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the vast good that is done every year by the destruction of insect 

 pests fed to nestling birds. And it should be remembered that the 

 nesting season is also that when the destruction of injurious 

 insects is most needed. The encouragement of birds to nest on 

 the farm and the discouragement of nest-robbing are, therefore, 

 more than mere matters of sentiment. They return an actual cash 

 equivalent, and have a definite bearing on the success or failure 

 of the crops. 



The farmers of America are much better off than our own in 

 being able to obtain definite information as to the food of all 

 their common birds. The Bureau of Biological Survey is 

 concerned in investigations relative to destructive birds and 

 mammals, and its trained Zoologists, etc., are at the service of the 

 nation. The appropriation for this Bureau last year was $62,000. 

 Large numbers of beautifully illustrated booklets are issued (30 

 separate publications were issued in 1907), and these are either 

 free or sold for a few pence. By the kindness of the Chief of the 

 Survey, I am able to show some of these on the table, and I shall 

 be glad if you will examine them at the close. During the year 

 1907, 5,822 bird stomachs were received for examination. I now 

 show you on the screen how the farmers of America are instructed 

 in what their birds live on. There is no need for knowledge of 

 zoological terms here. The farmer sees at once what forms the 

 food of the birds, and knows which to kill and which to foster. 

 Nothing could be more admirable than this method of instruction. 



In conclusion, it is gratifying to be able to announce that in 

 view of the ignorance now existing in Great Britain as to what our 

 birds live on, the British Association, at its recent meeting in 

 Dublin, decided to form an Economical Ornithological Committee 

 " to investigate the feeding habits of British Birds with a view to 

 obtaining a precise knowledge of their economic status." 



At the same time, I feel strongly that owing to the importance 

 of this work, it should be taken up by the Government. The 

 Irish and English Departments of Agriculture should combine to 



