INTRODUCTION 



country and multiplies rapidly it may become a scourge 

 difficult to check because we have no birds accustomed to 

 feeding upon that particular insect. Lest any one might 

 suppose that the remedy for an imported pest to be imported 

 birds, I will add that such remedies wherever tried have in- 

 variably proved worse than the disease. Our experience 

 with English Sparrows should be sufficient to deter any ex- 

 periments with any other species. Valuable birds in their 

 native countries, they are the worst pest that we have to con- 

 tend with here, for they destroy the balance of Nature by 

 driving from the neighborhood of cities many useful birds, 

 do absolutely no good themselves, and deface our buildings 

 to the extent of millions of dollars' damage annually. 



Seed-eating birds are just as important for holding in check 

 the increase of noxious weeds, and even they are all insect 

 eaters during that period during which they are feeding and 

 caring for the young. Many birds, such as gulls, vultures, 

 hawks, crows, etc., feed quite extensively upon refuse and 

 are of considerable value as scavengers. 



