BIRDS OF INDIANA. 1165 



cent, of its diet in August and September (Farmers' Bulletin, No. 54, 

 U. S. Dept. Agr.). 



Prof. S. A. Forbes found a bird taken in an orchard infested with 

 canker-worms had eaten 60 per cent, of that food. But on the con- 

 trary he found that both this and the Thrushes made about 16 per 

 cent, of their food of predaceous beetles which are beneficial, and were 

 making about one-sixth of their food of canker-worms. (Kept. Mich. 

 Hort. Soc., 1881, p. 204; see also Bulletin 111. State Lab. N. H., No. 

 3, pp. 137, 148.) 



This bird deserves special encouragement and protection. 



Nesting places should be provided for it about gardens, orchards, 

 groves and yards. If protected from pestiferous, English Sparrows 

 and wanton boys it will thus have a better opportunity to regain 

 its former numbers and will be more useful where its powers as an in- 

 sect destrover are most needed. 



