BOOK V. 



PEOTECTOES OF AGEICULTUEE. 



Along witli these innumerable legions of enemies, the 

 devouring fangs of which, perpetually active, decimate or 

 even ruin agriculture, there has been created a valiant 

 army which is alone capable of checking their ravages. 

 But too often man, unthinkingly or through ignorance, 

 destroys these auxiliaries sent by Providence, and too 

 often he only seeks to recall them Avhen he has exter- 

 minated them. To-day he sets a price upon their heads ; 

 to-morrow he would buy them back at their weight in 

 gold. 



All the pleasant guests of our groves have been alter- 

 nately thus treated. The titmouse, the black-cap, the night- 

 ingale, the blackbird, and many others, destroy swarms of 

 all these caterpillars that ruin us, and they are more skilful 

 than we are in discovering their hidden retreats. Among 

 our auxiliaries it Avould be necessary to name nearly all 

 the small birds in our woods. And yet how often has 

 the weapon of the sportsman destroyed these charming 

 and active workers! It is only quite lately that we have 

 checked his ravages and protected their broods. 



If some destructive insects eat our crops, their natural 



