CHAPTER XI 



FRIENDS OF THE GABDENEE 



The insect pests of the garden have themselves 

 many enemies, and although it is probable, and in- 

 deed inevitable, that some of the methods advocated 

 for dealing with these pests will themselves result 

 in the destruction of friends as well as foes where 

 the two exist side by side, yet aU possible care should 

 be taken to preserve these friends as far as possible. 



Among them, birds occupy a high place of useful- 

 ness. Most birds when feeding their nestlings catch 

 numerous insects. Some at other times feed entirely 

 upon seeds and parts of plants, and it then comes 

 for consideration on which side the balance lies. 

 Is it to the benefit or to the detriment of the garden 

 products ? We have dealt with this question in 

 another chapter, and pass on now to consider insect 

 friends. They may be divided into those that hunt 

 and devour insects, and those that parasitise them. 



Of the former the best known are probably the 

 ladybirds. Ladybirds are beetles, and pass through 



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