es Bo od " 4 7 a \ 7 ry ° ' 7 J i . _ 4 . y . 2 %, , Si ba t s 2. Fae au . * age os any ai SUE: < . i sels - as) ° avde.e 7 re CORNELL LAB of ORNITHOLOGY LIBRARY at Sapsucker Woods Illustration of Bank Swallow by Louis Agassiz Fuertes mii - * lak Chaneew= aw Crrb Qwls. VOT , 4 Caasue PA ele peirees b Mabou on ORNITH Cs 642 R56 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. DIVISION OF. FCONOMIC ORNITHOLOGY AND MAMMALOGY. BULLETIN 1. HENGLISH SPARROW (PASSER DOMESTICUS) IN NORTH AMERICA, ESPECIALLY IN ITS RELATIONS TO AGRICULTURE, Prepared under the direction of Dr. C. HART MERRIAM, ORNITHOLOGIST, BY WALTER B. BARROWS, ASSISTANT ORNITHOLGGIST. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, 1889. LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. U. 8. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, DIVISION OF ECONOMIC ORNITHOLOGY AND MAMMALOGY, Washington, D. C., April 14, 1888. Sir: The investigations in economic ornithology and mammalogy ordered by Congress to be made under your direction consist of two separate inquiries, namely: (1) concerning the food habits of birds and mammals in their relation to agriculture; and (2) concerning the migra- tion and geographical distribution of North American species. It has been deemed best to publish the results of these investigations in separate bulletins. In accordance with this decision I transmit here- with, as Bulletin 1 of the Division of Economic Ornithology and Mam- malogy, a report upon the English Sparrow in North America, by Wal- ter B. Barrows, assistant ornithologist. Respectfully, C. Hart MERRIAM, Ornithologist. Ifon. Norman J. Cotman, Commissioner of Agriculture. TABLE OF CONTENTS. ERTTEROR (PRANGMELTAD x ccasa3 03 scisannen oases mee eeee ene eeeette DABER:O CONTENTS menos aaerenvacaitierdgetnas caine aeemer aver sae ete PPREWATRORY SE TPE Rea penny tra rays Snel meneame mieten weer INTRODUCTION neces seesew hues Eneeisee eee qaos assem Gemeeee els wee steels Page, on we o Part I. SUMMARIES OF EX. VIDENCE—RECOMMENDATIONS—SPECIAL REPORTS. Section First: Summaries of evidence .... 2.2.22... -22- eee eee eee eee 17-149 (A) Importation; spread; increase; checks .---....-..-----------2-----e 17-40 1. Introduction of the Sparrow -.... 2.2.2.0 2222. eee eee eee eee 7 2. Method of diffusion of the Sparrow. ......----.------------+--++ 23 3. Rate of spread of the Sparrow and extent of area oceupied at the close of the year 1886... 2.025 .wrcec nce nananmnes Sens 26 4. Rate of increase of the Sparrow ........-....20.---- +202 e222 ee 27 5. Checks on the increase of the Sparrow...-.....--. .0---+---- s--+ 31 (a) Natural enemies of the Sparrow .....-..----------+ ------ 31 (b) Relation of climate and food to the increase and spread of the Sparrow e.seicc-ics cna Gesensesaesaaciep tees 32 (c) Direct influence of man in checking the increase of the SDPATLOW sewcanwtaeeenseweiinadirndelals Gant eaeareeeenteae 35 (1) Public opinion .... 2... 222. 2-202 ween cee cee eee eee 35 (2) Effect of legislation ......--- -.----.------+--++ ++ 36 (3) Shooting, poisoning, trapping, nest-destroying -..-.-- 36 (4) Use of the Sparrow for food........---. ---------++--+- 38 (5) How the farmers of Great Britain regard the Sparrow. 3 (B) Injury to buds, blossoms, and foliage .-------.----- +++ ---+ se++ e+e +e 40-48 1. Injury by filth ..-22.. 0.222. eee eee eee ee eee eee cen e ee eee 40 2. Destruction of buds and blossoms.........---- ---- +--+ eee eee 42 (C) Injury to fruits, garden seeds, and vegetables ......-------+---+-+-+-+ 48-68 1. Injury to fruits.......- wuicion whe ma awlaricjgana desc ae Meena eeeess 49 (a) Injury to grapes._.....---.. cee. eee e ee ee eee eee ene ee 49 (6) Injury to other small fruits ...-......---- +--+ +--+ +--+ +--+ 56 (c) Injury to apples, pears, peaches, and other frnits..---.-..- 57 2. Injury to garden vegetables.......-.--- -----+ eee eee cee cee eee 60 (a) Green vegetables....-..-.-2- 22-222 seen e cece cee cree eee 61 (1) Destruction of peas .....-.------ --- 200 eee eee eee ee 61 (2) Destruction of garden corn ..---.---. ----++---+++--+--- 62 (3) Destruction of lettuce, cabbage, and other vegetables. 63 (b) Garden seeds.....--.------ 0-22 see eee cece ee cee eee erent 64 (1) Destruction of seed of lettuce, cabbage, and turnip -. 65 (2) Destruction of sunflower seeil .....----+.---++-----+- 65 (3) Destruction of weed seed and grass seed ....--..------ 66 6 TABLE OF CONTENTS. Page SECTION First: Summaries of evidence—Continued. ir (D) Injury to grain ....- Be RMS dae Wit Ad oy Oe oy As a taaeny seo aan 68-78 1. Injury to wheat........ 2222 ccccee cee e ee ceeeee eee eee erences 69 DQ Tajory toons ucscieicea ccc cases seiccemenaane ncn teaReveReowe ses 73 3. Injury to rye and barley.........22. .200seeeee ceeeeeceeeee ete 74 4, Injury to field corn....2..222...2. cee cece ee eee e eee eee teens 74 bi ANUTY CO-BOTBH UGK cc caccccaawnssemcisws cece nee oe teeeeeneser=s 75 G6: TOURS tO TICE oso otectddenteecetameseees santana: scodeese eee wes 16 4%, Tejary to Back WWE oo. eee naw eran cone caeadewaisleee vale 77 8. Negative evidence ........-....-.-. Pres Oe dant I asl cain Dries 77 (E) Relation of the Sparrow to other birds...........--.------+ ---e-er eee 78-98 1, List of native birds molested by the Sparrow..---.--------+---+- 80 2. Relation of the Sparrow to birds which nest principally in cavi- ties, natural or artificial, and often in boxes prepared (Ota BN peter reseed ed ernest eer ras ea leadeteistetejayeietaimie 82 (a) Sparrow versus Bluebird and Purple Martin ...--..----.-- 82 (b) Negative evidence. ......---. 22-22-2222 eee eee eee eee eee 386 (ce) Sparrow versus Wrens ....-.-- 2-2 22-200 weer ween eee eee: 87 3. Relation of the Sparrow to birds which usually nest in trees, or at least in places not especially prepared for them by MAD) cen tee wneeevnaes malnedale saan eee renee eesmeereeein 88 (a) Sparrow versus Cliff Swallow and Barn Swallow.......--- 88 (0) Sparrow versus Robiticccasscecuscsseecues taney vee cess 90 (c) Sparrow versus Mockingbird ......---. .2.2 22. ce ee ee eens 91 (d): Sparrow Persie VitC0S: 2s ceeecsn ve Sager eed eteruese ties 92 4. Relation of the Sparrow to other birds, under such conditions that the question of nesting has no direct influence ....--- 92 (a) English Sparrow rersus Chipping Sparrow..-...--------- 93 (b) The Sparrow ‘‘ mobbing” other birds.......-..--.. ----- 93 5. Summary of the question of Sparrow versus native birds........- 95 (F) Relation of the Sparrow to insects-......--.--------e-e-e eee eee eee eee 98-132 1. General summary of evidence....-... 22-2222 eee eee ee eee eee 98 (a) Evidence derived from study of the contents of Sparrows’ BLOMBCHE soos cece weiicmees tessa vismmcwori esses seies 100 (b) Evidence derived from observation of the bird, without subsequent examination of the stomach.._-....-.--.- 101 (1) List of insects said to be eaten by the Sparrow..-..... 102 (ce) Argument from all available data....-..-.----2---....-5- 103 (a) Seasonal variation in the insect food of the Sparrow ..... 105 (e) Relation of the Sparrow to caterpillars......-.--.......-- 107 (1) Relation to the caterpillar of the Tussock Moth....... 107 (2) How the Sparrows protect the caterpillars. .......... 108 (3) Relation to Span-worms......... Nabe chee ddeeneeeneres 109 2. Insectivorous habits of the English Sparrow, by Prof.C.V. Riley. 111 (a) Report of material examined in 1857. ..........-. 222.0... 111 (1) Stomach contents ...... 