The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1884-03-06
Killing the Small Birds.

IL uAy w CUuslutItQ SOIuCWudt out VI
season to call attention to the above sub.
ject at the present time, but short
newspaper article which has been handed
in to US meets our views so fully that we
wish to give it place in these columns
Furthermore, the period when farm work
is in a measure suspended is just the
time for farmers to consider and discuss
the important questions, upon rightful
understanding of which the success ol
their industry 80 largely depends; and,
our word for it, the question under con-
sideration is not one of the least in i'm
portance. The article is as follows:
Farmers are greatly to blame for per-
mitting the wholesale destruction of in.
sectiverous and other birds which takes
place on our public holidays. More es-
pecially was this noticeable on the recent
Thanksgiving day, when the country was
overrun by youths and men carrying all
sorts of firearms from the latest pattern
of breech-loaders down to the antiquated
musket. Every description of bird
unfortunate enough to cross the paths Of
these pot-hunters was blazed away at,
not the slightest thought being given as
to whether it was useful to the farmer,
and of class protected (save the mark J
by Law. 1t was, in the eyes of the shoot
ers, something to shoot at and help swell
their bags, and, in nine cases out of ten,
to be flung away after being exhibited as
evidence of the provinces Of the sports
man, they being of little or no value for
food.
"Now, the great majority of the birds
killed were woodpeckers and other insec.
tiverous birds, and the killing of single
bird means the multiplication of thous-
ands of insects. 1t is no wonder that
insect pests are yearly on the increase
and more difficult to combat, when the
very means provided by nature to keep
them in check are ruthlessly destroyed
to provide very questionable amusement.
Had these innocent creatures been allow.
ed to live aud propagate, it would not be
great length of time ere ne should
have abundance of feathered friends
anxious to do their duty in keeping
down our insect enemies. Whereas, if
this depretion is permitted, the conse-
quences will be very serious. Yet, in
the face of this, many farmers encourage
the wauton work instead Of prosecuting
the offenders or prohibiting them crossing
their lands.
We are quite aware that the majority
of farmers will hesitate before taking
such steps, because they do not wish to
be considered mean by their acquaintan.
ces. Far better that, than be robbed of
their true friends, the birds. Let these
farmers ponder ove- the question, how
many grubs and insects one of these
birds will consume in a day, and then
calculate how many in year? they will
be surprised at the quantity. Then think
over the number Of eggs those insects
will lay in season, and ii will not take
him long to arrive at the conclusion that
be had better protect the birds.
Both in Canada and the United States
it has been clearly demonstrated that in
orchards and other places where the birds
had been encouraged and protected, good
crops had resulted. The subject is one
which is earnestly recommended for dis.
cussion by farmers clubs and other SINH
lar organizations. .-EEchange