USEFULNESS OF ANIMALS 123 



are stated to perform no service whatsoever. 

 Lastly there are those which, it is said, do more 

 harm than good, but it is a difficult problem to 

 solve, and very often a hasty decision is come to, 

 which, on reflection, frequently proves incorrect. 



Of our feathered policemen, the Owls, all those 

 who know their true life history cannot fail to 

 have the highest opinion, whilst there are many 

 other species which, by preying upon small birds 

 or other animals, help to keep in check by natural 

 means Nature's balance, and so perform useful 

 deeds for which they are rarely given credit. 



And even if we considered these winged creatures 

 from the point of view of making our country a 

 brighter and a happier land in which to sojourn, 

 surely they are entitled to a higher place in our 

 affections. Some day, and that not very far 

 distant, I am of opinion that birds will be thought 

 a good deal more of than they are to-day, for once 

 a person becomes on intimate terms, so to speak, 

 with a wild bird, his interest is at once awakened, 

 and he takes a personal pride in protecting and 

 preserving his friend of the countryside. 



Much remains to be accomplished, however, 

 before our feathered creatures receive their just 

 deserts. How many there are who value their 

 cherries and strawberries more than the birds which, 

 during the greater part of the year, cheer one by 

 their company and songs, and help to rid the land 



