208 



A COUNTRY READER. 



young with caterpillars and other insects. And 

 a nest of young birds will eat an enormous 

 quantity before they are able to take care of 

 themselves. 



Many skilful experiments have been made on 

 the stomachs of birds of prey to find out what 



THE SKY-LAKK. 



they contained, and in almost every case it 

 was found that they contained the remains of 

 more pests, than remains of game birds or useful 

 birds. 



Not only do birds destroy pests, but many 

 species consume a large quantity of the seeds oi 

 weeds, and especially during the winter. When- 

 ever you see a number of birds over a bare 

 fallow, do not disturb them, and, above all, do 

 not kill any of them. Let them feed in peace, 

 for they are making that patch of ground, and it, 



