109 
not over-scrupulous as to their prey, beneficial preying upon oth- 
ers of similar qualities. Hence, if we should limit the utility of 
birds on this account we may likewise apply the same restrictions 
to the so-called “ beneficial ’’ among insects. 
A point which has come to be noted by many observers is 
that so far as bird injuries to fruits are concerned it is largely by 
the young for a short time after flight from the nest. This has 
been remarked specially with reference to the robin. It probably 
applies with equal justice to the thush, red-head, and others. 
Since this period is usually a brief one, tho it be coincident with 
the ripening cherries and berries, and hence not lessening this 
feature of damage, it should not be overlooked that these birds 
must live and have a being dependent upon other diet for at 
least nine-tenths of the year, and that during this time the 
food is largely of insect, or similar nature. It should not be over- 
looked therefore that even allowing some loss at times to the hor- 
ticulturist and agriculturist, there are over-balancing and prepon- 
derating compensations difficult to over-estimate. 
It is not implied in this conclusion that no precautionary or 
protective measures should be employed against the fruit-eat- 
ing birds at this season. It does not however, seem necessary that 
they should go to extent of actual destruction of the birds. 
Where “ scare-crows ”’ are ineffective a small boy with a pocket- 
ful of rocks, or with perhaps a gun and some blank cartridges to 
add to his interest, might prove adequate for reasonable protec- 
tion. Or where these may not be practical | have known nets 
thrown over trees or bushes to effectually protect the fruit and 
spare the birds. 
To the recurring query whether we not only may facilitate 
the restrictive value of birds against insect depredations by their 
adequate protection, as is now done in most of our states, but by 
importing birds of known insectivourous habits, it must be re- 
plied that while this is always possible it should be done only after 
careful investigation. The mischievous results following the in- 
troduction of the English sparrow are too well known to need 
emphasis in this connection. 
