RED-WINGED STARLING. 
197 
*l*le morasses ; and thither they repair every evening- 
*'om all quarters of the country. Iii some places, how- 
®^er, when the reeds become dry, advantage is taken 
this circumstance, to destroy these birds, by a party 
*^cretly approaching the place, under cover of a dark 
***?ht, setting fire to the reeds in several places at once, 
'''aich, being soon enveloped in one general flame, the 
uproar among the blackbirds becomes universal ; and, 
“ythe light of the conflagration, they are shot down in 
^*st numbers while hovering and screaming over the 
Pl^ce. Sometimes straw is used for the same purpose, 
?**ng previously strewed near the reeds and alder, 
.ttshes, M'here they are known to roost, which being 
''‘stantly set on fire, the consternation and havoc is 
t'Jodigious ; and the pai-ty return by day to pick up 
slaughtered game. About the iu-st of November, 
fliey begin to move oflf to-wards the south ; though, 
l!far the sea coast, in the states of New Jersey and 
Delaware, they continue long after that period. 
Such are the general manners and character of the 
^'^d-winged starling ; but there remain some facts to he 
'®*titioned, no less authentic, and well deserving the 
^ftsideratign of its enemies, more especially, of those 
^hose detestation of this species, would stop at nothing 
dort of total extirpation. 
It has been already stated, that they arrive in Penn- 
yivania late in March. Their general food at this 
,^on, as well as during the early part of summer, 
the crows and purple grakles are the principal 
Pysts in planting time,) consists of grub-worms, cater- 
Wlars, and various other larva;, the silent, hut deadly 
**iemics of all vegetation, aud whose secret and insidious 
jf^acks are more to be dreaded by the husbandman than 
j * combined forces of the whole feathered tribes 
^Sfether. For these vermin, the starlings search with 
?^cat diligence ; in the ground, at the roots of plants, 
j** orchards, and meadows, as well as among buds, 
,?'*''es, and blossoms ; and, from their known voracity, 
multitudes of these insects which they destroy 
"hist be immense. Let me illustrate this by a short 
