BIRDS AND THE ORCHARD 



nets, as these species live mostly on seed all the year 

 round ; indeed, we cannot but be witnesses to the 

 vast swarms that feed on stubbles and fallows 

 during the winter months without thinking that 

 were it not for these birds eating myriads of the 

 seeds of choking, impoverishing weeds, our corn 

 crops in thousands of cases would not be worth the 

 gathering. 



" Since writing the above, with a further season for 

 close observation, I offer a few more remarks on the 

 labours of my feathered favourites. Whilst many 

 fruit growers have been racking their brains to discover 

 still more poisonous compounds for the destruction of 

 the apple weevil and other insect pests, I have again 

 found my birds quite equal to the occasion. My 

 apple crop, in fact, has been so well preserved that I 

 do not remember to have met with even one fruit 

 disfigured by insects ; this, too, after, by the aid of 

 a microscope, discovering many more maggots than I 

 expected to find. Sure enough the enemy were in 

 possession, and the battle was rather tough ; but, all 

 in good time for the fruit crop, the brave birds brilliantly 

 conquered. In connection with my occupation there 

 are three things that I love to see, viz., crows following 

 the plough, ducks (under two months old) in either 

 vinery or orchard house, and sparrows, especially 

 during the blooming period, feasting and holding high 

 converse in an apple tree. 



My advice to all is : Think long, think seriously, 

 and search deeply before attempting to upset the 

 laws of Nature or disturb the balance of forces 

 vol. i. 6$ 5 



