72 FIRST REPORT ON ECONOMIC BIOLOGY. 



Since then numerous observers have written me supporting this 

 statement, in addition to which I have been able to make a careful 

 post mortem examination of a large number of birds and to examine 

 the stomach contents in detail. 



All the birds were sent in during April and May in 1907-10, the 

 total for the four years being 176, or an average of 44 birds per season. 

 In not a single case was there anything present in the stomach beyond 

 fruit-buds. From all parts the same conditions have been experienced. 

 In some cases it has been bush fruits that have suffered, and in others 

 fruit trees generally. 



One observer writes : " I wish you had continued your investiga- 

 tion beyond the months of April and May, for in my experience they 

 continue to damage the young fruit during June and July. For years 

 I have systematically examined their stomach contents and cannot 

 say a word in their favour. 



In such cases as this every encouragement should be offered to 

 schoolboys and others to collect the eggs. Our County Councils might 

 do worse than offer prizes for the largest collections." 



VOLES DAMAGING PARSNIPS. 



Specimens of damaged parsnips have been received from a 

 Staffordshire correspondent ; these consisted mainly of the crowns of 

 the roots which had been eaten out in a curious manner by the short- 

 tailed field vole (Microstus agrestis). 



This species has considerably increased in the Midland counties of 

 recent years, and wherever it becomes at all plentiful it always proves 

 injurious to farmers. 



The ruthless destruction of owls and the kestrel, all of which 

 prey upon voles, has much to do with the increase of these animals. 

 It cannot be too widely known that the short-eared owl, the barn 

 owl, and the kestrel feed very largely upon voles and mice and should 

 be protected. 



The Departmental Committee, appointed by the Board of 

 Agriculture in 1892 to inquire into a plague of field voles in the south 

 of Scotland, say in their report that they " were of opinion that it 

 would be difficult to condemn too severely the foolish and cruel action 

 of those who allow or encourage the destruction of this useful and 



