191-i] Bryant: Ecoxomic Status of the Wesf em Meadoirlark 407 



The proper depth for grain to be planted in sandy soil is 

 three to four inches. If all grain were planted at this depth 

 very little damage would be possible, for meadowlarks are unable 

 to bore more than two and one-half inches at most. Holes meas- 

 ured average about an inch and a half in depth. 



Margins of fields bordering pasture land usually suffer most. 

 Ofttimes a noticeable difference in the amount of grain growing 

 along the edges of fields can be attributed to the work of meadow- 

 larks. 



Owing to the concentration of large numbers of meadowlarks 

 on a single field, fields of grain planted early suffer most from 

 the depredations of these birds. Grain sown late in the year 

 suffers much less, for insects become available in small numbers 

 and there is less concentration of damage, due to the larger 

 amount of available food. 



Meadowlarks are more able to obtain grain planted in sandy 

 soil. Their ability to bore deeply into soil after kernels of grain 

 varies directly with the hardness of the soil. Hard, dry, adobe 

 soil precludes attack. Sandy soil, especially after being softened 

 by a rain, is easily manipulated to advantage. 



An apparent preference of the birds for oats has been shown 

 not only by field investigation, but by the complaints of the 

 ranchers also. Probably its availability is a greater factor than 

 any preference shown by the bird. That less damage is possible 

 to wheat and barley becaiLse the kernel is more easily removed 

 without damage to the plant is one theory proposed. Certain 

 it is that there is a difference in the damage to adjoining fields 

 of oats and barley. 



Beyond an occasional instance of meadowlarks pulling sprout- 

 ing garden seeds, the only other complaint of importance is that 

 they destroy melons by boring holes in them. Most of the com- 

 plaint has come from the San Joaquin Valley, and especially 

 from Delano and Pixley, Kern County. Melon growers, although 

 admitting that meadowlarks cause considerable damage to melons, 

 have been unable to demonstrate the actual damage in tlie field. 

 Opinion is divided as to whether they cause any damage. Some 

 prominent growers affirm they are never troubled. Others com- 

 plain of a considerable loss. For instance, the names of two 