222.0220. eee ee eee ee eee 111 (2) Habits of the insects concerned...................--- 115 (3) Summary from the foregoing statements _............ 120 (b) Survey of work dono in Europo.........22. 202 ee eeee wees 123 (c) Review of work done in North America.........-........ 125 (G) Tables of food as shown by dissection...... 0.2022. 22. eee eee ce cece 133-146 1, Examined at (he Department of Agriculture ...... 2.22... .00- 000 134 2, Examined at West Chester, Pa...... 0.020. ccc eee cence cen cce ce 144 (H) Miscellaneous injuries .---.....2.....02. 0000200000 Seswnedondwtccase 146-149 TABLE OF CONTENTS. q Page. SECTION SECOND: Recommendations.............-2. 0.2002 ceeee cece ee eeeee 150-166 (A) Recommendations for legislation ........--.. 0.222... 22ee cee eee eee eee 150 1. Suggestions as to the repeal of old laws and the enactment of new ones....-... Maesieae aii Gaus ie gate eet ceed 150 o0 BOUNUIES ot cs:c2 G2 alse aacacemestnciasiee. oe beats. coe aiseteseaioncacee. 158 (a) Inexpediency of bounties in general .............---.---. 153 (6) Estimated cost of exterminating the Sparrows in Ohio by means of bounties. .... 22.02.20 eee eee eee eee ee 154 (¢) Montana’s bounty law on Prairie Dogs and Gronuil Squir- TOS aids dl ciehy aiciasein srarwatoisinsesl ibis siatelaiorels oreieleisie alata erate ersiees 161 (d) Michigan’s bounty law on English Saniean ison aw ele 162 (B) Recommendations to the people ........--...--. pesieseees owas -.--- 164 1. General suggestions, «ses. seec sect vecass vece jowssaeeeceonedosecs 164 2. Use of fire-arms, traps, and poison...-.--.---------.---- --e-ee 164 3. Destruction of nests and disturbance at roosting places..-.-...-. 165 4, Sparrow clubs and shooting matches....-.....-.-.-------- +2205: 166 a. The Sparrow as an article of food......--..---.----------------- 166 Section TuirpD: Legislation affecting the English Sparrow in the United BD AGES iss eins osaceicia aia.d ime sin bia Sa nim rere Sina mia cimumaiae @minraraie ete 167-178 SECTION FourtH: Destruction of the Sparrow by poisons, by Dr. A. K. Fisher .174-178 1. The poisons used in experiments, and the formule for their prep- aration ..... eseeane nn Geee-misonide deme acettincusens 174 2. Cost of poisoned grain.... .. 2-2... eee ene cee nee ee cee eee 175 3. General suggestions -... 2.2. 22-222 cee ee cece ee eee eee 175 4; PréeGautionG) 22% 5 essechsc etese enue aceteeesc dds ee Seoess esse 175 5. Synopsis of experiments....-. . 2-22.22 2-22 eee cee cee eee 176 (a) Experiments with strychnine...........-.--. 2.2.20. ---- 176 (b) Experiments with tincture of nux vomica....--....-.---- 177 (ce) Experiments with corrosive sublimate ..... sxeeeaee sneoee 177 (d) Experiments with white arsenic. ..-....----------------- 177 (e) Experiments with arseniate of soda .........----.------- 177 (f) Experiments with Fowler’s solution...........--.-------- 177 (g) Experiments with London purple.........-.------------- 17 (h) Experiments with Paris green........-...-22------------ 178 SEcTION FirTH: The trapping of Sparrows for sporting purposes, by W. T. Hilo joie ve, obs e Se secede sheeen eaeelveds ee ciclan euieciers ie 173-191 1. History and details of the business........---..--.---+-+--+0 +++ 178 2. English Sparrow catching. Description of apparatus and methods employed. [Illustrated],...-....-.----------------- ie3 SecTION SIXTH: History of the House Sparrow and the European Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) at Saint Louis, Mo., by Otto Wid- MAN Wieyasd os sc Selec cede csc sade sees Shee Sees 191-194 PART II. EvipENceE. SEcTION FirsT: Original testimony in detail (previously unpublished)...... 197-301 (A) Distribution by States ...--...---. 2-2-2 eee eee eee eee ween isis eieate 199 (B) Rate of increase; checks, natural and artificial........-..-----.---.- 232 (C) Injury to buds and foliage ...-.....---..- 2 eee eee nee cee e eee eee 240 (D) Injury to fruits, garden seeds, and vegetables .....--..------ ydaeacmasy 2/248 (E) Injury to grain crops......- 2-2-2. Coenen eee cee eee ee eee Sai Seisceans 252 (F) Relation to other birds... 222. 0.2. 22. cee eee e en cee eee cee eee eee 260 (G) Relation to insects. .... 0... ..ccee ewww e cece ee cece nce e eee cone cee eees 283 8 TABLE OF CONTENTS. Pagé. SEcTION SECOND: Published testimony ...... ..----2- -e2. 2+ --fe eee cee eee es SOL-B57 (A) Outline of the history of the Sparrow question...... masieie viajes taieinysesie 301 (B) Testimony relating mainly to the Sparrow in America ..-....--...--- 304 1. From the American Naturalist 304 Qs PROMS CINCE sscaccrataiararvinssroievarstatecaierscwisrre crete 2b seep uotduelieeeee meee 305 3. From Forest and Stream 2... ..0-00 lecnceceeene nee eee rene ceeeee 305 4. From other periodicals...-..-------22.ceeee ce eeee eee see Owseis 318 5, From other sources ...--- 0-22-2222 2-20 cence ce eee ee eee tenes 324 (C) Relating mainly to the Sparrow in Europe .......-.--.-----+---- +9 330 1. From the evidence submitted to the select committee [of the British Parliament] on wild birds protection, 1873.... 330 2. From ‘‘The House Sparrow” (relating mainly to England) ..-... 341 Part. By Js Hs GUIMe ys jE veces segs ves eae acsee se conrtewaiins 34L Part 2. By Cole, Russell escsececcoccexes sce wees sacar sees 346 _3e Prony other S0Urces sn cce0- ves ece ouseeeeee secee daw ase renews sce s 347 (D) Relating mainly to the Sparrow in Australia -.......--...----------- 348 "1, From the draft progress report of the board of investigation ap- pointed by the governor of South Australia in 1881... 348 2. From the Adelaide Observer (South Australia)......-..--2-2.2---- 353 3. From the Taranaki Herald (New Zealand)....--.-..---.-.-------- 357 SecTION THIRD: List of all persons whose testimony appears in the Bulletin .358-388 INDEX wcdiavz sintdss seen sere tes sons meweeslmsome cee gwsrses {sips e eeekenseeeensacx 3289 NEA ionnade ws numa wien awennmnene Da ndenens eipininip eso ccsune wud at end of volume, PREFATORY LETTER. The English Sparrow question in North America has grown to be a serious problem in economic science, particularly so far as the agricult- ural interests of the country are concerned—and the term agriculture must be here understood ia its broadest and most comprehensive sense as including the grain-growing industries, truck-gardenin g, fruit-grow- ing, the cultivation of flowers and ornamental shrubs and vines, and even forestry. It was deemed proper, therefore, that this question should be made the subject of the first bulletin of the newly established Division of Economie Ornithology and Mammalogy. The information necessary to a complete understanding of the sub- jecé has been collected with great care; the evidence submitted has been honestly weighed, and the results impartially stated. The labor of collecting and arranging for publication the matter con- tained in Part Il, together with the authorship of most of Part I, has fallen upon my assistant, Mr. Walter B. Barrows. Brief portions of Part I, including the tables relating to the increase and spread of the Sparrow, were prepared by myself and are here re- produced withont quotation marks from my annual report for 1886. Section 2 of Part I, consisting of recommendations for legislation and recommendations to the people, has been written jointly by Mr. Barrows and myself. Prof. C. V. Riley, Entomologist of the Department, has kindly con- tributed a full and valuable report on the Insectivorous Habits of the English