664 
A YEAR WITH THE BIRDS 
THE BOB WHITE AS A WEED AND INSECT DESTROYER 
A study of the Bob White was undertaken by means of 
field observations, experiments with captive birds, and examina- 
tion of the contents of crops and stomachs in the laboratory. 
The results obtained may be thus summed up : The Bob White 
is probably the most useful abundant species on the farm. It is 
one of the most nearly omnivorous birds, consuming large 
quantities of weed seeds, and destroying many of the worst 
insect pests with which the farmer has to contend. It does not 
injure grain, fruit, or any other crop. 
PRESERVATION OF THE BOB WHITE 
The value of the Bob White as a destroyer of weeds and 
injurious insects, as an article of food, and as an object of sport 
gives importance to the question of its maintenance. So as- 
siduously is it sought by sportsmen and market hunters that 
under lax laws it might easily become very scarce, especially 
should inclement weather, as sometimes happens, greatly im- 
pede the natural increase. On the other hand, gallinaceous 
birds are prolific, and with proper protection the Bob White 
might be readily increased to the point of abundance. West 
of the Mississippi it has extended its natural range, as more 
and more land has come under cultivation, until now it is 
found as far west as eastern Colorado. In the east there is con- 
siderable fluctuation in its numbers, owing to the far greater 
proportion of sportsmen by whom it is sought. Each fall the 
birds are reported scarce or plentiful according to the locality 
from which the report is made. 
Although the Bob White is hardy, has enormous fecundity, 
and takes kindly to civilization, encouragement and propaga- 
tion of the bird is not an easy undertaking. During the breed- 
ing season, as well as in severe winters, it has to struggle hard 
for existence. Mowing machines destroy its nests, Crows 
steal its eggs, and domestic cats, as well as foxes and certain 
Hawks, prey on its young. During the winter, especially in 
the northern part of its range, it is sometimes destroyed in great 
numbers by deep and crusted snows. The greatest need in 
severe weather is a food supply that will not be rendered inac- 
cessible by a heavy snowfall. The berries of sumac, wax 
myrtle, and bayberry, and the hips of the wild rose furnish a 
