NATIVE SONGSTERS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4132, 18 June 1874, Page 3

NATIVE SONGSTERS.

TO THE EDITOR. gxtq I observe that a valuable insectivorous native bird —the tui—is being ruthlessly destroyed under the Act which treats it as native game) large numbers of dead ones being constantly exposed for sale in shops in this city. It does appear to me to bo very monstrous, oven looking at the matter from an.utilitarian point of view, that this bird should be killed for the mere purpose of ticlding the palates of j.icrsdus who prefer the momentary gratification of appetite to the higher satisfaction of seeing our woods and plantations frequented by a creature which, independently of its value as an insect destroyer, is one of the few we possess, that is alike distinguished for the graces of its plumage and the beauty and quaintness of its notes. I do not blame dealers, or the low class of persons who make their market by the destruction of these birds, but I cannot look upon those who encourage that destruction in any other light than as wantonly promoting a public injury under the sanction of an unfortunate law.

You would, I am sure, confer a public service by publishing the enclosed extract, which shows the light in which the small birds of England are looked upon by one who has recently had an opportunity of observing the ravages of insect pests iu a country in which small birds are scarce. If those who treat this matter lightly were to observe, as I did during the last autumn, the work of the sparrows in our gardens, they would soon be convinced of the protection they are affording to our most valuable forest and fruit trees.— I am, &c.,

ffii. Titos. Locke Travers, Wellington Terrace, June, 17.

THE COLORADO BEETLE AND ITS ENEMIES. Mr. Arthur Clayclon, Faringrton, writes to the North Jtrlfish, Aijrhulturht :—While in London, Ontario, during last autumn, I spent an evening with a celebrated entomologist, and the question of the potato beetle came up as one that was causing a considerable amount of anxiety among the Canadian farmers. If there is any danger of the pest reaching our shores, perhaps the few hints which I gathered on tile subject may bo worth some one's while to put by against the evil day. It appears that tiic destructive insect has swept over tlie main of the Western States of America, and worked its way to Canada. “In our immediate neighborhood at London,” says Mr. E. B. Reid, Secretary of the Entomological Society of Ontario, in the report for 1572, “ the beetles literally swarmed, and thousands wore daily trodden down on the side walks and streets, and wo look for a still further increase next year ” This is a pleasant prospect for the Ontario farmers ! There is, however, a valuable remedy, which has been discovered by our Canadian friends. “Wo still continue to recommend Paris green," writes the above-named gentleman, “as the chief remedy. Wherever it lias been properly used, good results have invariably boon obtained. It is, of course, of the utmost importance that the quality should he good. As a marketable commodity, the quality of I’aris green is exceedingly variable. It is an arsenic of copper, and the best qualities contain about GO per cent, of arsenic, on which its activity depends, but the inferior grades contain a much smaller per centago, and are, consequently, much less effective, and in some cases almost worthless for this purpose. Wo arc satisliod that every reported case of failure in the use of Paris green as a remedy for the Colorado potatoe beetle may lie traced directly to the inferior quality of the poison used.” The way in which this poison is applied, is by mixing it with flour or Plaster of Paris. It the former is used, the proportions should be from 15 to 20 parts to one of Paris green. If the latter, from 80 to 40 parts to one of Paris green. Happily, nature has provided apowerful enemy of the potatoe beetle in the 15-spotted ladybird which attacks the fame of the destructive insects. It would seem that for every natural evil an antidote is provided. I am inclined to think that our security against tills pest in England will bo found to lie our invaluable small birds. If Lady liurdett Coutts and her fellow protectors of the winged tribe needed an additional argument for their humane mission, they might find it, I think, in the ravages of insects in countries where small birds are as scarce almost as eagles. I have watched the doings of the little thieves among my fruit trees with perfect resignation since my return from the West, and they are abundantly welcome to a share of my fruit by and bye. I should recommend our coming Premier to inaugurate his reign by a law legalising the shooting of ground game and making penal the destruction of all small birds.