i THE POOD OF BIRDS IN INDIA. 



furthering our knowledge of the food of nestlings- -is to obtain and 

 cage a clutch of young birds, so placing them that the old birds 

 will come and feed the young. We can then identify accurately 

 what food is fed to the young in definite proporton, and in fact 

 get a full and accurate idea as to what the nestlings are brought up 

 on until they can leave the nest, or obtain food for themselves. 

 This method is, however, only practicable occasionally, and with 

 but few species of birds. The food of nestlings is a very important 

 item of economic ornithology. A definite study of the food of 

 nestling? is required of each species, just as much as that of the 

 food of adults. 



SUMMARY. 



In the study of economic ornithology it is essential to know 

 practically everything about the bird with which we are dealing. 

 The food of every different species of bird under every condition 

 throughout the year is of primary importance, and the food of the 

 nestling is an important item under this heading. All foods (insect, 

 vegetable or otherwise), must be identified scientifically whenever 

 possible or necessary. Field observations are invaluable as a 

 supplement to laboratory examinations, and bring to light many 

 details we cannot obtain in a laboratory, even with regard to the 

 food of birds. 



We must know localities, life-history and habits of all species, 

 including especially where, when, and how often birds nest during 

 the year, their methods of feeding, migration, if any, etc. 



We must consider carefully and impartially every point with 

 regard to each species, their beneficial, injurious and neutral feeding 

 qualities, and their general utility, if any, to man. 



Finally we must know how we can best protect and encourage 

 beneficial species, and how to get rid of, or diminish the numbers of, 

 injurious species in tbe most effective and practical manner. 



METHOD OF STOMACH EXAMINATION, ETC. 

 The examination of the birds' stomachs I have collected has 

 been done on very similar lines to those adopted by Mr. Newstead 