Sparrow, based chiefly on the examination of stomachs sub- mitted to him by this Division. Section 4, on the Destruction of Sparrows by Poisons, was prepared by Dr. A. K. Fisher, assistant ornithologist, by whom the experiments were conducted.. Section 5, on Trapping the Sparrow, was contributed by Mr. W. T. Hill, who makes a business of trapping Sparrows in Indianapolis, Ind. The cuts illustrating Mr. Hill’s article, together with the description of the apparatus used, were taken from the American Field of January 14, 188%, 9 10 PREFATORY LETTER. *” Section 6, treating of both the English Sparrow (Passer domesticus) and the European Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) in Saint Louis, Missouri, was contributed by the well-known ornithologist, Mr. Otto Widmann. This article is particularly instructiveinasmuch as it emphasizes the con- trast in disposition and habits of two closely related European birds © - which were brought to Saint Louis at about the same time. The present report, as a whole, is believed to be the most systematic, comprehensive, and important treatise ever published upon the economic relations of any bird. C. HART MERRIAM. INTRODUCTION. Questions relating to the English Sparrow were contained in the first circular on economic ornithology issued by the Department of Agricult- ure (in July, 1885). Subsequently these questions were amplified, and daring the year 1886 a special cireular and schedule were prepared, upwards of 5,000 copies of which have been distributed. It has been the aim of the Department, in collecting information on this question, to get as much direct, original, unpublished evidence as possible, and to this end the circulars sent out asked for “facts from personal observation.” It was desired, furthermore, to obtain date from all parts of the country over which the Sparrow had spread, not only in order to map accurately its distribution, but to detect if possi- ble any differences in character or habits which might be due to varied climatic or other conditions. In addition, therefore, to the systematic . distribution of circulars of inquiry among the agriculturists and nat. uralists of the country, requests for information were published in many agricultural and scientific periodicals, as well as in newspapers throughout the country, in the hope that many persons not otherwise reached might become interested in the subject, and be led to detail their own experience. The result has been, in the main, very gratify- ing, and to date there have been received from all these sources replies from about 3,300 persons, nearly two-thirds of whom report the Spar- row already established in their immediate vicinity, and, with very few exceptions, steadily increasing in numbers. The remainder of these 3,300 reports, coming principally from post- masters in sections which the Sparrow has not yet reached, have been used mainly in mapping the limits of its distribution. In addition to the material thus collected, the American Ornitholo- gists’ Union has turned ‘over to the Department of Agriculture the re- sults of its investigations, begun in 1883, on the eligibility or ineligibil- ity of the European House Sparrow in America, This material, com- prising full replies from about 110 persons, was collated and arranged by Dr. F. H. Hoadley, who, from interest in the subject, kindly volun- teered his services. Naturally, the discussion of this subject in America for several years past has led to the publication, in scientific and other periodicals, of a 11 PARED I. SUMMARIES OF EVIDENCE; RECOMMENDATIONS; SPECIAL REPORTS, 15 ENGLISH SPARROW, PASSER DOMESTICUS. From Yarrell. 16 SECTION FIRST.—SUMMARIES OF EVIDENCE, IMPORTATION ; SPREAD; INCREASE; CHEOKS. INTRODUCTION OF THE SPARROW. The English Sparrow* was first brought to this country, so far as authentic information has reached the Department, in the fall of 1850, when the Hon. Nicolas Pike and other directors of the Brooklyn In- stitute imported eight pairs into Brooklyn, N. Y. As this first importation of Sparrows is of much interest, we give in full Mr. Pike’s account of it and of the following importation a year or two later. He says: 4 “Tt was not till 1850 that the first eight pairs were brought from England to the Brooklyn Institute, of which I was then a director. We built a large cage for them, and cared for them during the winter months. Early in the spring of 1851 they were liberated, but they did not thrive. “Tn 1852 a committee of members of the Institute was chosen for the re-introduction of these birds, of which I was chairman. “Over $200 was subscribed for expenses. I went to England in 1852, on my way to the consul-generalship of Portugal. On my arrival in Liverpool I gave the order for a large lot of Sparrows and song birds to be purchased at once. They were shipped on board the steam-ship Europa, if I am not mistaken, in charge of an officer of the ship. Fifty Sparrows were let loose at the Narrows, according to instructions, and the rest on arrival were placed in the tower of Greenwood Cemetery chapel. They did not do well, so were removed to the house of Mr. John Hooper, oue of the committee, who offered to take care of them during the winter. “Tn the spring of 1833 they were all let loose in the grounds of Green- wood Cemetery, and a man hired to watch them. They did well and multiplied, and I have original notes taken from time to time of their increase and colonization over our great country.” *The true name of this bird is the ‘‘ House Sparrow.” The name ‘“ English Spar- row” is a misnomer, as the species is not confined to England, but is native to nearly the whole of Europe. The fact that most of the birds brought to America camo from England explains tho origin of the misleading name by which it is now so widely known that any attempt to change it would be futile. 8404—Bull. 1--—2 17 18 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. Col. William Rhodes, of Quebec, Canada, states that in 1854 he in- troduced Evelish Sparrows at Portland, Me. (Forest and Stream, Vol. VIL, p. 165). Others were introduced there iz 1853 by mr. Thomas Amory Deblois, and about the same time Mr. Jos. Peace Hazard intro- duced them at Peace Dale, R. I. These last birds came from Liver- pool, England, and some escaped in Boston where they were landed. Nothing seems to have been heard of the escaped birds, however, and ten years later they were first regularly introduced into Boston Coin- mon. In 1860, twelve birds were turned loose in Madison Square, New York City; in 1864, they were introduced to Central Park, and two years later two hundred were set free in Union Park, New York City. About the same time they were first fully established in the city of Quebec, Canada, although one or two apparently unsuccessful at- tempts had been made previously. In 1867 forty pairs were imported at New Haven, Conn, and the same year a colony was established at Galveston, Tex. In 1868 about twenty Sparrows were liberated on Boston Common, followed by more the next year, while at the same time twenty were released in Charlestown, Mass., only a mile or two away. This year (1869) wit- nessed the importation, in one lot, of a thousand Sparrows by the city government of Philadelphia; and this probably is the largest single im- portation of Sparrows ever made to this country. ‘Che same year twenty pairs were brought from Europe to Cleveland, Ohio, and sixty-six pairs from New York to