8 MISC. PUBLICATION 15 9, U.S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE 



tamarack swamp or swale, and for prairie chickens, close to marshes. 

 An ample number of these winter-feeding stations in each commu- 

 nity would make a material difference in game-bird survival. 



BUCKWHEAT 



Buckwheat has well-known value for game, especially prairie 

 chickens and sharp-tailed grouse, which use it from early in fall until 

 late in spring. It is better adapted than corn for use in northerly 

 latitudes. Because it is resistant to fire in summer, it is useful in fire 

 lanes in brush and forest country, where it can be expected to feed 

 a great variety of wild life. "When grain is left standing for the 

 birds, it is well also to have a good supply of sheaves stacked up 

 against the time when the uncut grain will be buried by snow. The 

 patches left for the birds should probably be larger than corn patches 

 left for the same purpose. Buckwheat seems to be more of a delicacy 

 than corn, and the patch will ordinarily be used longer. Buckwheat 

 leaves also may be eaten, during the growing season. 



WHEAT, RYE, AND BARLEY 



When prices are low it is possible, even late in the season, for 

 sportsmen to buy standing wheat, rye, or barley at very reasonable 

 prices ; and in any year, of course, arrangements can be made to have 

 strips of grain adjacent to cover left uncut. A few sheaves of wheat 

 set up in long stubble, which serves as moderately good cover, will 

 be used by game birds and by many species of song birds as well. 

 Rye is useful on sandy soil and in regions subject to frosts. It will 

 volunteer the second year if the land is merely disked. Barley is 

 accepted by most game birds but not especially relished by them. 

 For this very reason, however, its use may be advantageous, as the 

 drain on the station will be avoided until other foods have been 

 exhausted. 



MILO, KAFIR, AND OTHER SORGHUMS 



Milo, kafir, and other sorghums are especially suitable for bob- 

 whites in the southern parts of the Northern States, and for scaled 

 quail in the higher altitudes of the Southwest. 



SUNFLOWERS 



Sunflowers are excellent for small birds and game. Goldfinches, 

 crossbills, and other small birds are especially fond of the seeds. 

 The gathered heads may be put out as needed, and the stalks, with a 

 few heads attached, may be left for cover. 



SOYBEANS 



Soj'beans are a delicacy to deer, quail, and most upland game 

 birds. They are also valuable in increasing soil fertility. Practical 

 measures for making them available include planting in fallow 

 fields, in outside corn rows, and next to the usual coverts. 



MISCELLANEOUS FOOD 



Millet, pop corn, various peas, and other crops are adapted for 

 bird-feed patches in the Northern States. Clover seed is some- 

 times eaten by birds where a second crop of hay is left. Winter 



