BLUEGUMS AND INSECT LIFE.

Waikato Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1484, 7 January 1882, Page 4

BLUEGUMS AND INSECT LIFE.

A coxTKMroKAUY says that the bluegum is an enemy to almost all insect life ; and Mr Mills of Marluorough, Victoria, has turned this property of the eucalyptus to good account. By his making a practice of strewing blue gum branches on the ground round about, and fastening stiips of bark round their stems, his fruit trees thiove wonderfully ; and while those of the neighbors are blighted his own are entirely free from insects.

A Nj:w Way to Scare Sparrows.— The following method of scaring sparrows from fruit-trees is mentioned by the Ararat Advertiser as having been employed by a gardener, who had tried other means without success. It is, however, not to be recommended on the score of humanity :—": — " This season our friend determined to try a new means, and having several cats he placed them in cages, hanging one in the centre of each tiee. So far his experiment has proved successful, and as the cats are not at all content in their confinement, but Keep straining against their prison bars caterwauling to one another in tones that at times are suggestive of the deepest anguish, not a bird ventures to go anywlioi c neai the trees. Last week a number ot oats were taken away to be placed iv the cherry-trees at Cathcart, and before long pussies will be at a premium. Indeed, if the enquiry continues at last week's rates, we may expect soon to find a feline stock market established, and a quotation given daily for good to prime 'Toms.' 'A double blessing is a double grace,' and the demand for cats would rid us of those prowling felines whose melody whilst they pvoM 1 over the back-yard fence at timed makes the night hideous. " Tis a consummation devoutly to be wished."