Birds. By Annie M. Grant. Report of the R. I. Board of Agriculture, 1899.
The Birds of Ontario, in Relation to Agriculture. By Chas. W. Nash, Ontario Department of Agriculture, Toronto.
In Mrs. Grant's paper we have an epitome of a great amount of useful information. The horticultural and agricultural societies are doing a good work in publishing such papers in their reports, thus ensuring to them a wide circulation among the class who most need this kind of literature.
In that portion of her paper devoted to the 'Decrease in Bird-life,' Mrs. Grant puts her finger on some very sore spots. There can be no doubt that much harm has been done through egg-collecting by pseudo-naturalists, who make no use of their collections except to boast of their size and rarity, and who gather thousands of extra sets for purposes of exchange. Another element of bird destruction is seen in the South, where our common singing birds are so generally offered for sale in the market as food. A campaign of education is needed here. The time wasted in shooting these useful creatures would, if properly applied, produce more and better meat in the shape of domestic poultry, or other equally palatable food. We hope Mrs. Grant will continue her good work.
In Mr. Nash's paper we have another concise statement of the facts with regard to the usefulness of birds from an agricultural point of view. The case of the birds of prey is very clearly and forcibly presented. When these birds do harm--as when they pick up a stray chicken--the evil is open and apparent to everybody; but the good work they are constantly doing is only appreciated after the most careful and systematic observation. The depredations of the vast hordes of small mammals is a constant menace to the interests of husbandry, and more especially to horticulture. Without question, the Hawks and Owls are the most efficient checks upon the increase of these creatures, and it cannot be too often or too forcibly impressed upon the farmers that these birds should be rigorously protected.
With regard to the other birds, the case is equally well put, and illustrated by many interesting and valuable observations and experiments. There can be no question that this is a valuable paper, and that it deserves a wide circulation among agricultural people.