40 
spring, as they are among the first insects to appear; but in early sum: 
mer caterpillars form an important part of the diet, and are replaced a 
little later by grasshoppers. Beetles are eaten at all times, except when 
grasshoppers are more easily obtained. 
So far as its vegetable food is concerned, the bluebird is positively 
harmless. The only trace of avy useful product in the stomachs con- 
sisted of a few blackberry seeds, and even these more probably belonged 
to wild than cultivated varieties. Following is a list of the various 
seeds which were found: Blackberry, chokeberry, juniperberry, poke, 
berry, partridgeberry, greenbriar, Virginia creeper, bittersweet, holly, 
strawberry bush, false spikenard, wild sarsaparilla, sumac (several 
species), rose haws, sorrel, ragweed, grass, and asparagus. This list 
shows how little the bluebird depends upon the farm or garden to sup- 
ply its needs, and indicates that by encouraging the growth of some of 
these plants, many of which are highly ornamental, the bird can be 
induced to make its home on the premises, 
Bluebirds are so well known that it seems unnecessary to urge any- 
thing more in their favor; but in view of the fact that large numbers 
were destroyed during the severe storm of 1895, more than ordinary 
vigilance should be exercised in protecting them until they have 
regained their normal abundance. 
