APRIL. 



53 



Margaret now broke silence, which had 

 only been interrupted by exclamations of won- 

 der and surprise, and observed that the black- 

 bird was one that James had proscribed, as 

 worthy of death, whenever he could get a good 

 shot. 



Henry. They arej to be sure, troublesome 

 to the farmer in autumn, when their flocks, 

 increased by their offspring, almost darken the 

 air by their numbers, as they drive like a fu- 

 rious tempest over the tempting cornfield. 

 Yet it is not generally considered or perhaps 

 known, that the injury, however great it may 

 be, is much more than overbalanced, by the im- 

 mense number of insects and their larvae which 

 they destroy as their principal food, and which 

 are of the most injurious kinds to the farmer. 



It is remarked by Kalm, a Swedish traveller 

 in this country, and whose name Linnaeus 

 gave to the beautiful Kalmia that adorns our 