Cincinnati, Ohio. Within the next two or three years they were introduced at San Francisco, Cal.; in 1873 a colony was imported and liberated at Salt Lake City, Utah; and about two years later they were introduced at Halifax, Nova Scotia, and at various points in Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Tn many of the cases thus far mentioned it is positively known that the Sparrows were brought to this country from the Old World, and mainly, if not cntirely, from Great Britain and Germany. But no sooner had they become fairly numerous at any of these points than people began to take them thence to other places, sometimes in large numbers, but more often only a few pairs atatime. In most cases these few birds were carefully watched, protected, and fed, and so multiplied rapidly, forming new colonies from which the birds spread steadily without assistance, and more rapidly by suceessive transportations by man. This important factor in the rapid inerease and wide distribution of the Sparrow in America has been too generally ignored, and it is only within the past year that we have come to realize something of the mag- nitude of the “craze” which led so many people to foster and distribute this serious. pest. None of our circulars relating to the Sparrow asked distinctly for information about its importation or introduction, but only for the date of its first appearance. In most cases, therefore, cor- respondents have simply given the information asked, and only an oe- casional observer has alluded to the manner of its coming. DIRECT IMPORTATIONS FROM EUROPE. 19 Yet from the occasional statements thus made, and from various re- liable published records, we have been able to make a list of more than a hundred places in the United States and Canada to which Sparrows have been taken, either by direct importation from the Old World or by transportation from place to place after their arrival in America. From the casual manner in which these data have been obtained it may be considered certain that they represent but a very small fraction of the number of points at which the Sparrow has been introduced; but the early dates of many of the importations, as well as the great dis. tances separating many of the places, are very significant as affording a partial explanation for the unparalleled rapidity with which this bird has overspread the inhabited part of the continent. lists explain themselves : The following TABLE I.—Place3 where English Sparrows have been introduced directly from Europe. Place. Xo. Brooklyn, N. Y Portland, Me .-. Peace Dale, R. I. Boston, Mass..-. New York, N. Y. Rochester, N. Y -.. New Haven, Conn. Galveston, Tex...- Charlestown, Mass Cleveland, Ohio...- Philadelphia, Pa... Salt Lake City, Utah. Akron, Ohio Fort Howard, Wis. Sheboygan, Wis ..-. Iowa City, Iowa &5l and 1852 1se4 and 1 858... 185%, 1868, @ 0 1560, 1864, anid ts . a Between 1865 ani) a7 tO TaBLE II,—Places, not included in Tuble I, where English Sparrows have been introduced, Date. Number. Place. Where obtained. Alahaina: Fufaula...-..----2--200-+ Arkausaa: ILot Springs ---------+---- California: San Francisco _ Stockton Colorado: - Denver .---------4-+--7-° 6 pairs (subseo- quently disap- peared). Connecticut: Norwich. -----+-+++2---- TBD iaaccrcskencises ) Injury to garden seeds. DESTRUCTION OF PEAS. 61 GREEN VEGETABLES. The information collected by the Department, as well as that alreatly published, shows that the Sparrow does a great deal of mischief in gar- dens aside from that done to fruit. In every stage of growth, from the planting of the seed until another crop of seed is gathered, most vege- tables are more or less subject to its attacks, some suffering most at one particular stage of growth, while others are attacked continuously. Peas, corn, lettuce, and cabbage are the vegetables which appear to suffer most while in the green state, but the two latter also suffer very much when ripening their seed. Destruction of peas.—The following testimony shows the Sparrow’s methods in relation to peas: From Henry D. Emery, Chicago, Ill.: They attack and destroy peas as they appear above ground. (December 6, 1884.) From Thomas H. Shoemaker, Philadelphia, Pa. : Many have found it almost impossible to raise peas, as the Sparrow eats them off as fast as they appear above ground. (May 25, 1884.) From P. D. Miller, Schoolcraft, Kalamazoo County, Mich. : Village.—I know persons who had to give up their pea crop this year on account of the Sparrow. (October 11, 1886. Present about nine years.) From Dr. A. K. Fisher, Sing Sing, N. Y.: People living in the village, and who have smail vegetable gardens, complain bit- terly of their inability to raise peas, on account of the depredations of the Sparrow. The Sparrow attacks the plants as soon as they appear above ground, and again from the time the pods are forming until they are matured. (1885. Present abont nine- teen years.) From 8. T. Holbrook, Norwich, Conn.: Ihave seen them eating the leaves of young peas and have seen them feed their young with them. Ihave also seen them eating the leaves of young lettuce. (Au- gust 26, 1886. Present twenty or twenty-five years. ) ‘From E. R. Quellin, Clayton, Barbour County, Ala.: It comes into the garden in flocks, eating the peas and other tender vegetables, (October 20, 1886. Present about three years.) From J. C. Swetland, Sparta, Morrow County, Ohio: It attacks peas when in bloom, in some gardens destroying one-fourth of the crop. (October 18, 1886. Present about three years.) From B. L. Swetland, Mount Vernon, Knox County, Ohio: I have seen them feeding their young on the blossoms of my peas. I am satisfied that we have iost at least one-third of our crop in this way, and they destroy other blossoms. (November 15, 1886. Present about ten years.) From Joseph C. Ratliff, Richmond, Ind.: I saw several killed while picking out and eating peas in a garden, and on exam- ination found the peas in their crops. (November 5, 1886. Present about seventeen years). Much additional testimony on this head will be found in its proper place in another part of this Bulletin, and it may be remarked thatcom- 62 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. plaints of injury to peas have come from every part of the world where the Sparrow has been introduced, as well as from those countries of which it is a native. The fact that no other bird is known to pull up young peas would prevent any possibility of mistake as to the au- thor of the damage, even if the real culprit had not beencaught in the act so frequently. Some few other birds do take green peas from the pod, but in most cases these birds are very scarce wherever Sparrows are abundant. Destruction of garden corn.