Birds

These are sometimes very troublesome at the time of ripening, and

especially the oriole is a "hard customer," as he will generally dip

his bill into every berry; often ruining a fine bunch, or a number of

them, in a short time. I have therefore been compelled to wage a war

upon some of the feathered tribe, although they are my especial

favorites, and I cannot see a bird's nest robbed. However, there are

some who do not visit the vineyard, except for the purpose of

destroying our grapes, and these can not complain if we "won't stand it

any longer," but take the gun, and retaliate on them. The oriole, the

red bird, thrush, and cat bird are among the number, and although I

would like to spare the latter three, in thankful remembrance of many a

gratuitous concert, the first must take his chance of powder and lead,

for the little rascal is too aggravating. A few dry bushes, raised

above the trellis will serve as their resting place before they

commence their work of destruction, where they can be easily killed.