mt PRACTICAL. ARBORICCLIURE 
tracts. with the expectation of realizing a profit on their investment, should 
adopt such measures as would tend to increase that profit. 
Immediate returns may be had by “skinning” the land: by taking of 
every tree that will be received at a saw mill, and by selling the tan bark while 
the oak is left to decay, but such management decreases the profit on the in- 
vestment together with the value of the land. 
Rather preserve the better class of voung trees to grow into more valuable 
timber in futwre vears. It the character of the timber is not such as is de- 
sired, plant other sorts, systematically, if possible, or promiscuously. if prefer- 
ted. The expense of having this done will be trifling. while the investment 
will be of greater value. Having the requisite conditions. soil, shade, shelter. 
these seeds or plants will soon grow into value. 
It does seem entirely superfluous to say one word in defense of our 
native birds. or to attempt to show their beneficial character. Yet when we 
see the numerous vermin destroving hawks, which, through ignorance of their 
habits, many tarmers destroy, hanging their bodies on trees and poles to warn 
away their mates and fellows, it is necessary to speak. 
With the exception of a verv few varieties. which destrov poultry occasion- 
ally, the numerous members of the hawk family are persistent hunters for fiel-l 
mice and other small animals which are destructive t farm productions or crops. 
The food of most birds consists of insects almost entirely. The seeds of 
noxious weeds also forms the principal diet of many small birds. while wild 
iruits, berries and seeds supply them with all the food they need, but when 
man has destroyed the forests. and the natural provisions for their support. 
some are compelled to seek a partial maintenance in the orchards and fields. 
But all earn the pittance which they receive by destroving innumerable in- 
sects that infest every plant cultivated by man. 
Nearly every town in the country is scoured by boys anxious to try their 
rifles and shot guns on whatever member of the feathered tribe they may 
see: often the mother is slain and a nest full of voung birds die from starva- 
tion. 
It is almost impossible to secure the passage of laws for the protection of 
friendly birds except for a very limited period. whereas all insectivorous birds. 
including the quail, should be protected by stringent laws to remain in force 
throughout the vear, and for a long time in advance. 
Quail were sold in the city market during the past winter at 75 cents 
per dozen, while their value to man as insect destrovers. if it could be estimated 
in money, would exceed that amount many times over. and these birds. sent to 
the market, are killed by professional pot hunters who have no other interest 
than the money thev receive in their sale. 
Fifty vears ago peaches and other fruits ripened in the greatest profusion. 
in Indiana and other timbered regions. usually free from insects, and seldom 
injured by frosts of winter. 
The clearings and cultivated lands were so protected by the surrounding 
wood that fruit was uninjured by cold. The balance in nature was main- 
tained. Enough birds filled the timber to destroy multitudes of insects and 
keep them in check. 