—Turning now to the subject of the de- struction of corn (maize), we find that the evidence is equally strong, and almost asabundant. It is true that the Sparrow does not so frequently pull up the young plant, but the injury to the grain when “in the milk” fully makes up for all previous neglect. W.C. Clapp, of Dorchester, Suffolk County, Mass., writes: Ho is caught pulling the sprouting sweet corn, flocks of them alighting in the patch and taking almost every kernel, or the tender shoot. Henry Stewart, of Hackensack, N. J., writes: 1t attacks sweet and field corn, tearing open tie husk. (February 5, 1884. Pres- ent about fourteer years. John H. Sage, of Portland, Middlesex County, Conn., writes: It is quite destructive to sweet corn in the garden, stripping the: husks and eating the kernels. (August 16, 1886. Present about seveateen years.) Dr. A. P. Sharp, of Baltimore, Md., says: During the corn season they are very destractive to the silk and top grains, often ruining the whole ear. (February 16, 1887.) fh. H. George, of Simpsonville, Shelby County, Ky., says: 1t will often tear the shucks from the ends of the cars of garden corn, and eat sev- cral inches of green corn or matured grain. (October 15, 1886. Present about seven years. ) G. W. Daugherty, of Carmichaels, Greene County, Pa., says: As regards garden fruits and vegetables, our gardeners report them an intolerable nuisance. They are especially destructive to early sweet-corn, tearing it open on the stalk and eating the end, making it unfit for market and causing it to mold. (Feb- tuary 21, 1887. Present six or seven years. ) William Holmead, of Mount Pleasant, D. C., (suburb of Washington) Says: Sugar and field corn when green are very much damaged by them. They tear the ends of the ears and cut the corn in the same manner as crows. (November 8, 1886, Present about fourtcen years. ) The postmaster at Blaine, Pottawatomie County, Kans., says: Sweet-corn has been injured very much; it has been picked off while in the milk, and the husk pulled off as if done by hand. (October, 1886. Present seven or eight years.) More than a dozen similar reports have been reccived in regard to garden corn, and three times that number in regard to field corn. These latter reports will be found under the head of « injury to grain crops.” DESTRUCTION OF YOUNG VEGETABLES. 63 Destruction of lettuce, cabbage, and other vegetables.—Scores of com- plaints of injury to the sprouts, young plants, buds, and tender shoots of other vegetables than corn and peas have been received, but we have room here for only a few. Mrs. G. 8. F. Stoddard, of South Woodstock, Windham County, Conn., writes : It injures fruits and vegetables. I have known it to destroy a bed of early lettuce. (January 22, 1887.) Davison Greenawalt, of Chambersburgh, Franklin County, Pa., writes : It picks off lettuce when quite small; cabbage, cauliflower, and radish are eaten in the seed-leaf. (September 5, 1886. Present about fourteen years.) Simeon Zellars, of Palmetto, Campbell County, Ga., writes: Itonly cats off small plants when they first come up and are quite tender. (Octo- ber 4, 1886. Present about four years.) Dr. William Weber, of Evansville, Ind., writes: They can do great injury to young vegetables, such as lettuce, peas, cabbage, etc. They clean out bedsof young plantsif the latter are not protected by twigs or branches. (October 15, 1886. Present about thirteen years.) E. B. Engle, of Waynesborough, Franklin County, Pa., writes : It eats early cabbage-plants, peas, lettuce, and other early garden plants. (August 30, 1886. Present six or eight years.) Ruth C. Burton, of Taylorsville, Spencer County, Ky., writes: It is very destructive to young cabbkage-plants, etc. (October 30, 1886. T’resent six or eight years.) Dr. H. D. Moore, of New Lexington, Somerset County, Pa., writes: They destroyed much of the cabbage crop of a neighbor by eating out the tender heart;leaves. (September 13, 1886. Present about eleven years.) Herman Koerner, of Birdseye, Dubois County, Ind., writes: They ate up or ruined all that the worms left me of a large patch of cabbage. (Oc- tober 7,1885. Present about three years.) George M. Neese, of New Market, Shenandoah Couniy, Va., writes: This summer I saw it eat the leaves of young cabbages after they were set, and also beets and peas. It not only cats the leaves of peas but picks off the tender shoots. (August 27, 1886. Present about twelve years.) J. Sparks, of Vanceburgh, Lewis County, Ky., writes : It destroys turnips and peas, eating them off to the ground. (October 20, 1886. Present about seven years.) Prof. D. E. Lantz, of Manhattan, Kans., writes: It eats tender vegetables when quite young. (September 27, 18386. Present about six years.) J.T. Bodkin, of Patriot, Switzerland County, Ind., writes: It is injurious to fruits and vegetables, especially the latter. Last year it ate up my young peas completely, and also preyed on lettuce, bects, strawberries, ctc., while young and tender. (May 24, 1887, Present about three years.) 64 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. E. Odlum, of Pembroke, Ontario, Canada, writes: They are a positive injury to gardens, both flower and vegetablo. They eat almost all kinds of seeds, even the common peas. They attack small shoots of many kinds just coming above the ground, taking nearly every fleshy or pulpy sprout. We have been forced to cover parts of our garden against them. They almost destroyed our cutire plat of sweet peas. (August 25, 1886. Present about twelve years. ) B. F. Maxon, of Westerly, R. I., writes: It eats pea and pepper blossoms, young seed pods of turnips, cabbage, beet, and lettuce, and young tender corn-silk. It also eats into the ends of the ears of green corn, and eats young bect and lettuce plants. (March, 1887. Present about thirteen years. ) Dr. M. C. O’Toole, of Berkeley, Cal.; writes : It has no taste for green vegetables, carrots, parsnips, etc., but will eat them when more agreeable matter is not to be found. (February 17, 18387, Present about three gears. ) Thos. Hardeman, of Macon, Ga., writes : It feeds upon sunflower seed and green herbs, and plucks to some extent the flowers of the squash, cucumber, etc. (October 11, 1886. Present ten to fifteen years.) Dr. E. Sterling, of Cleveland, Ohio, writes: Last snmmer I was shown by a gardener a hundred tuberose plants, the buds on every one of which had been eaten out by the Sparrow. (February 25, 1884.) GARDEN SEEDS. The injury to garden seeds is hardly so severe as might be expected in view of the fact that the Sparrow is so destructive to green vegetables, and that his natural food is seed. Nevertheless, a reference to the sum- mary of evidence on this point shows that the injuries are far from in- significant. Not infrequently the Sparrow scratches up seeds of various kinds, and especially such as are sown broadcast and imperfectly covered. The following exainples serve to illustrate this point : From Aug. Barthel, Belleville, Saint Clair County, Ill. : It destroys all seeds sown in the garden, and if prevented from eating them, it eats lettuce, spinach, ete. It alsp eats the vines of peas, ete. (September 2, 1886. Pres- ent many years.) From H. Harris, Union Springs, Bullock County, Ala. : It will scratch up seed when first planted ; it is as bad as if you were to turn into a newly planted garden 50 chickens. What it does not eat when it is planted is fin- ished after it goes to seed. (September 17 and 24, 1886. Present about six years.) From J. W. Johnson, Meriwether, Edgefield County, S. C.: Tt will scratch for garden seeds as soon as they are planted. (August 24, 1886. Present five years.) From Edward T. Keim, Dubuque, Iowa: In one case grass seed was planted on a lawn, and troops of Sparrows devoured every seed. (August 19, 1886. Present about ten years.) DESTRUCTION OF GARDEN SEEDS. 