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Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 March 1942, Page 2

Soil and Bird Population. A very close relationship existing between soil' fertility and the number of birds in any area is emphasised as follows by a contributor to “Forest and Bird”: “New Zealand today is carrying as many birds as can be successfully wintered consisting mostly of introduced species so far as agricultural and pastoral lands are concerned. The quality and quantity are governed mainly by the particular food available and this in its turn, with the exception perhaps of some species of coastal and sea inhabiting birds, is regulated by the existing plant life which in its turn is governed by the fertility or lack of fertility of the soil and also to a lesser degree by climatic conditions, which are affected by the plentitude or scarcity of an efficient vegetable covering of the soil. It is idle to talk about increasing bird life by destroying their natural enemies (apart from introduced predators) or by increasing game or other birds by breeding them in captivity or by importing foreign rivals. All such efforts can ,be looked upon as mere temporary expedients because in a short time the wildlife of any country will adjust itself to the soil fertility conditions ruling in the habitat.” After the concert or after the ball, Into the street from the sheltering hall; Then is the cold catching time for us all, The moment of danger be sure. Winter mischances our happiness mar, Sore throat, bronchitis and nasal catarrh; Then for its advent how grateful we are, Woods’ Great Peppermint Cure. 8