BIRDS AND OTHER INSECT DESTROYERS 437 



Harmful birds. A few species of birds do much more 

 harm than good and therefore do not merit protection. 



The English sparrozv has been declared a pest and should 

 be exterminated. While in some regions it eats a certain 

 proportion of weed seed and harmful insects, on the whole 

 its diet consists of orchard fruits, young garden vegetables 

 and field grains, especially wheat. It also eats the eggs 

 and attacks the young of a score of useful birds, thus re- 

 ducing their number. Campaigns of extermination have 

 been waged against the English sparrow in various parts of 

 the country. 



The house finch and the sapsucker also do sufficient dam- 

 age that they have no claim to the farmer's good will or 

 protection. 



2. Other Enemies of Harmful Insects and Animals 



Besides birds a number of other creatures, most of them 

 so lowly as all but to escape observation, are good friends 

 of the farmer. 



The toad. The common ugly toad, which we often 

 either avoid or kick out of our path, deserves better treat- 

 ment. Its food consists of flies, caterpillars, cutworms, 

 June-bugs and other harmful insects. 



The horned lizard fancies almost the same bill of fare 

 and joins with the toad to protect our gardens. 



Snakes. The small snakes common to most regions 

 are entirely harmless, and live on our enemies, such as 

 mice, various beetles and weevils. It is therefore a mis- 

 take to kill them. 



3. Protecting Our Friends 



Boys and girls should make a study of the life and 

 habits of the humble friends who do their best to rid our 

 fields and gardens of their enemies, and should always en- 

 courage and protect them. 