65 Many similar instanees will be found under the head of injury to grain. But the destruction of seed when ripening is an injury of still greater importance. Destruction of Seed of Lettuce, Cabbage, and Turnip—A majority of the complaints relate to the seeds of lettuce, turnip, and cabbage, and the combined losses from injuries to the seeds and young plants of these three vegetables are often very serious, as will appear from a glance at the following examples taken from the abundant evidence on this ques- tion : From H. Volkening, Lenzburgh, Saint Clair County, Il: It ruins cabbage and other vegetables planted for seed. (October 4,1886. Present about three yéars. ) From Pat. W. Floyd, Burlington, Coffey County, Kansas : I hive observed Jettuce entirely stripped of the seed; and through dissection of specimens taken in the vicinity, have found the food to be almost entirely vegetable. (October 12, 1886. Present three or four years. ) From Thomas Shroyer, Preston, Hamilton County, Ohio: It is only by careful watching that the country gardener can save seeds of any veg- etables or flowers. (September 23, 1886. Present about eleven years.) ‘From Elisha Slade, Somerset, Bristol County, Mass. : The destruction of the seeds of vegetables and flowers is enormous. It is bogun before they are ripe, almost as soon as they are formed, and continues through the season. Often it is impossible to save the seeds from these birds unless the plants arc covered by netting. (October 19, 1885.) The sced of cabbage, turnip, carrot, lettuce, etc., is attacked before it is ripe enough to be gathered, (August 20, 1886. Present about twelve years.) From H. M. Jennings, gardener and seedsman, Rochester, N. Y.: Some kinds of seed it is next to impossible to grow; for example, lettuce, cabbage, andturnip. * * * The Sparrows get into our dry-houses and peck and destroy if not kept away. (February 12, 1887. Present twelve years.) From F. 8. Platt, seedsman and florist, New Haven, Conn.: They destroy many hundreds of dollars worth of seeds each year. (1884.) In our seed-gardens we have to keep a boy all the time during the day to keep the Sparrows from wasting turnip, cabbage, and seeds of this class. (September 9, 1886.) From Thomas Chalmers, Holyoke, Hampden County, Mass.: The Sparrow eats the sceds of the turnip, cabbage, rape, flax, and hemp, as well as the seeds of weeds and grasses, cultivated or wild. (March 6, 1884. Present about fifteen years.) From W. A. Wright, Burlington, Carroll County, Ind.: Peas, and the seed of radish, beet, and cabbage, are the principal vegetables on which it feeds in June and July, and sunflower seed later on. (September 21, 1886. Present sixteen years or more.) From J. C. Allen, Olney, Richmond County, Il: It strips the sunflower and hemp of all their seed. (September, 1886. Present about twelve years.) Destruction of Sunflower Seed.—The complaints of injury to sunflower seed outnumber those relating to any other single kind of garden seed, 8404—B.ull. 1-—-5 66 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. and where Sparrows are abundant such seed can not profitably be raised. Following are a few reports bearing on this subject: Col. Randolph Harrison, of Richmond, Va., writes : The greatest pest which our sunflower had was the English Sparrow, which de- voured tbe seed as fast as it matured. (October, 1887.) W. T. Cunningham, of Danville, Vermillion County, Ill., writes: It takes all sunflower sced that is not protected. (September 4, 1886. Present about ten years.) S. RB. Ingersoll, of Cleveland, Ohio, writes : To growers of sunflower sced it is very troublesome, eating nearly all the seed. (September 1, 1886. Present about fourteen years.) Fred. Mather, of Cold Spring Harbor, Suffolk County, N. Y., writes: The yellow-bird and the English Sparrow eat up a big share of the sunflower seed which I raise for my fowls. (I’ebruary 17, 1887.) H. ©. Hull, of Meriden, Conn., writes: I had about one hundred sunflowers, and the Sparrows devoured the seed in about two days. (August 31, 1826. Present sixteen years.) Aside from purely negative statements, unsupported by evidence of any kind, very few reports favorable to the Sparrow on this question have been received. The usual number report “no injury to seeds observed;” varied occasionally to “little injury noted,” or “ no damage of any account.” More rarely a definite and favorable reply has been received. The tive following reports may be taken as fair samples of the evidence favorable to the Sparrow as regards vegetables and garden seeds: From John T. M. Hairn, Lexington, Oglethorpe County, Ga.: Ihave watched its habits closely and know that it does not injure fruits or veg- etables. It picks up from the ground any seed, such as clover or cabbage, but does not unearth any seed, or take it out of thehead. (September25, 1886. Present about four years.) From M. M. Murphy, Ripley, Brown County, Ohio: Ihave never found them any detriment to my garden. (November 12, 1886. Pres- ent about ten years.) From Judge John ©, Ferriss, Nashville, Tenn. : It is a blessing to any community that raises vegetables. (November 12, 1886. Present about eight years.) From John D. Hicks, Old Westbury, Queens County, N. Y.: It does not injuro garden fruits and vegetables with us, except that it occasionally picks out and eats the onds of some sweet corn in the garden, thus in a small way in- juring the car. (August 16, 1884.) From A. V. Coffin, Le Roy, Coffey County, Kans. : I have not observed any injury to fruits or vegetables by the Sparrow. It has been of service by eating the seeds of the native sunflower, but it also eats the seed of lettuce, flax, and artichoke. (October 8, 1886. Present about two years.) Destruction of Weed Seed and Grass Seed.—This last example sug- gests a point which has been more frequently urged in favor of the Sparrow in the Old World than iu the United States, namely, the serv- DESTRUCTION OF WEED SEEDS. 67 ice done by consuming the seeds of weeds. There can be no question that the bird does eat many weed seeds, but it is very questionable if this is in reality of any considerable consequence. It is impossible to define the term weed perfectly. A weed is simply a plant out of place. Almost any useful plant may become a weed if it grows in the wrong place, and conversely almost any weed may be valued as a gar- den plant under some circumstances. Our various grasses, native and introduced, are valuable plants in their proper places, but become trou- blesome weeds when they grow unbidden in our gardens. The Sparrow eats the seeds of such grasses wherever and whenever he finds them, and the act is good, bad, or indifferent according to circumstances. In the field or by the roadside this habit is of little account either way and in the garden but few grasses are allowed to ripen seed; if they did, however, and the Sparrow destroyed it all, most grasses would still spread by the root. Moreover, the Sparrow destroys many useful seeds as well. The Sparrow is an unquestionable nuisance in eating grass seed when sown on lawns and about houses, frequently scratching it up, or pluck- ing and eating the tender sprouts as they come through the ground. Mr. William Saunders, superintendent of the garden and grounds of the Department of Agriculture, at Washington, D. C., testifies: It is very difficult to start grass anywhere about the grounds, as the Sparrows eat the seed as fast as sown. Similar trouble has been experienced in the Smithsonian grounds and elsewhere in Washington, as well as in other cities where Sparrows are abundant. The dissection of Sparrows has established the fact that they eat almost every kind of seed obtainable, though certain kinds are always preferred if there is a choice. Among vegetables we have seen already that cabbage, turnip, and