The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1851-05-24
CIR turnler.
FARMERS READ THIS.

good Tor !! relates the IOlloWlHS.
In connection with the subject, we
will give an anecdote related to us last
winter by Gov. AIKEN, Of South Carroll
ma. ofthe rice birds.-These little crea-
lures gather round the rice fields at har-
vest time in countless myriads, and of
course consume considerable grain.
Some years ago it was determined to
make war upon them, and drive them
out of the country, and the measure was
in some degree successful; as far as get
ting rid of the birds. "What are birds
for I" The rice plant soon found out;
for with the decrease of birds, the
worms increased so rapidly that, instead
of few scattering grains to feed the
birds, the whole crop was demanded to
fill the Unsuitable nav of the army that
came to consume every young shoot as
fast as they sprung from the ground.
Most undoubtedly the birds were invi-
ted back again with hearty welcome.
A few years ago the black birds in the
northern bart of Indiana were consider
ed a grievous nuisance to the farmer.
Whole fields of oats were sometimes
destroyed; and the depredations upon
the late corn were greater than can be
believed, if told. The farmer sowed
and the birds reaped. He scolded and
they twittered. Occasionally charge
of shot brought down score, but made
no more impression upon the great sea
of birds than the removal of bucket of
water from the great salt puddle. A
few years later every green thing on the
land seemed destined to destruction by
the army of worms. Man was power
less-a worm among worms. But his
best friend, the Ratchet black bird; came
to his relief just in time to save when
all seemed lost No human aid could
have helped him.-How thankful should
man be that God has given him for his
companions and fellow laborers, in the
cultivation of the earth, those lovely
birds "The lahorer is worthy of his
hire. "-Why should we grudge the lit
tie share claimed by the busy little fell
lows which follows the plow and snatch
the worm away from the seed, that it
might produce grain for his and our sus-
tenance Z! The Horticulturist, for jan
uary, contains, among other valuable
and interesting articles, communica-
ton from William Hopkins, of Buyns-
wick, Rensselaer, county, in relation to
the Culculio, which has proved so des-
tructive to fruit, particularly in plums,
throughout the country. He alludes to
the great utility of birds and fowls as fol-
lows:
have put the following questions to
the oldest people in the neighborhood,
and received, invariably, about the same
answers:
Are your apples as sound now as
those you raised thirty or fosty years
agol"
"Oh, no! they're gnarly and wormy
now-the seasons amt as good as they
used to be-"
"Are the birds as plentiful as former
ly"
ooh, law, no! they used to make
noise enough to deafen you, when was
young"
DO you raise as much poultry 7"
"Why, no! guess not, we get more
butchers meat now.'
1t will be readily observed by the
first reply, that those persons have not
the least idea of the present cause OF the
failure. Il do not insist that the curcu-
Ito is the only troublesome thing0 |
know of solitary apple tree, in forty
acre field, where every fallen fruit shows
several crescent shaped punctures. Pa
wing under the trees, or white washing
the fruit, may save the crop, but both
plans are expensive; and even when we
have done it the greatest vigilance is
necessary, because they are all surroun-
ded by the enemy. Nothing short of
total determination should be the aim of
the fruit-grower; let him explain the
nature of this insect to every one who
owns tree, to every man, woman and
child, on his premises; let him be a
grower of poultry, as well as grove of
fruit; let him give accommodation and
encouragement to the virds OF the air,
IN every possible way; let HIM petition
authorities, that stringent laws may be
enacted for their preservation; that all
dishonest persons may be prevented from
coming on our land to shoot or ensnare
them. The word dishonest may appear
to severe for this place-let it pass.
Those who feed the birds, namely, the
owners of the SOIL have special claim
to their services, and no Struggling
sportsman should deprive them oft.
"Spouty Land
Farmers are often troubled with what