1884.J RELATIONS^ OF WOODLANDS TO ANIMAL LIFE. 51 



made in digging out these grubs. From daylight till dark, they 

 worked incessantly ; and even when a tree had been cut, and was 

 being drawn to the bank for floating, the birds followed it — scarcely 

 willing to wait, and resuming their work as soon as the log was at 

 rest. We are informed liy Professor Peck, the New York State 

 Botanist, that woodpeckers multiplied amazingly a year or two after 

 so nmch damage was done to the spruces of the Adirondacks 

 Wilderness a few years ago, by myriads of minute beetles under the 

 bark, and this appeared to be one of tlie causes that had checked 

 the injury. 



I now come to a point where there is a very close relation 

 between woodlands and the operations of agriculture, and in which 

 the agency of the birds has been often and fully proved. 



We know too well how much injury is done to our grain fields 

 by insects. These damages increase, as groves and belts of timber 

 are cleared away, and they become extreme when the woodlands 

 have all disappeared. This is partly due — in many cases it may 

 be said to be principally due — to the disappearance of the birds, 

 who, finding now no nesting-places or shelter, are obliged to seek 

 other regions where they can live. 



It has been shown that the planting of groves tends to the 

 multiplication of birds, and to the diminution of these injuries to 

 the fields in corresponding degree. To secure the greatest advantage, 

 these patches and belts of woodland should be scattered here and 

 there between the ploughed fields, rather than in masses of large 

 extent. It need not be said that to have an abundance of the 

 insect-feeding birds among us, they must be protected from wanton 

 harm, as well as their nests and their eggs. If our children were 

 taught their duty in this regard, it would save great mischief to our 

 crops and fruits. This is taught in the schools in Prance — partly 

 by punishing malicious acts, but more by awakening a kindly 

 feeling towards these useful allies of the field. Little protection 

 societies are formed among the children, and rewards of merit are 

 given. 



The relations of the woodlands to mammalian life, although less 

 important, are not less distinctly marlced. Some animals live only 

 in the woods, and disappear with them. Of deers, bears, wolves, 

 and panthers, we would have none, in a country entirely cleared, 

 and in some cases it would prove so far a clear gain. It is found 

 that in countries where game is protected for the enjoj^ment of 

 hunting, there is more or less injury done to the trees. Foliage is 

 cropped wherever it can be reached, bark is gnawed, girdling and 

 killing the trees, and in years when squirrels and other small 

 rodents abound, the planter can scarcely save nuts and acorns 



