294 FRUIT AND ITS CULTIVATION. 



Birds. Blackbirds, thrushes, and starlings eat the 

 fruits of the Strawberry, Cherry, etc., and sometimes the 

 Apple and Pear. Strawberry beds should be covered 

 with fish-netting, and the same remarks apply to Goose- 

 berry and Currant trees and other fruits grown on walls. 

 Bullfinches and titmice peck off the fruit buds in winter, 

 and sparrows occasionally also do considerable damage in 

 spring by pecking off the blossoms. Covering the trees 

 with fish-netting is the only remedy in the latter case, 

 and syringing the bushes in winter with a lime sul- 

 phur, and salt wash will prevent the former destroying 

 the buds. 



