mr x4 : : Di 
f > ‘ 
32 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE, 
(4) Injury to fruits and garden vegetables. 
(5) Injury to grain. 
(6) Relation of the sparrow to injurious or other insects. 
(7) Methods of restriction ; suggestions for extermination ; miscel- 
laneous information. 
The introductory portion of the sparrow bulletin contains a syn-. 
opsis of the principal facts brought to light by the investigation, — 
together with deductions from the same, and suggestions to legisla- 
tive bodies and to the people in regard to the best methods of abat- | . 
ing the sparrow scourge. 
The collection of material relating to the destructive ravages of 
rice-birds has continued, and a few experiments have been made with 
live hawks for the purpose of frightening the birds from the fields, 
These experiments have been only partially successful, owing chiefly 
to the fact that the Department was unable to secure the services of 
an experienced falconer to train the hawks and take charge of the 
experiments. One fact, however, was demonstrated, namely, that 
rice-birds will not come near a live hawk, even when resting on a 
stake ; and when in motion the hawk is effective at much greater 
distances than when at rest. There can be no question that hawks — 
trained to fly about the fields would keep the rice-birds off, and the 
expense would be less than that of the present system of “bird 
minding.” 
The inquiry concerning the food habits of the crow, the various - 
blackbirds or grackles, and several other species of special economic 
importance has resulted in the accumulation of so much information 
that special bulletins on these subjects will be published as soon as 
the material in ‘hand can be properly arranged. 
One of the most important branches of investigation undertaken 
by the division is the critical examination of the contents of stom- 
achs, gizzards, crops, and gullets of birds. The elaboration of this 
material is a slow process, requiring much technical knowledge, as 
well as patience, on the part of the investigator. A single stomach . 
sometimes contains representatives of several of the primary divis- — 
ions of the animal kingdom. For instance, a hawk’s may contain 
at one time the remains of a meadow-mouse, a sparrow, a snake, a 
frog, a grasshopper, an earth-worm, and a snail—representatives of _ 
the seven primary groups, mammalia, aves, reptilia, batrachia, 
arthropoda, vermes, and mollusca. 
During the past year an assistant ornithologist has devoted most 
of his time to the study of the food material found in the stomachs 
of hawks and owls, of which the division now has upwards of five 
hundred. A brief statement of the contents of each stomach is made 
on a card prepared for the purpose, and these cards are arranged 
under species. The results of this investigation will be published m 
a special bulletin. 
