FRUIT CAGES 163 



method of straining wires (Fig. 101), enclosing with bird-proof 

 wire-netting, some only using the latter for the boundaries of 

 the enclosure and string netting on top, while others employ 

 bird-proof wire-netting on both the sides and top. The former 

 mode admits of birds exercising their insectivorous habits in all 

 but the bud and bloom-protecting time and that of the fruit ripen- 

 ing ; while the other method entirely excludes the birds. What 

 are the results of the two methods, it may be queried ? The most 



FIG. 102. THE BLACKBIRD TRAPPED. 



pronounced is that the string-netting top affords the best protection 

 to the blossom, admits of insectivorous birds aiding in preventing 

 attack of pests by destroying their eggs, and other hibernating forms, 

 and also in clearing the bushes and trees of infesting hosts. But as 

 regards infection by insects, the wire-netting top enclosure, conse- 

 quently total exclusion of birds, subjects are not more infested by 

 insects than those in the string-netting top, and in both repressive 

 measures have to be taken to prevent and subdue them promptly, 

 otherwise considerable damage will be done to the bushes and trees. 



