47 



more than 2,000, was untouched. It actually stood out among the 

 remaining woods like a green oasis. At a distance of a little more than 

 a quarter of a mile farther the first traces of the plague were apparent, 

 and at the same distance farther on still it was in full force. It was a 

 plain proof of the distance the tits and their companions had gone during 

 the winter, and after their breeding time. 



The case was so plain that Baron von Berlepsch considered it of 

 sufficient importance to send a report to the Prussian Board of 

 Agriculture in order that it might be placed on record. Similar observa- 

 tions were made during a plague of Tortrix viridana last spring in the 

 Crown wood Harras, in the Grand Duchy of Hesse, where the protection 

 of birds has been carried on in a sensible and energetic fashion for the 

 last six years. The abundant use of nesting-boxes in the Prussian woods 

 has, during the last twojyears, brought about a sensible decrease in 

 cockchafers and Tortrix viridana in some places, by means of starlings. 

 If we turn from woods to agriculture and fruit-growing, the ex- 

 perimental station at Seebach again affords an eloquent and well- 

 authenticated testimony. 



The same good fruit crops have been obtained for many years in 

 those places which have been longest and most abundantly provided 

 with nesting-boxes, and where most of the trees have grown up with 

 the protection of birds. Although the whole neighbourhood frequently 

 suffered from caterpillars, these trees, inhabited by tits and other birds 

 nesting in the boxes, always escaped. 



The inhabitants of the neighbouring village soon noticed this, and 

 also began to hang up boxes. Now all the gardens are full of them, 

 and the people maintain that since then the caterpillar plague has con- 

 siderably decreased in their neighbourhood. It is worth noting that 

 the inhabitants of that village are by no means specially fond of birds,, 

 but that the protection of birds is due solely to utilitarian purposes, 

 the people having recognised the fact that the outlay for boxes was a 

 very good investment. 



These instances are established, irrefutable facts, and these actual 

 experiences are undoubtedly more eloquent than all the learning 

 displayed at the council board. 



These nesting-boxes do not require any special recommendation; 

 the facts speak for themselves. 



I have heard frequent complaints that Berlepsch's nesting-boxes are. 