lettuce are preferred, and that sunflower secd is a special favorite. Among grains, wheat seems to be preferred above everything else, and oats stand nextin favor. Among grasses, those with large seeds are preferred, and the fox-tailed grasses (Setaria), so closely allied to millet or Hungarian grass, are much sought after. Among weeds, the genus Polygonum, including the bind weeds (and also the buckwheat), heads the list, and as some species of this genus are sure to be found in almost every unoccupied city square or waste place in the outskirts of the city, the seed forms a pretty constant factor in the Sparrow’s food in summer and autumn. Out of 522 stomachs of English Sparrows examined at the Depart- ment of Agriculture during the past summer (1887), 102 contained grass seed and 85 contained weed seed. In nearly all cases where many Spar- rows have been dissected in summer and fall, considerable quantities of weed seed have been found. And yet it is very probable that in ninety-nine out of every hundred cases in which such seed had been eaten no particular benefit had been conferred on anyone, the seed being 68 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. mainly from roadsides and waste places, so that its consumption did neither good nor harm, except in so far as it served to divert the atten- tion of the Sparrow and prevent it satisfying itself with other and per- haps more valuable food. INJURY TO GRAIN, In reply to the question relating to injury to grain crops, 750 answers have been received, of which number 183 are favorable to the Sparrow, 562 are unfavorable, and 5 are of mixed character. Although the question called specifically for information as to grain crops, it is probable that some replies refer only to the consumption of scattered grain, and not to the grain iu the field or stack; but as such information naturally has a direct bearing on the latter question, most of this evidence has been summarized, omitting only such parts as refer solely to the consumption of waste grain in the streets, this latter point having been fully discussed already in its bearings upon the in- crease and spread of the Sparrow. The reports submitted came from 31 States, the Territory of Utah, the District of Columbia, and the Dominion of Canada. The States sending the largest number of reports were: Favora- | Unfa- Favora- | Unfa- States. ble. | vorable. States: ble: | vorable. Michigan wea 20 65 Pennsylv ADIN cc weecicsec aces 7 28 Ohio...... 8 a GROr 1D scise-sta we siemieaaias vcteaten 15 2b Tndtaaia a 5 54 Iowa ...... 13 10 New York 12 5 Massachuset: 6 16 Kentucky 22 29 New Jersey - 3 17 Illinois... 24 29 Kansas..-... ~ Canada sent 22. reports; 9 favorable, 12 unfavorable, and 1 indifferent. The following table will give some idea of the Sparrow’s preferences in regard to grain, butit should be remembered that asa rule Sparrows take that which can be obtained most readily, and the fact that in some sections one kind of grain is grown to the practical exclusion of all oth- ers will account for the apparent preference of Sparrows in that re- gion for that particular grain. ee No.of ob- No. of ob- Grain injured. servers re- Grain injured, servers re- porting. porting. Wheat 275 Rice 8 Oats 107 Buckwheat 6 Rye... 43 Grainor grain crops, kinds not peci- Barley 18 Bel acacastershantawacnononavageuny 185 Indian corn i ou 3t Small grain, kinds not specified ..... 28 Millet” .....-. 5 20 Cereals, kinds not specilied ......... 14 Sorghum.. * 7 Clover or grass seed ....... 8 ‘*Millo maize” ( -aviety of sorghum)... 9 Seeds, kinds not specified 12 Other varieties of sorghum ..-........ 9 INJURY TO GRAIN CROPS. 69 INJURY TO WHEAT. This erop suffers from the time of sowing until it is stored in the barn or elevator, and even then the Sparrows frequently find a way to get at and deveur it. The period during which the greatest damage is done lasts from the time itis “in the milk” until it is threshed, but quite frequently, as the following reports show, considerable damage is done on newly sown fields. George Wyckoff, of Mears, Oceana County, Mich., writes: I have heard several complaints from farmers of its working on new-sown wheat. (October 7, 1886. Present about three years.) James P. Melzer, of Milford, Hillsborough County, N. G., writes: If very abuudant it would consume the grain as planted. It pulls it up for a few days after it comes up. (August 28, 1886. Present about ten years.) , A. H. Mundt, of Fairbury, Livingston County, Il., writes: It loves wheat grains and many other kinds which it scratches out and eats. (Oc- tober 6, 1886. Present five or six years.) Edward T. Keim, of Dubuque, Iowa, writes: Every seed that is not well covered is at once detected and eaten. (August 19, 1886. Present about ten years.) Dr. A. P. Sharp, of Baltimore, Md., writes: Being here the year round they destroy the fall sowing of wheat and other grain, and are at work on the young grain inthe spring. Ihave killed them in the fall up to December, and have seldom failed to find their craws full of wheat, showing that they must destroy uch of the seed wheat, for I can think of no other way of getting it. I have often seen at least fifty on a shock of wheat, as they go in flocks when the young are about three-fourths grown. (February 16, 1887.) It seems almost superfluous to cite here any instances of the destruc- tion of wheat in the field, as the reader can turn directly to the evidence under the head of grain crops, and read page after page of the most positive proof that the Sparrow does injure wheat most seriously. The absurdity of the claim that Sparrows are confined to cities and large towns is shown over and over again by this evidence, for scores of wit- nesses testify to serious losses of grain on fields ata distance from any large city, although it is doubtless true that the injury is generally greatest within a radius of ten miles from a large town or city. The following examples of testimony on this point are suggestive. ‘From George Sibbald, of Aberdeen, Brown County, Obio: My farm is so situated as to be the nearest feeding-grounds for great numbers of Sparrows, as there is a village on one side and a city in front. The Sparrows at this writing are coming by thousands to feed on the wheat. (June 10, 1887.) From Jason E. Nichols, Lansing, Mich. : It leaves the city in flocks, and eats wheat as it grows in the field, and also as it stands in the stack before threshing. (August 26, 1886.) From George P. Lowell, of San Francisco, Cal.: In the fall of the year it migrates to grain fields in the immediate vicinity of the city. (June, 1887, Present more than ten years.) 