INJURIES FROM MICE, ETC. 81 



of domestic fowls. In the box sprinkle corn-meal and a 

 very little strychnine, which mixture the birds eat. It will 

 not hurt dogs or cats to eat the dead bird, for the reason that 

 there is not enough poison absorbed by the bird. (Cali- 

 fornian.) 



2. Put the strychnine in pieces of apples and stick them 

 on the ends of limbs of the trees. (Calif ornian.) 



Poison for English sparrows. Dissolve arsenate of soda in 

 warm water at the rate of 1 ounce to 1 pint ; pour this upon 

 as much wheat as it will cover (in a vessel which can be 

 closed so as to prevent evaporation), and allow it to soak 

 for at least 24 hours. Dry the wheat so prepared, and it is 

 ready for use. It should be distributed in winter in places 

 where the sparrows congregate. 



To protect fruits from birds. One of the best devices is 

 mosquito-bar spread over the bushes or trees. For bush- 

 fruits and small trees the expense is not great. There is a 

 commercial netting made for the purpose. 



Have a taxidermist mount several hawks and place them 

 in natural positions in the trees or vines. 



In large plantations of cherries or other fruits subject to 

 the depredations of birds, the injury is generally propor- 

 tionately less than in small areas. Some cherry-growers 

 plant early sweet varieties to feed the birds, which, getting 

 their fill, give less attention to the main crop. 



To protect newly planted seeds. Coat the seeds with red 

 lead by moistening the seeds slightly and stirring in red 

 lead until all the seeds are thoroughly coated. Let the 

 seeds dry for two or three hours before sowing. 



To protect planted corn from crows. Dip the kernels in 

 coal-tar and then dust them with plaster. 



