752 



Notes on Manures for November. 



[Nov 



Summary and Conclusion. — The results obtained by this 

 further investigation of the stomach contents of 98 birds taken 

 in a local area where game birds are very generally reared, 

 shows that the bulk of this bird's food during June and July 

 consists of neutral and injurious insects, voles and mice, and 

 earthworms. In comparison with other food items the amount 

 of game birds is infinitesimal. 



As has been previously stated the writer does not contend 

 that the Little Owl does not destroy young game birds — it 

 is well known that it does — but the actual percentage of this 

 kind of food is so small, that, under ordinary circumstances, 

 it is negligible. On the other hand it must be borne in mind 

 that the bulk of its food is of such a nature, that it must be 

 regarded as of great value to the agriculturist. If we were to 

 reverse these figures, viz., 17.30 per cent, of injurious insects, 

 7.71 per cent, of voles and mice, and 1.78 per cent, of game 

 birds so that they were 25.01 per cent, of game birds and 

 1.78 of injurious insects, then there might be cause for alarm, 

 for it would prove that the Little Owl was not an insect feeder 

 or a destrover of voles and mice, but that the bulk of its food 

 consisted of game and other birds, but this cannot be stated 

 even for the months of June and July, and during the re- 

 mainder of the year the nature of the food is such that no 

 unprejudiced mind can do other than admit that as a factor 

 in the destruction of injurious insects and voles and mice, the 

 Little Owl is a most valuable ally. 



In conclusion, the writer wishes to express sincere thanks 

 to Mr. M. Portal for the trouble, time and expense he has 

 taken, and also to the various land-owners and their keepers 

 for their kindness in forwarding specimens. 



****** 



Does Good Farming Pay? — During the past three months 

 many farmers must have asked themselves the question whether 

 it is worth while to farm well. With prices fallen to the present 

 level there must be many who wonder if it would not be better to 

 cut down all expenditure and reduce all their outgoings to a 



FOR 



