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CALIFORNIA FRUITS: HOW TO GROW THEM 



fruit that protective measures have to be adopted against them. 

 The so-called "California linnet," which is not a linnet, but a 

 finch (Carpodacus frontalis), a persistent destroyer of buds, and the 

 English sparrow, infamous the world over, are probably the most 

 grevious pests, though there are other destructive birds, including 

 the beautiful California quail, which is protected by, law, and yet 

 must be destroyed in some parts of the State or the grape crop must 

 be abandoned. 



For the killing of the smaller birds, cutting oranges or other 

 fruits available at the time in halves, spreading strychnine over the 

 cut surface and impaling the half oranges on twigs high up in the 

 apricot trees, has destroyed hundreds of linnets. Some advocate 

 the use of the shotgun, No. 30 caliber, with a small charge of good 

 powder and No. 10 shot. As many as five hundred linnets have been 

 killed in two days. The advantage of this plan is that one kills lin- 

 nets and not other birds, while poison kills both friends and foes. 



The California law allows you to poison English sparrows and 

 "California linnets," but if you kill other birds in the process you 

 will be liable to prosecution if an officer of the bird-protectors' 

 union gets onto it. The latest bird poison is this: Strychnine 

 (powdered), y% oz. ; Karo molasses, J4 pint; soda, y 2 teaspoonful ; 

 bran, 5 pounds. Mix the Karo and strychnine in a gallon tin can, 

 add the soda and stir. To this mixture add about a half-pint of 

 water and pour over the 5 pounds of bran. Stir the entire mixture 

 thoroughly. If necessary to make a dry dough add a little more 

 water. Place the poisoned bran in small boxes, etc., and fasten into 

 the trees or on posts. 



