8 ANNIVERSARY ADDRESS 



for either the good of the farmer or the sportsman ; 

 whereas if they were in moderate numbers, as they 

 were hfty to sixty years ago, they would benefit all 

 concerned. The numerous grubs, wire-worms, and other 

 land pests which they pick up and devour are simply 

 incalculable, and the vast amount of benefit they, by this, 

 yield to the husbandman it is impossible to estimate. 

 These grubs, etc., are their natural food, and, if found 

 in abundance, rooks would partake but sparingly of 

 any other kind of food. As matters stand, however, 

 on account of their excessive numbers, it may be asked, 

 what is it that rooks will not eat. They are certainly 

 omnivorous, and have been so for many years, though 

 sixty years ago they were not. That was when they 

 and the quantity of their natural food were, in a sense, 

 proportionate. It would go far, in my opinion, to establish 

 an equilibrium as regards rooks and a fair supply of 

 their natural food, were large rookeries much reduced in 

 size, and many rookeries, where they are numerous, 

 altogether destroyed. This done, I have no doubt rooks 

 would soon regain the esteem of those who at present 

 suffer from their depredations ; for moderate in numbers, 

 the birds would find abundance of the food they naturally 

 prefer, and would benefit the husbandman, as [ have 

 said. 



Apart from his eating and thieving proclivities, the 

 rook is a delightful bird. I have carefully watched 

 him and his " ways that are strange " for very many 

 years, and I do not hesitate to say that he is the most 

 observing and wisest bird in our island. For wisdom, 

 and pluck, and trick, the jackdaw and magpie have no 

 chance with him, taking them either in their wild or 

 tame state. I have long been conversant with them all 

 in both states, having for years had tame rooks (one of 

 them could almost speak to me) and jackdaws, with an 

 occasional magpie, and many other wild birds. They 

 were placed in houses and aviaries, and some had the 



