Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 5 (1901).djvu/497

Rh long a pair settled in the tree under which I stood, and began to feed upon the fruit, which at this time of year is just setting. In common with some other species, they appear to be less shy during the breeding season. While standing under a cherrytree. I have watched them at work within six feet of my head, and to see the quick way they pass from branch to branch, and the pieces of what would be cherries falling to the ground, one wonders how it is possible for any fruit to come to maturity at all.

Between three and six in the morning is the best time to watch them feeding—in fact, all observations during spring and summer, to be of any use, ought to be made at that time of the morning. After seven o'clock birds slacken off, and during the day activity amongst them, as compared with the first few hours after dawn, is practically nil. I am much afraid that the Hawfinch will in future become another scourge for the already much to be pitied fruit-grower.

And here, perhaps, it would not be out of place to say a word for those whose existence depends to a great extent on a good fruit crop. How during the month of July can they be expected to conform to the rules and regulations as regards wild birds. No firing of guns, shouting, or any of the wonderful devices you see placed in the trees have the least effect in keeping away the birds. Nothing but killing—and even this to be of any use must be commenced directly the fruit shows any signs of ripening; for, if the birds are once allowed to get out of hand, not even killing will keep away what I can only describe as the vast hordes which assemble round the orchards. Of late there has been too much whining about the imaginary decrease of the birds of this country. It is quite time this ended, and in its place more common sense and closer observation cultivated, as by these means alone can we hope to discover in what direction it is possible for man to facilitate the union of nature and agricultural interests.