Delaware weekly Republican. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1841-188?, 1857-11-26

BIRDs.-We have heard much complaint by Far>
and others, of the increase Of destructive in.
scots amongst their fruit trees and grain fields.
Many theories lave been advanced as to the sause
Of this Increase, and many plans recommended for
their destruction none of which, however, have
had the desired effect; the cry is" still they
eome!"
Many intelligent farmers who have Investigated
the subject, attribute this increase land we think
tuthfuly) to the rapid disappearance of the little
birds that inhabit the fields and orchard. ~ the
rural districts Tho evidence in favor Of tie pres,
srvatiOn Of tho birds is very plausible and should
be sufficient to induce oVory man or boy with any
humanity in his breast, or common sense in his
head not to kill these noeent little songsters that
are doing all IN their power to advsnce the eress
Of humanity.
Most Of those little birds that inhabit the fields
Of farmers, live upon insects these insects live
upon the grain and fruit; hence we SEQ that if The
birds are destroyed, the insects must as natural
consequence, increase in numbers and extend their
depredatioas
Mopy are 81 opinion that tito numerous Aocks of
yellow-birdS that seen around the wheat fields
while the grain Is in milk and while 1t is harden-
ing, arc feeding upon IL, and must, thet efore be
very destructive to the crop. This il a mistake |
The birds do NOT feed upon the grain. 1t is the |
insects they are after. They may destroy seine
grain In their endeavors to capture those little red
wesyel which are so dee tructve to the wheat CROP
but that frail reason to offer for their destruc on
These weaysl the larUa oil species of fly of |
which these sbrds are the best and only practical |
destroyer Like many inocent persons, they are |
accused Of what they not guilty, and shot down
by unmefeiful sportsmen what sport y by hundreds
for doing TINT which human skill has failed TO |
accomplish.
There are many other species Of birds that arc
valuable friends to man, among which we might |
name the woodpecker, though we arc awnre that |
many consider it q destructive and useless bird |
ThS probably, is on account Of their foLdness for
cherries and other varieties Of fruit. But its us
fslneEs will more than balance the few cherries it
may steal.-Itis valuable for its services in re-
moving from the trees particularly those of the
crest the worms and gtubs that secreted in
the bark, which in time if allowed to remain, eat
their way into tho wood, and frequently destroy
the life Of the tree. This specie Of birds Is partic
uArly valuable in the Southern States where there
are large pine forests the insects prey unon this
kind OF timber more than any other.
The sapsuckers are also valuable bird and like
the wood peeker protect the trees from the raynre.
Of worms and insects. These birds keen constant |
watch over the trunks Of the trees We have seen
then work for hours at time the trunk Of a |
tree where thcTo was signs Of a worm, toiinR |
with oeasless energy I'LL the object Of tehir desire
was captured.
There are many ether kinds of the smaller birds
such as tho robin, sky lark, blue. bird, swallow,
30 90, Of which We might speak in ommendable |
tsrms, but our space will not allow.
We would not debar any from tho privilege |
OF enjoyment, but We cannot see what pleasure |
man can derive from the shooting of an innocent |
little bird There certainly ma ny other forms
Of recreation amusement that would ref ect more
credit on the mind Of man than this 1t is not |
only derogatory to the interests Of community at |
large, but Il is a6s0inssiy Siu! We hope that if
men nod boys have not soul enough to stop it with
out the Interference Of law, that next legisa>
ture will pass sn act to compel them to do so or
suffer nne.,
HkRPER's MAGAZINE for December has been |
placed on our table, through the pollteRess of
L T. Head No 10y M4rhnt Strnnt md ~.