BIRDS. 135 



minators are still at work, if he is friendly to use- 

 ful birds and allows them to live on his farm 

 unmolested. It pays in more ways than one. 

 Birds appreciate human kindness and protection 

 as few other animals do. 



THE SCREECH OWL. 



Birds are now protected by law in many States. 

 In some localities, however, there is so little 

 thought taken of the law that it is not strictly 

 enforced. It thus happens that thousands of our 

 most beautiful and useful creatures are sacrificed 

 wantonly, or for the table, or for the capricious 



