OF SOUTHERN AUSTRALIA. 213 



have 1,000 Crow stomachs examined. The investigation of 

 the whole matter was thoroughly made, occupying nearly ten 

 years, and engaging the attention of specialists for portions of 

 that time. " I gather," says Dr. Hart Merriam, speaking 

 from the results of these investigations, " that Crows have a 

 predilection for insects possessing a strong odour. For this 

 reason thev destrov a large amount of insect life that many 



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Nest and Eggs of Crow. 



other birds pass over. The percentage of fruit eaten during 

 the year is trivial, and the amount of birds' eggs and young 

 poultry shows 1 per cent, of the food supply for the year. 

 Insects form 26 per cent, of the entire food, and the bulk of 

 these are grasshoppers, cut-worms, and other injurious kinds. 

 When insects are abundant they form the bulk of the food." 



