200 PRINCIPLES OF FARM PRACTICE 



means of control of the English sparrow may be found in 

 Farmers Bulletin 493. Another foe is the domestic cat. It 

 is said on good authority that one cat is responsible for the 

 destruction of fifty birds in one season. Some cats may not 

 be so destructive, but some are more destructive, so that 

 fifty is thought to be a reasonable average. The cat has 

 been a pet so long that it is hard to believe the evidence 

 that has accumulated against it. Nevertheless, this evidence 

 is too well founded to be disregarded. Much of the damage 

 by cats occurs at night or early in the morning. The mother 

 bird is caught on her nest, and the young birds before they are 

 able to fly or just after they leave the nest. It is doubtful 

 if the most careful feeding will prevent a cat from exercising 

 its natural instinct to kill. If cats are necessary it has been 

 suggested that each one should have a small bell tied to its 

 neck to give warning to birds in time to permit their escape. 

 Appreciation of birds. The interest in birds, the enjoy- 

 ment of their song and beauty, the recognition of the service 

 they render as allies in the conflict with insects and weeds, 

 should spread in every farm community, so that birds will 

 be encouraged to come there and build their nests and rear 

 their young. This service can be given by boys and girls 

 who are interested in birds, and who enjoy and appreciate 

 them. 



