80 Ldle Days in Patagonia. 
pigeons, ducks, and geese were the greatest foes of 
the farmer. When the sowing season commenced 
the pigeons (Columba maculosa) came in myriads 
to devour the grain, which is here sown broadcast. 
Shooting and poisoning them was practised on some 
farms, while on others dogs were trained to hunt 
the birds from the ground; but notwithstanding all 
Upland Geese. 
these measures, half the seed committed to the 
earth was devoured. When the corn was fully 
ripe and ready to be harvested then came the brown 
duck—Dafila spinacauda—in millions to feast on 
the grain. Harly in winter the arrival of the 
