CHAPTER VI. 



On the Summer Cultivation of Corn, 



82. YotJR first attention, as soon as the com 

 begins to make its appearance, is to be directed 

 towards the birds and the slugs. I have before 

 spoken of the trees which harbour the former, 

 and of the hedges which harbour both. These 

 are to be avoided round a corn field as much as 

 possible 5 but, at any rate, the birds and the 

 slugs must be kept oif. Birds come by day-light, 

 and are extremely susceptible in the aifair of 

 powder, which is the only eifectual remedy. Shoy- 

 hoys, though equal in the field to Burdett and 

 others in a place which it would be, in a rustic 

 work, inapplicable to name, exercise their influence 

 but for a very short space of time. The birds, 

 full as quick-sighted as Boroughmongers, or the 

 agents of Boroughmongers, quickly perceive that 

 their guardianship of the treasures of the farmer 

 is a mere sham ; and, like the sparrows in my 

 neighbour's garden at BoTLEY,they will, in a short 

 time, make the top of the hat of a shoy-hoy a 

 table whereon to enjoy the repast which they 

 have purloined. Strings and feathers, and flying 



