So 



Idle Days in Patagonia. 



pigeons, ducks, and geese were the greatest foes of 

 the farmer. When the sowing season commenced 

 the pigeons (Columba maculosa) came in myriads 

 to devour the grain, which is here sown broadcast. 

 Shooting and poisoning them was practised on some 

 farms, while on others dogs were trained to hunt 

 the birds from the ground ; but notwithstanding all 





Upland Geese. 



these measures, half the seed committed to the 

 earth was devoured. When the corn was fully- 

 ripe and ready to be harvested then came the brown 

 duck Dafila spinacauda in millions to feast on 

 the grain. Early in winter the arrival of the 



