170 THE ROOK UPON HIS TEIAL 



starlings examined, 15 were empty. The remaining 

 175 showed: 



Grubs and insects, . . . .70 per cent. 

 Grain, ... . 22 

 Miscellaneous, 8 



100 



Three hundred and fifty-five rooks were found to 

 contain : 



Grubs and insects, . . . .23 per cent. 



Grain, 58 



Miscellaneous, 12 



Roots, 7 



100 



Most farmers will concur in Professor M'Alpine's 

 finding upon this evidence (Field, May 16, 1896) : ' Of 

 the woodpigeon, it may be said that he is an unmiti- 

 gated scoundrel; of the rook, that he is a cunning 

 rogue ; but of the starling, we can say with truth that 

 he is our natural friend by habit and instinct.' 



XLII 



South-country trout streams present a sorry prospect 

 water to ^ e angler this season (1898). Recent 

 supply ra j n nas one no thi n g to replenish the 



reservoirs whence they are drawn, though it has sent a 



