No. 7. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 387 



tins, by preparing nesting boxes or other favorite sites for them. Let 

 us remember that the stray cat is a greater enemy to the birds, and 

 thus also to the agriculturist, than the stray dog, and thus kill tho 

 superfluous cat by drowning or otherwise, rather than turn them 

 loose in some lonely spot to kill birds or starve. 



Let us realize that the greatest work to-day before the Naturalist 

 who is working for the husbandman, is to learn what are the enemies 

 of the obnoxious insects, which infest plants, and to teach how to 

 preserve, or propagate these and thus insure living checks to the 

 hordes of devastating creatures. 



The CHAIRMAN: What shall be done with this report? 



It was moved and duly seconded, and agreed to that this report be 

 received and placed on file. 



MR. HERR: The Committee on Credentials has a supplementary 

 report to make: We have examined the Credentials of W. H. Stout, 

 and J. L. Patterson, and recommend that they be admitted to mem- 

 bership in the Society. 



It was moved and seconded that the above-named gentlemen 

 be received as members. Agreed to. 



The CHAIRMAN: Dr. Conard, whose report comes next on the 

 program, is not with us just at this moment, so we will take up the 

 discussion of the report we have just heard. By the time we are 

 through, Dr. Conard will no doubt be in the room. Has any one 

 any questions to ask Prof. Surface? 



MR. FENSTERMAKER: If we put out feed for the birds that 

 are beneficial, will we not encourage the English Sparrow? Will 

 not he get the food so placed? 



PROF. SURFACE: The English Sparrow is a grain-eating bird, 

 and not much of a flesh-eater. The Chickadee and Titmouse are 

 rather meat-eating birds, and it would be wise to put out a little 

 meat or tallow for their use. If seeds were taken out they would 

 attract the sparrow, but the tallow is not much of a temptation for 

 him. 



MR. BLYHOLDER: I would like to ask Prof. Surface what he 

 would recommend to exterminate the English Sparrow? 



PROF. SURFACE: If I could recommend anything to do that, I 

 would gladly do it; I am of the opinion, however, that he is one of 

 the evils that must be endured because it can't be cured. I have 

 heard, though, that the best thing that has yet been found, is to 

 give them seed which has been poisoned by strychnine. The poison 

 should be disguised by mixing it with sugar. It is an experiment, 

 however, that I have not tried, but I vvill probably have a report to 

 give you next year on this matter, I would say, though, that great 

 care must be taken with regard to poultry, so that they do not get 

 the seed. I do not believe the bounty law will ever be a success. It 

 has been tried at various places, and a bounty of three, four, and 

 even five cents, paid for every bird that was killed; but by killing 



