PREVENTING THE DEPREDATIONS OF BIRDS. 301 



the same to them. But, though cedar-birds do not hesitate to 

 visit populous quarters when the best fruit is there, as soon 

 as wild lands come into competition they are ready to with- 

 draw. 



The case with robins is somewhat different. They rely on 

 man in a measure. Their line of distribution has extended 

 very much according to his. They choose to build their nests 

 in orchards and to seek their living on cultivated ground. On 

 small farms, in country villages, and in city suburbs they are 

 most abundant. Berries constitute more than half their nor- 

 mal fare. 



When orchards are occupied by frugivorous birds, fruit is 

 bound to suffer unless the ratio of fruit to birds is very large. 

 It is a fact that most complaints against robins and cedar-birds 

 come, not from the extensive producers, but rather from those 

 who cultivate small gardens to supply their own tables. Early 

 varieties of strawberries and cherries suffer most largely, for 

 the reason that wild fruits are not yet matured. Many an 

 anticipated treat on home-grown berries has been defeated by 

 robins and cedar-birds. Shooting is frequently resorted to. 

 Brooding birds are slain, foliage, fruit, and branches are punc- 

 tured, yet the fruit is neither saved nor paid for. 



It is not uncommon to see cherry-trees decked with bright- 

 colored cloths. The birds reconnoitre a little, but very shortly 

 the gay trimmings only serve to garnish the feast. We have 

 known a stuffed hawk placed in a tree to keep them away for 

 a day, but no longer. The only sure way of preventing the 

 depredations of these birds is to cover the fruit-bearing plants 

 with netting. Of course this is practicable only in case of 

 small quantities or rare varieties. Any sort of netting, coarse 

 mesh or fine, will answer the purpose. 



Where there is plenty of land, there is no way so satisfac- 

 tory, on the whole, as to set out other berry plants, such as 

 the Russian mulberry, for instance, which are ornamental 

 when in bloom, make good shade, and will be patronized by 



