd to the echoing whip-poor-will. 



Among the birds so beautiful and gay 

 I love to wander all day long; 

 On pinions of light they fly aw^ay 

 And join the universal revel of song. 



