178 YEARBOOK OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 
individuals. If the lives of a few destructive hawks, crows, or robins 
are taken, after other means have been tried and failed, it is often 
enough to protect the poultry yard or the crop. 
FARMERS’ GAIN FROM PROTECTING BIRDS. 
The brief survey of the subject possible here only imperfectly sets 
forth the nature and importance of the service of birds to agriculture. 
Nevertheless it must appear that to the question “ Does it pay the 
farmer to protect birds?” only one answer is possible. Even from 
the point of view of an investment for profit the time and expense 
necessary for their care and protection are richly repaid. There is 
the added consideration that without the music and companionship 
of birds the world would be the poorer. Anything that adds to the 
attractiveness of the farm and increases the interest of farm life is 
worthy of cultivation, even if no actual return is received in dollars 
and cents. Happily the farmer who protects birds secures a double 
return—increased profit from his crops and increased pleasure of 
living. 
O 
