THE OFFICES OF THE ANIMAL 205 



6. The Animal as a Pest-destroyer 



351. The browsing of animals aids in keeping 

 weeds and wild growths in check. It is well- 

 known that pasturing with sheep is one of the 

 best means of cleaning a weedy area. 



352. Animals may keep insect and fungous 

 pests in check by eating the fallen fruit or 

 foliage. It is well known that swine keep the 

 apple-worm in check by eating the windfall 

 apples. Swine also root out and eat the white 

 grub and other insects. 



7. The Animal Diversifies Labor 



353. The animal itself introduces diversity 

 into farming. It also demands the growing of 

 diverse crops. It enforces rotations of crops. 

 Diverse interests educate the farmer, by demand- 

 ing attention to many problems. 



354. Some of the labor which is employed in 

 summer in the growing of crops may be em- 

 ployed in winter in caring for stock. The 

 animal, therefore, introduces continuousness into 

 farming. The best laborers demand employment 

 the year round. 



