350 Migration and Return of Fish. 



MIGRATION, AND RETURN OF IISH. 



Whilst we were attending the operations necessary 

 to the accomplishment of our object of exploring the 

 supposed retreat of the swallows, the subject of migra- 

 tions of various animals, was discussed. The elder Mr. 

 Hagify an intelligent, and highly respectable resident, 

 near the mouth of Mill creek, in il/moTz, reminded me of 

 a fact well ascertained to me, respecting the Schuyl- 

 kill SHAD. Twenty five or six years ago, it was 

 brought forward in our legislature, when a bill was be- 

 fore them, relating to dams and obstructions in naviga- 

 ble waters, and streams frequented by fish ; to the breed 



dure of those useful and keen hunters, (among which, not a feather 

 is to be seen,) most plentcously dropped under the tree, show the in- 

 dustry, and astonishing powers of digestion, of these birds. A few of 

 them, (and they generally are gregarious,) will soon clear the barns 

 and outhouses of a farm ; and thin the vermin of fields in the vi- 

 cinity of their head quarters. Farmers should encourage them to 

 resort to roosts near their buildings ; and invite their visits in eve- 

 ry way. I believe this species of the owl, guiltless of depredations 

 on poultry. 



I had observed, during several summers, the extraordinary 

 growth oi green grasSy* under the pine tree frequented by the owls ; 

 but did not, until lately, perceive the cause. The ejections from 

 them create a most uncommon fertility. They arrive in Pennsyl- 

 vania, in November ; and leave us in April. They always return 

 to the places from whence they migrated, unless disturbed and for- 

 ced from them, by untoward circumstances. The services they 

 render, by exterminating the pernicious vermin, which so ruinous- 

 ly infest us ; fully compensate for the unmusical tones, by which 

 their notes are distinguished. R. P. 



* Poa viridis. 



