L70 QUINCE CULTURE. 
CHAPTER XXIV. : 
BIRDS—TOADS—RABBITS—MICE. 
Birps.—Much might be said of the value of poultry 
in the orchard to destroy insect enemies. Insectivorous. 
birds are also valuable allies for the horticulturist ; but 
in merit our domestic fowls outrank them all. It is ad- 
vantageous to raise fruit and fowls together. It will be 
to the advantage of both if the fowls are im number pro- 
portionate to their field of operation. 
Poultry are supposed to omit from their bill of fare 
some of our insect friends, and it is probable the birds do 
likewise ; but all insects are devoured by the toad, which 
will clear your room of cockroaches over night, just as 
he will your gardens of the vilest of your insect foes. I 
find a movable fence, in sections that can be put to- 
gether whenever it is wanted, a very convenient thing 
for poultry. It may be made of lath nailed on scantling. 
Others are using netting of wire cloth, and find it satis- 
factory. It is to be hoped that the laws protecting in- 
sectivorous birds will be generally respected, and that 
our song birds will be left to multiply in our orchards 
and gardens. ‘The English sparrow is an enemy to be 
destroyed, for doing more harm than good. 
RoveEnts.—There are two rodents that deserve notice 
as enemies of the quince, apple, and pear. 
1. THE Hare or Gray Rassit (Lepus sylvaticus). 
—The hare, or rabbit, as it is commonly called, injures 
young trees by cutting off the tops and by gnawing the 
bark from those too large to eat off. This is often a very 
serious damage in both the nursery and the orchard. 
They multiply rapidly, and sometimes become formidable. 
Remedies.—They are easily caught in traps and snares. 
They may also be poisoned by strychnine, a small portion 
being placed on pieces of carrot, of which they are very 
