The Value of Birds to Man by Buckland, James - 1914

Washington, D.C.: GPO Magazine. Very Good. Soft cover. pp439-458. Removed from ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION FOR THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1913. VG. In plastic report covers. The author points out some staggering statistics as to the astronomical numbers of insects that would survive to consume all of mankind's crops were it not for birds. Of course, he mentions pesticides, which were not nearly so prevalent in 1913, but which were already having unintended consequences. But with today's advances in agronomy, I doubt that those who produce our food are relying heavily on birds for insect control. But he also points out the value of birds in controlling rodents, and controlling parasites on livestock, scavenging, in controlling the over growth of unwanted plants, as a food source for many, and finally the aesthetic value of birds..

Toronto: Printed & Published by L.K. Cameron 1915. (Wrappers) 18pp. Very good. 8vo. Saddle stapled. In original wraps; top cover printed. Chipping to wraps, as usual; wraps tearing at fold, still attached; spotting (ink?) to foot of top cover. Internally clean. "Reproduced by consent from the proceedings of the Smithsonian Institution with the author's approval to aid the work of the Canadian Society for the Protection of Birds" (top cover).