BIRDS. 137 



accidents to their parents. Now, since they eat 

 insects almost wholly during that period, it is quite 

 evident that their value to the producer is very 

 great, even though the surviving adults may eat a 

 few grains of wheat or corn. 



THE BOBOLINK. 



Nor should the side of utility alone be consid- 

 ered when the feathered tribe is studied. Birds 

 are not only the most beautiful, but also the most 

 cheerful creatures about a place. Their beauty of 

 form and covering is unsurpassed by that of any 



