246 
Destructive Insects and Utility of Birds. 
grateful birds had been hard at work, and cleansed every tree 
from insects. Those who cannot form such thickets can at all 
events place just off the roofs of their houses or barns, a rather 
broad lath, on which swallows will love to perch. More may be 
done for our own gratification as well as that of birds, by 
placing a board, with a covering and side pieces attached to it 
to keep off snow or rain, out of the window of an uninhabited 
room, or in some out-of-the-way corner ; let it be kept plentifully 
supplied with crumbs of bread, little bits of potato, barley seeds, 
and elderberries, and the hostelry will be in very great request, 
especially during the winter season, and it will be gladdening to 
witness the mirth and good humour existing amongst the little 
visitors. Such a thing is easily arranged, and is of real benefit 
to the half-starved bird, which soon gets accustomed to the 
hospitable house, and pays its debt of gratitude during summer- 
time by loud songs and a zealous hunt after insects. 
To fix the useful titmouse in one particular spot, these simple 
means are employed. A caged titmouse is placed on the 
branches of a tree, and the captive will soon attract its com- 
panions. If a few green fir-branches be hung during the 
autumn on the bare boughs of fruit-trees, they will during the 
winter be actively visited and regularly cleansed by the titmouse. 
It is well to come to the rescue of small birds, especially during 
the hatching season, and deliver them from their winged enemies, 
magpies (^Corvus pica), ravens (^Corvus corax), &c. ; whilst for 
the protection of fish-ponds, we must wage war against the 
common heron (^Ardea cinered), and the water-ouzel {AncliLS 
aquaticus) ; but the capture and sale of the titmouse, the chaffinch, 
the redbreast, ought to be strictly prohibited, and the indis- 
criminate slaughter of insectivorous birds heartily condemned. 
Reader, take the work of preservation to heart ! You have 
looked into the admirable economy of Nature which God has so 
wisely ordained and organised, manifesting His power even amidst 
the most minute objects. Contribute to the utmost of your power 
to maintain that order : it is both pious and wise to do so ! 
Feed and protect these birds : they will enliven your courtyards 
and gardens ; they will come to you in full confidence, and 
await the crumbs given by your hands ; they will build nests in 
your bushes and amuse you by their activity and solicitude for 
their young ; they will charm your ears with their songs of joy 
and gratitude ; and if throughout the land they find both pro- 
tection and comfort, they will largely and in a most striking 
manner requite the benefits received by proving themselves to 
be the most faithful protectors of your fields and forests, orchards 
and gardens, and of cultivation in general. 
