IDYLLS OF BIRD LIFE 
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V 
farms by preying upon the insects that feed in vast numbers 
upon the crops. The young of the robin are fed almost entirely 
upon insects. It is well known that birds are an important 
factor in keeping in check myriads of insects. Therefore, to 
destroy a robin or any other kind of bird, means to invite 
destruction by the insects. Even if a few cherries are eaten by 
the robin, should it not receive compensation for its warfare 
upon the insect pests? 
About fifty-seven per cent of the robin’s diet consists of 
vegetable matter, and four-fifths of this includes wild fruit. In 
places where, due to cultivation and improvements, the wild 
fruits are destroyed, the robin has to adapt itself to the fruit 
and other food most easily obtained in that locality. This 
usually consists of the cultivated varieties, consequently devas¬ 
tation of the farmer’s crops result. Such cases, however, are not 
numerous. 
! 
The most common complaint against the robin is that it 
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destroys cherries. The birds never take all the fruit, but usually 
divide with the family, in cases where just a few r trees are reared 
for home use. The robin also damages strawberries, blackber¬ 
ries, and raspberries, and even the larger fruits, such as prunes, 
peaches, pears and grapes. Its principal vegetable diet, how- 
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