292 



GARDEN FOES. 



and grubs gejicrally; and the house sparrow on grul)s 

 and other insects. Surely, if these birds render us such 

 excellent service in decimating the chief pests that attack 

 our crops, we ought not to begrudge them levying a toll 

 on a few fruits as a reward for their services. Is it not 

 wiser on our part to encourage the presence of birds in 

 our gardens, and to protect such crops as are likely to be 

 injured by them? 



Kemeuies. — Ripening fruit can easily be protected by a 

 covering of old fish-netting placed over the plants ortrpes. 

 The buds of gooseberries may also be protected by spray- 



BUJ.LFINCHES 



[Photo: J. G. Blakoy, 

 EATl.NG FKLIT IJUDS. 



iug the trees in winter with the lime, suljjhui', and salt 

 wash (Formula No. 5). This will serve the double pur- 

 pose of rendering the buds distasteful and kill insects 

 as well. It is well, too, to defer the pruning till late in 

 the winter; then the birds can only get at the outer buds. 

 To prevent birds eating seeds, put the latter in a 



