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rain and insects get in and it is mined. We have known whole trees of

choice fruit spoiled in this way, and growers certainly have just cause for

complaint. Valuable pears can be protected by means of discs of cardboard

about two inches in diameter, with a hole in the centre for the stalk, and a

slit, by means of which it can be fixed on with little trouble.



Probably some of the commoner species of fruit-eating birds are too

numerous in certain districts, and need thinning down ; but we would

prefer to leave Nature to deal with them, as she most effectually does when

she sends us a prolonged frost.


The case of the House Sparrow is, however, different: and there is

no doubt whatever that it is far too numerous in almost every part of the

land. We have most of us seen abundant proof of the damage done to the

farmers’ crops by this bird : the service it performs by' devouring the

insects being more than counterbalanced by the quantity of grain eaten.

It is also known to drive away more useful and ornamental species. Were

it reduced to one-tenth its present numbers the country would undoubtedly

benefit thereby.


The occurrence at the mouth of the Thames of five Avocets is of no

little interest, seeing how seldom the species is recorded nowadays in our

Islands. These were seen on August 16th, on Canvey Island, by a writer to

the Field, who mistook them for Oyster-catchers and shot one. We trust

the remaining four escaped unmolested.



There has recently been some discussion in the columns of the Field

as to the mode of progression, under water, of the Cormorant: some

-correspondents stating their belief that this species and its allies use their

wings to aid them in capturing their prey below the surface. There seems,

however, to be no doubt that this is a mistaken notion, the large wings of

the Cormorants being adapted only for aerial transit, aud quite unsuitable

for movement under water, in which position they are kept tightly folded.



A most interesting letter appears in the Field of October 5th, from

our esteemed member, the Rev. Hubert I). Astley, on the subject of “ White

Storks Remaining in England.” Mr. Astley has for many years been in the

habit of purchasing young storks from Holland in the early summer, and

allowing them full liberty at Benliam Park and Chequers Court. They have

always remained in the neighbourhood (coming daily to be fed in front of the

house) until the natural migration season arrived, when they have, in former

years, invariably taken their departure. This year, however, Mr. Astley had

two adult Storks, one (the female) pinioned, and the other, which rarely left its

companion, with full wings. These seem to have acted as decoys to the

young ones, which, up to the time of writing, had not left, although in

former years the date of departure has never been later than August 15th.

It is to be sincerely hoped that they will now remain and withstand the

rigours of the winter, and that Mr. Astley may, in due course, realise his

long-dreamt-of pleasure of seeing storks on the house-tops in England on

their nests.”



