20 



Farmers' Bulletin 1102. 



conditions, however, greatly affect its economic status, and for this 

 reason hasty judgment as to its worth should not be rendered, lest 

 the bird be persecuted in sections wliere it is actually aiding the 

 farmer. This bulletin has aimed to point out briefly the benefits to 

 man from the crow's food habits, as well as the ways in which the 

 bird may do harm. Indiscriminate killing is not warranted, and 

 even in areas where the crow, is doing harm preventive measures 

 will often put a stop to the nuisance and allow the bird to continue 

 what good work it may be doing on insects. Among the preventive 

 measures are 



(1) The use of coal tar or other deterrents on seed grain. 



(2) Scattering grain over fields where the crop is just sprouting. 



(3) Stretching twine about and across fields from poles stationed 

 at, intervals. A network of such strands is often effective in pro- 

 tecting poultry yards. 



(4) The use of frightening devices and the hanging up of the 

 dead bodies of crows in conspicuous places. 



In places where more drastic measures are necessary the killing 

 even a few crows will intimidate others and these will usually shi 

 the area for some time. Such procedures include 



(1) The use of poison (strychnine) in places where this is per- 

 mitted by law. Corn and hens' eggs are the most effective baits. 



(2) Trapping by means of steel traps, carefully concealed anc. 

 baited with hens' eggs. 



(3) Destroying nests a measure that will most irequently put a 

 stop to the poultry-raiding activities of a pair of crows which have 

 their nest near by. 



(4) Shooting the hunter being aided by the use of a crow call 

 and, where possible, also by a mounted owl placed conspicuously 



a pole. Several night attacks by a number of men equipped wii 

 shotguns will frequently remove objectionable winter roosts. 



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