Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1884-02-28
KILLING THE SMALL BIRDS.

It may be considered somewhat out of
season to call attenSepsto the above subject
at the present time, but short newspaper
article which has been handed in to usmeets
our views so fully that we wish to give it a
place in these columns. Furthermore, the
period when farm work is in measure sus-
pended is just the time for farmers to con-
slider and discuss the important questions,
upon rightful understanding of which the
success of their industry so largely. depends;
and, our word for it, the question under
consideration is not one of the least in i'm
portance. The article is as follows:
Farmers are greatly to blame for permit
ting the wholesale destruction of insectiv-
erous and other birds which takes place on
our public holidays. More especially 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 de-
scription of bird unfortunate enough to cross
the paths Of these pot-hunters was blazed
away at, not the slightest thought being Civ
en- as to whether it was useful to the farmer,
and of class protected (save the mark } by
law. 1t was, in the eyes of the shooters,
something to shoot at and help swell their
bags, and, in nine cases out of ten, to be flung
away after being exhibited rs evidence of
the prOWess of the sportsman, they being or
little or no value for food.
"Now, the great majority Of the birds
killed were WOOdpeckers and other insectiv-
erous birds, and the killing of single bird
means the multiplication of thousands of
insects. It 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 ruth
lessly destroyed to provide very questiOna-
bic amusement. Had these innocent crea-
lures been allowed to live and propagate, it
would not be great length Of time ere we
should have abundance of feathered friends
anxious to do their duty in keeping down
our insect enemies. Whereas, if this deple-
tion is permitted, the consequences will be
very serious. Yet, in the face Of this, many
farmers encourage the wanton 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 consid-
cred mean by their acquaintances Far
better that, than be robbed Of their true
friends, the birds Let these farmers pom
der over 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 it will not
take him long to arrive at the conclusion
that he had better protect the birds.
Both in Canada and the United States it
has been clearly demonstrated that in or
chards and other places where the birds
had been encouraged and protected, good
crops had resulted. The subject is one which
is earnestly recommended for discussion by
farmers clubs and other similar organiza-
tiOnS.-Er.