128 



little good appears to be accomplished. The produc- 

 tion of seed does not appear to have sufficient effect on 

 the growth of the plant to render it worth troubling 

 about. 



Scaring Rooks. 



Rooks are often very troublesome at the time of 

 planting and when the tubers are forming. They are 

 very suspicious of danger, and there is, perhaps, no 

 better method of keeping them from the crop than by 

 stringing the field. Very fine twine is best for the 

 purpose, and this should be carried on sticks three or 

 four feet in height. It is best kept tightly- strained. 

 It is sometimes necessary to shoot a few rooks. Scare- 

 crows are not much use after they have been set up 

 a few days. 



