MR. J. HAMMOND ON FOOD OF BIRDS. 
327 
beneficial ; but, owing to the injuries done at certain times 
of the year, there is no reason why it should be specially 
protected, although its wholesale slaughter is to be 
deprecated. 
ROOKS ( Corvus frugilegus ). — A few of these birds (12) were 
examined at various intervals during a period extending from 
March to May. The results were in agreement with those 
of Gilmour and Collinge ; the evidence being very much 
against the bird. The stomachs of ten contained large 
quantities of grain and only an occasional insect was taken. 
It should be remembered, however, that this is the period of 
sowing, and that these are not typical examples of the rook’s 
diet at all times of the year. 
The stomach contents of several other species have been 
examined, but sufficient material has not been accumulated 
for any opinion to be expressed of the food as a whole. 
To those who have the opportunity of collecting stomachs it 
might be pointed out that such collections would be valuable, 
more especially if a record was also kept of the circumstances 
under which they were collected. The stomachs and their 
contents can be preserved in a 7 per cent, solution of formalin 
till an opportunity of examining them occurs. 
V. 
ACORNS. 
By Rev. M. C. H. Bird, M.A. 
Read joth January , igi2 . 
The acorn crop of 1911 having probably been a record one, 
or at any rate the heaviest within living memory, the follow- 
ing notes may prove acceptable. 
