PREFACE. 
V 
their services in the fact of the bird’s researches sometimes 
destroying as many plants as the grubs do which they are 
looking for; and I would submit that it is a matter for serious 
consideration, whether the great encouragement of bird-life 
beyond the natural balance , such as is now often recommended, 
may not lead to very contrary results to what is intended. 
Besides the damage that over-numbers of birds may cause to the 
young crops or ripe corn, it ought also to be borne in mind that 
many insects (such as carnivorous Beetles and their grubs, and 
the grubs of Ichneumon Flies) live wholly or in part by feeding 
on their fellow-insects; and it is desirable to consider how an 
unnatural overplus of birds bears on the matter of diminishing 
these helpers. Without in any way doubting the necessity of 
the presence of a proper amount of birds, I think it would be 
well worth while, by examination of the contents of the stomachs 
of some of the smaller birds, to gain clearer views of what is the 
chief part of their insect-diet. 
Any notes that I may be favoured with during the coming 
season, on any point bearing on prevention of injury, will be 
most thankfully received; and I will venture to suggest that, 
amongst the communications I am favoured with, none are so 
valuable as those noted at once whilst the attack is present, or 
which are then made the subject of correspondence, as many 
valuable details are thus gained which otherwise might be over¬ 
looked. 
I shall be most happy to endeavour to offer any information 
in my power (or which I can obtain) to those who may desire it, 
and more especially I shall be glad to receive any communication 
regarding Hop blight. 
It now remains for me to offer my hearty thanks to all who 
have enabled me by their information to compile my present 
Report; and I have also to thank Prof. J. 0. Westwood, 
Mr. R. H. Meade and Mr. W. L. Distant for kind assistance in 
determining specimens with which I was not fully acquainted. 
A few illustrations, not previously given, have been added, 
some drawn by myself; and a few of the figures, originally 
allowed me by the courtesy of the Editor of the ‘ Gardener’s 
Chronicle,’ are again inserted ; but the larger number are by 
permission of Messrs. Blackie & Son, Glasgow, to whom I offer 
my thanks for the prompt courtesy with which they accord their 
assistance. 
