Rensselaer Union, Volume 9, Number 47, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 August 1877 — Birds, the Farmers’ Friends. [ARTICLE]

Birds, the Farmers’ Friends.

Birds are a source of unfailing pleasure to man. Adorned with the richest colors, they delight the eye; chanting the sweetest music, they charm the ear. For this reason, if for no others, we should invite them to visit our homes, and sport upon the trees in our cultivated grounds. And birds not only please, but profit the farmer. They are our co-laborers in the field of industry. They feed upon the insects which destroy the fruits of our gardens and fields. Without their timely service our labor would be in vain. The usefulness of birds in destroying inaects can hardly be over-estimated. Mr. Bradley, a writer on gardening and husbandry, informs us that a pair of sparrows once carried to their nest, on an average, fortv caterpillars every hour during the day. Hence, nearly five hundred of these destructive insects were disposed of in twelve hours by two little birds. Ten pairs of sparrows would therefore destroy thirty thousand caterpillars per week—enough to ruin any garden or fruit orchard in the land. An interesting question here arises: Were those insects created to annoy the “ lords of creation,” or to feed the birds? It is evident that they answer both purposes; and we cannot doubt that each race holds an important position, and serves an important purpose, in the economy of nature. It is enough for us to know that these inferior creatures enjoy a temporary existence, constitute a link in Nature’s chain, and display the wonderful wisdom and benevolence of the Creator. No matter if they are destroyed; their death is the life of a nobler race. We say they trouble us; so do we trouble them. Have they not a right to a place and a living as well as ourselves? We have not a prior, if we have abetter, claim than they. But conceding this superior right to man, the trouble these insects give us is only one of the many annoyances which we meet in our intercourse with the world, suited to cultivate our patience, care and industry. Birds are our helpers, and labor to relieve us of these annoyances. Hence it is a crime to hunt and destroy them. The sporting boy, who seeks enjoyment in shooting and robbing their nests, should be sent to the House of Correction, with many stripes.” Let us invite to our inclosures these harmless and useful animals. Let them frequent our groves, and build their nests in our shade trees, and we shall be happier, wiser and better for our intercourse with them.

The domestic bird is part and parcel of every farm yard; he is the companion of our children, and dependent upon our care and protection. Domestication has produced changes, both in the figure and color of these fowls. The wild birds of the same species always appear alike, each individual being a correct representative of the whole race. But the cock and hen represent every variety of color and size. These changes are doubtless owing to difference of climate and manner of feeding. The original stock, from which our domestic fowls came, are found on the islands of the Indian Ocean, and on the coast of Malabar, in the East Indies. These wild hens are black and yellow, and always of the same size. The cock, like the “ man of honor,” is brave in domestic quarrels, but cowardly before a foreign foe. Let another cock crow in his presence, and he will attack him with great violence, and frequently they will fight until both die. But when the hawk approaches, that same cock will skulk away to some hiding place for safety, without regard to the safety of the family over which he presides. In the fighting habits of the cock the duelist finds an example. A few sharp words — then the challenge, and finally the pistol —that decides the controversy. If both are not mortally wounded (a?'they ought to be), the victor exults over his fallen foe, and seems satisfied to have avenged his insulted honor. And it is a question not yet decided, Which has the most honor and the most brains, the cock or the duelist T— Oor. Rural World. The New Hampshire State Prison has only 180 convicts, and the year just closed cleared above all expenses the sum of SB.OOO.