20 



Poon OF WEST VIRGINIA BIRDS 



come in great numbers in the spring, just as many insects are emerg- 

 ing from cocoon, pupa case, or egg and devour them before their work 

 of destruction has begun. Some of the insects thus destroyed are useful 

 but most of them are very destructive. The fact to be borne in mind in 

 considering the insect food of birds is this, that the birds keep the 



Thoto by A. B. Brooks 



Young Persimmon tree about one-fourth mile from cedar 

 grove with eight young cedars growing immediately 

 under its branches. Cedars planted by the birds. 



harmful species of insects from becoming far more harmful, and they 

 so hold in check other species as to keep them from becoming .harmful. 

 As may be seen, in the following pages, the birds are our friends in 



