Rensselaer Union, Volume 8, Number 51, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 September 1876 — A Good Idea. [ARTICLE]

A Good Idea.

The following is the translation of a notice posted on the walls of the rural schools and at the entrance of the Government forests in France: “Department of Agriculture—The bill is placed under the guardianship of the good sense and honesty of the public. “The hedgehog feeds upon mice and other rodents, on snails and other creatures hurtful to agriculture. Do not injure the hedgehog. “The toad, the great friend of the farmer, destroys from twenty to thirty insects every hour. Do not kill the toad. “The mole —He is the destroyer of inum erable insects destructive to plants. Vegetable substances have never been found in his stomach; he does far more good than harm. Do not harm the mole. “The hanneton (a variety of June bug) —The mortal enemy of agriculture; lays from seventy to eighty eggs. Death to the hanneton. “Birds—Every province in France loses millions annually through the havoc made by insects, and the birds are the only creatures capable of keeping them in check. They are the best friend of the farmer. Children, do not rob the nests of the birds.” • Here is a hint to the teachers of our rural schools,-which, if acted upon, may result in incalculable good.— N. F. Times.