178 YEARBOOK OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



individuals. If the lives of a few destructive hawks, crow r s, or robins 

 are taken, after other means have been tried and failed, it is often 

 enough to protect the poultry yard or the crop. 



FARMERS' GAIN FROM PROTECTING BIRDS. 



The brief survey of the subject possible here only imperfectly sets 

 forth the nature and importance of the service of birds to agriculture. 

 Nevertheless it must appear that to the Question " Does it pay the 

 farmer to protect birds?" only one answer is possible. Even from 

 the point of view of an investment for profit the time and expense 

 necessary for their care and protection are richly repaid. There is 

 the added consideration that without the music and companionship 

 of birds the world would be the poorer. Anything that adds to the 

 attractiveness of the farm and increases the interest of farm life is 

 worthy of cultivation, even if no actual return is received in dollars 

 and cents. Happily the farmer who protects birds secures a double 

 return increased profit from his crops and increased pleasure of 

 living. 



O 



