BIRD PESTS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1380, 15 February 1905, Page 3

BIRD PESTS.

FOOLISH PROPOSAL TO INTRO DUOE MAGPIES.

(Per Presa Association.) Wellington, last night. Kecently the Department of Agriculture ' received a letter from a Dunedin resident who advocated the introduction of a consignment of English magpies, with the idea of keeping down the sparrow pest. 4 The question was referred to Mr T W Kirk, Government Biologist, who opposed the proposal, os ho thought the introduction of the bird would result in moro hurm I than good. He wroto on the subject to Professor Theobald, of Wye Agricultural College, aod Eoonomlo Zoologist to South - Kensington Museum. Professor Theobald has replied that he has received enquiries on the subject from a New Zealand rosi dent, and continues: "Although I never y lived where magpies have been very abundant, as they are in Holland, X must say that, as a general frieud of birds, X do not like the magpie at all. Hois an V arrant thief, and I am sure you would be doing wrong if you allow his introduction ) into Nov/ Zealand. As to their destruction of sparrows, I am convinced that the b bird is of no use whutover. Only once do I remember soeing magpies nesting near a farmhouse in Norway, and X quito well remember seeing many sparrows there r- too. The magpie does some good by eating snails, slugs, and some small rodents, but his evil habits in taking chicks, young f' game, poultry, and game eggs, etc, more than counterbalance the little good he ; may do. No doubt a few smull birds’ eggs are also takeo, but tbe magpie loves the farmyard best, and it has even been

recorded by Lord Milford as attacking an old donkey and feeding on it after the animal’s death. I have had four weeka’ old chickens magpies, and speaking generally to you, as a naturalist and countryman, I say emphatically don’t think of allowing his introduction.” *T Professor Theobald, who is an eminent naturalist, says that in England they get rid of sparrows by forming sparrow clubß and paying a small sum per dozen heads, V- with a prize for the most energetic mem- , ber at the close of the season.