THE USEFUL BIRDS 



in common destruction, thus saving the sheep and perhaps 

 the grazier. 



As a matter of fact, the White-fronted Heron is one of the 

 most valuable friends to the agriculturists, who should see to 

 it, as a personal matter, that so-called sportsmen who carry a 

 gun for the simple pleasure of taking life be prevented from 

 shooting a single member of this species. A little observation 

 will convince anyone with common sense of the wonderful 

 powers for good possessed by these birds, as they patrol the 

 watercourses and irrigation channels in search of crayfish 

 (Yabbers) and snails, or the field for grasshoppers, moths, 

 destructive grubs, &c. 



I have repeatedly watched pairs of Herons, and can testify 

 to the thoroughness of their work from actual examination of 

 the stomachs of those shot for this purpose. In every case I 

 found them to have well-filled stomachs of one or more species 

 of animals noxious to the agriculturist. The boring land 

 crabs are kept within reasonable limits by these birds, who 

 thus prove themselves again of infinite value to the inhabitanjts 

 of irrigation areas. The great expense of sieving the channels 

 is thereby obviated, whilst at the same time, channel banks 

 are maintained in good order, the only price demanded by the 

 labourers being that they be immune from persecution. 



It is a pleasant sight to see the Herons at work when a 

 horde of grasshoppers has appeared ; their energy is 

 marvellous. Too much cannot be said in favour of the 

 White -fronted Heron, but I trust the few facts I have 

 gathered will persuade many to withold their hands next 

 time one comes within gunshot, and, instead of shooting, to 

 welcome him as a strong ally and friend, worthy of all 

 admiration. 



Other than this bird the three species severally seen in the 

 swamps, and also most useful, are : — White-necked Heron 

 {Notophoyx pacifica, Lath.), White Egret [Ilerodias timoriensis, 



