1 52 ANNALS OF BIRD LIFE. 



are the Pipits, although they are not so well 

 known, and often confused with Sparrows. 



A few words now about Rooks and Starlings. 

 There are very few farmers who do not give the 

 Rook a bad character, and show their appreciation 

 of its services by hanging dozens of these sable 

 birds over their fields in seed-time, as a warning 

 and a scarecrow to the rest. The Rook is one of 

 the agriculturist's best friends, and, with the ex- 

 ception of a little pilfering in sowing-time, is con- 

 stantly ridding the ground of creatures injurious 

 to vegetation. There are few greater pests than 

 the wireworm, and the Rook is its greatest 

 enemy. I have seen the crop of this bird ex- 

 tended to its utmost limit with wireworms, whilst 

 grubs and larvae of all kinds are eagerly sought. 

 In like manner the Starling is a valuable assistant 

 to the farmer, never meddling with his crops at 

 any stage of their growth. There are few more 

 harmless birds ; yet the poor Starling is perse- 

 cuted, accused of stealing Pigeons' eggs owing 

 to its frequenting the Dovecote for breeding pur- 

 poses and too often shot down in autumn for the 

 sake of a handful of elderberries. A word of 

 commendation should also be given to the poor 

 persecuted Nightjar, the Cuckoo, the Landrail, 

 and the Magpie all birds leading harmless and 

 useful lives in the meadows and pastures. 



As the gloom of evening settles over the corn, 

 the Owls leave their daily haunts in the distant 

 woods and farm-buildings, and hunt about in 



