i PEBFACE TO KEW EDITION". 



each one snatching off a bug as he passed. And not only the 

 rose bug falls a victim to his appetite, but he even stoops to 

 take the Colorado potato beetle. This has been seen by others 

 in our town as well as by myself. Put up boxes for the martins, 

 and see that the EngUsh Hparrow does not get possession. 



The oriole is another great helper. He knows bow to pull the 

 bag worm from his case, and does it systematically and rapidly. 

 The tent caterpillar and fall web worm he also has a liking for. 

 He ruthlessly tears the tents and webs to pieces and destroys 

 untold numbers. Allow no gunner to shoot one of these beau- 

 tiful, gaily dressed birds on your premises — not even if the 

 lady of his choice is pining for a skeleton to perch on her hat. 



For several years past, the leaves of our elm trees have been 

 ruined by the elm beetle. Last year I noticed the cedar bird 

 devouring the beetles and larvse. This year our elms are con 

 paratively free from the pests. The leaves are scarcely injured 

 at all, and the cedar birds are obliged to look close to find a 

 beetle. They hunt over the trees in small flocks. They also 

 destroy many other injurious creatures. This bird likes cher- 

 ries. Raise enough for them, as well as for yourselves, and 

 they will pay you back with interest. 



The catbird and red-eyed vireo both eat the unsavory pear 

 slug. But it is not necessary to mention the good services 

 rendered by our more common birds, such as the robin, brown 

 thrush, catbird, bluebird, and wrens, as all observing horti- 

 culturists are aware of the good they do. Our winter birds 

 are also doing good work. The seed-eating ones pick up great 

 quantities of the seeds of noxious weeds, while our wood- 

 peckers, jays, and chickadees are constantly on the lookout 

 for hibernating insects. Spare and encourage the birds, both 

 winter and summer, about your grounds. 



Maky Treat. 

 Vineland, N. J., September, 1887. 



