376 State Ilorticultiinil Sociclv. 



THE BIRDS, GOD'S INSECTICIDE. 



Prof. Lawrence Bruner, State entomologist, talked interestingly about 

 birds. Nebraska has an Ornithologists' Union, which publishes an annual 

 report without state aid. The object of the society is not so much to 

 find out what birds are as to what they do ; how they live and what they 

 eat. 



Attention was called to the fact the birds are God's insecticide. In a 

 new country the balance between animal and vegetable life is preserved 

 by nature. When man comes with his artificial methods this equilibrium 

 is destroyed; insects multiply as birds and other animals become less 

 numerous. 



As an illustration of the number of insects destroyed by birds, the 

 following figures were given : One bird will eat at least 25 insects a day, 

 and counting three birds for every two acres in Nebraska and 120,000 

 insects per bushel, it would take nearly a million insects in Nebraska in 

 two months. 



The robin eats abount nine quarts of cherries and wild fruit in a 

 year, but he also consumes nine quarts of cutworms and seventeen quarts 

 of caterpillars. On the other hand, crows, rooks, magpies, sparrows and 

 blue jays probably do more harm than good. — Western Fruit Grower. 



THE PLANTING OP A TREE. 



Wouldst thou uplnuld a home where sweet wild lives are nested, 

 Glad with the sound of song, quick with the flash of wings, — 



Where the soft broods may rock, warm-housed and unmolested, 

 Deep in the leafy nooks, through all the changeful springs? 



Or wouldst thou rear an arch of noblest grace and splendor. 



Lifted in air and light, shaped by the sun and storm, 

 Moved by the wandering wind, swayed by each influence tender, 



Yet by the hand of life molded to steadfast form? 



Wouldst thou make day more fair, and night more rich and holy. 

 Winter more keenly bright, and summer's self more dear, — 



Grant the sweet earth a gift, deep rooted, ripening slowly. 

 Add to the sum of joys that bless the rounded year? 



Go, then, and plant a tree, lovely in sun and shadow, . 



Gracious in every kind — maple and oak and pine. 

 Peace of the forest glade, wealth of the fruitful meadow. 



Blessings of dew and shade, hereafter shall be thine ! 



For though thou never see the joy thy hand hath granted. 

 Those who shall follow thee thy generous boon may share. 



Thou Shalt be Nature's child, who her best fruit hath planted. 



And each of many a spring shall gnd thy gift more fair. — St. Nicholas. 



