74 PRACTICAL ARBORICULTURE 



tracts, with the expectation of realizing a profit on their investment, should 

 adopt such measures as would tend to increase that profit. 



Immediate returns may be had by "skinning" the land; by taking off 

 every tree that will be received at a saw mill, and by selling the tan bark while 

 the oak is left to decay, but such management decreases the profit on the in- 

 vestment together with the value of the land. 



Rather preserve the better class of young trees to grow into more valuable 

 timber in future years. If the character of the timber is not such as is de- 

 sired, plant other sorts, systematically, if possible, or promiscuously, if prefer- 

 red. The expense of having this done will be trifling, while the investment 

 will be of greater value. Having the requisite conditions, soil, shade, shelter, 

 these seeds or plants will soon grow into value. 



It does seem entirely superfluous to say one word in defense of our 

 native birds, or to attempt to show their beneficial character. Yet when we 

 see the numerous vermin destroying hawks, which, through ignorance of their 

 habits, many farmers destroy, hanging their bodies on trees and poles to warn 

 away their mates and fellows, it is necessary to speak. 



With the exception of a very few varieties, which destroy poultry occasion- 

 ally, the numerous members of the hawk family are persistent hunters for fieM 

 mice and other small animals which are destructive to farm productions or crops. 



The food of most birds consists of insects almost entirely. The seeds of 

 noxious weeds also forms the principal diet of many small birds, while wild 

 fruits, berries and seeds supply them with all the food they need, but when 

 man has destroyed the forests, and the natural provisions for their support, 

 some are compelled to seek a partial maintenance in the orchards and fields. 

 But all earn the pittance which they receive by destroying innumerable in- 

 sects that infest every plant cultivated by man. 



Nearly every town in the country is scoured by boys anxious to try their 

 rifles and shot guns on whatever member of the feathered tribe they may 

 see ; often the mother is slain and a nest full of young birds die from starva- 

 tion. 



It is almost impossible to secure the passage of laws for the protection of 

 friendly birds except for a very limited period, whereas all insectivorous birds, 

 including the quail, should be protected by stringent laws to remain in force 

 throughout the year, and for a long time in advance. 



Quail were sold in the city market during the past winter at 75 cents 

 per dozen, while their value to man as insect destroyers, if it could be estimated 

 in money, would exceed that amount many times over, and these birds, sent to 

 the market, are killed by professional pot hunters who have no other interest 

 than the money they receive in their sale. 



Fifty years ago peaches and other fruits ripened in the greatest profusion, 

 in Indiana and other timbered regions, usually free from insects, and seldom 

 injured by frosts of winter. 



The clearings and cultivated lands were so protected by the surrounding 

 wood that fruit was uninjured by cold. The balance in nature was main- 

 tained. Enough birds filled the timber to destroy multitudes of insects and 

 keep them in check. 