70 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. From Dr. Daniel Berry, of Carmi, White County, LL: In the town they organize foraging parties for excursions into the country. I have seen hundreds of them busy among the wheat shocks. (October 6, 1886. Present about ten years. ) From Dr. Ormsby Gray, of Shelbyville, Ky.: As soon as the head matures it begins to visit wheat fields in large flocks and eat the grain; in fact it almost disappears from the town for two or three days at a time while foraging. (October 12, 1886. Present about eight years.) Fiom Robert D. Camp, of New Haven, Conn.: I have noticed for a number of years the diminished number of Sparrows in the city during the harvesting, and upon inquiry among the neighboring farmers I find that they make their way to the country during that season. (April, 1887. Present fifteen years or more.) From J. L. Davison, of Lockport, Niagara County, N. Y.: I have known it to leave the city by hundreds and feed upon a wheat field adjoin- ing Glenwood Cemetery. The estimated damage was one-fourth of the crop. (Octo- ber 10, 1885.) From Joseph C. Ratliff, of Richmond, Ind.: It is very destructive ta wheat before and after it iscut. I saw its depredations in wheat fields last summer, four or five miles out of the city. (November 5, 1886, Present about seventeen years. ) From H. F. Work; New Washington, Clark County, Ind.: It injures grain crops, especially wheat; almost wholly destroying standing crops in the vicinity of large towns, and preying on the same in shock and stack. (April 21, 1887.) From Dr. George L. Andrew, of La Porte, Ind.: It has already becowe a pest to the grain fields in the immediate vicinity of towns. During the last wheat harvest I rode over the country around Hamilton, Ohio, and by carriage to Cincinnati, and all the fields observed had suffered for a rod or two around the edges, in many cases the grain having been ‘cleaned out” entirely, (September 9, 1886. Present about six years.) William N. Ponton, of Belleville, Ont., Canada, writes: Vhen it can get grain it will not touch anything else. Wheat especially is its prey, and on my own farm here on the shores of the Bay of Quinte, three acres of fall wheat were absolutely eaten up by Sparrows, and by Sparrows alone. (September 27, 1884.) The habit of working around the edges of a field seems to be char- acteristic of the Sparrow, and is mentioned in scores of reports. Black- birds, rice-birds, and others which damage grain are more apt to avoid the edges of the fields and settle in the midst of the grain, where they are less likely to be disturbed, but the Sparrow scorns to seek safety in the same way, but feeds unmolested wherever he chooses. William McBrown, of Fall River, Greenwood County, Kans., writes: It will eat every grain of wheat or other small grain that time will permit. “Along hedges I haye seen wheat stripped of every grain for many feet iuto the field. (October 8, 1886. Present about two years.) Jabez Webster, of Centralia, Marion County, IIl., writes: When cloyed with raspberries they would go in flocks to a wheat field close by, and for hours fly backwards and forwards from the hedge to the field until a strip of wheat a rod wide was cleaned out. (December 21, 1886. Present about seven years.) INJURY TO WHEAT. 71 Dr. A. K. Fisher wrote from Ann Arbor, Mich., under date of July 2, 1887: Yesterday while passing a small field (about two acres) of wheat, a flock of about 500 English Sparrows flew out. I shot one and found its throat filled with the grain. I walked along by the fence, and, as nearly as I could judge, at least one-half the grain had been removed from the heads. The two following reports are examples of testimony as to damage to wheat before it is ripe. Very many more will be found scattered through the evidence further on. From C. S. Plumb, Geneva, Ontario County, N. Y.: It does great injury to wheat and oats, shelling the heads from the milk state to harvesting. It also works at the stacks, and persistently at the fields. Farmers in this portion of the State complain to me that the Sparrow is of late becoming very injurious to wheat fields. (August 28, 1886.) From H.H. Miller and other members of County Farmers’ club, Sandy Spring, Montgomery County, Md.: From the time the wheat is in the milk until it is thrashed, the Sparrow is in con- stant attendance. In barns, on the outsides of the mow and to a depth of 6 or 8 inches, not a head escapes. (February 16, 1887. Present about eight years. ) While the wheat is in the milk considerable damage is done by breaking down the stalks, in addition to the kernels actually eaten. As the grain ripens, however, far more damage is done by shaking and beating it out of the heads, so that probably much more is scattered on the ground and lost than is actually eaten. This is equally true of some other grains, as shown by evidence given a little further on. As the grain is cut the Sparrows frequent the’stubble and pick up some scattered kernels, but they are tar too knowing to waste much time on the ground so long as the shocks of grain are leftstanding in the field. From the abundant testimony on this score we select a few examples, and some of these show also how the Sparrow follows the grain from shock to stack and from stack to crib, causing loss to the farmer at every step. From Prof. B. W. Evermann, Bloomington, Monroe County, Ind.: Near my house is a wheat field in which the wheat stood in shocks for several weeks this summer. Hundreds of Sparrows resorted to this field and fed upon the grain, so that the outside sheaves had but little left. (August 25, 1886. Present about eleven years.) From A. B. Ghere, Frankfort, Clinton County, Ind.: I have seen hundreds of these birds on and around a single shock of wheat. (Au- gust 27, 1886. Present about eight years.) From J. G. Kingsbury, Indianapolis, Ind.: They are destroying a great deal of wheat in this vicinily now. They bend the heads to the ground, eat part and waste the rest. After the wheat. is cut they cover the shocks and eat all the heads exposed. (June 25, 1887. Present eight or ten years. ) 72 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. From L. N. Bonham, Oxford, Butler County, Ohio: Ihave known it to clean every grain of wheat fromthe cap-sheaf and exposed heads in a ten-acre field of wheatin shock. Near the village it attacks the heads be- fore the grain is put in shock. (November 29, 1886. Present about eight years.) From A. T. Keister, Blacksburgh, Montgomery County, Va.: It destroyed for me alone six or eight shocks of wheat last season. (November 15, 1886. Present five years or more.) From Davison Greenawalt, Chambersburgh, Franklin County, Pa.: This summer I saw six acres of wheat in shock which was completely picked clean on top and sides, as far as could be reached, by the Sparrow. (September 5, 1886. Present about fourteen years. ) From Edward Burrough, Merchantville, N. J.: Clouds of them gather in the wheat fields, and the grain for a distance of 25 feet next the fence is thrashed out and the ground coated with chaff. (September 2, 1886. Present about ten years. ) From Samuel N. Rhoades, Haddonfield, N. J.: As the young of the first and second broods are often fully fledged by July, the united attacks of these with the parents on standing wheat are inevitable, and near towns, appalling. Should the mow or wheat stack be unthrashed, by midwinter not an exposed head has a grain in it, and the birds, like mice, will fairly burrow inside several inches for more grain. Oats in shock, and corn in crib, are also levied on heavily. (September 9, 1886. Present twenty-five or thirty years.) From J. A. Dakin, Tully, Onondaga County, N. Y.: I havo seen large flocks tearing down wheat in the field, and vats and barley in the stack and field. In some instances several acres have been destroyed in this way. (September 10, 1886. Present about eight years.) From U. G. Gordon, Barry, Cuyahoga County, Ohio: The Sparrows are the worst birds we have. I have seen wheat fields and oat fields in the vicinity of Cleveland which were injured at least one-half. (September 7, 1886.) From the postmaster at Bowling Green, Warren County, Ky.: It has been observed to alight on shocks of grain and leave nothing but the straw. (October 3, 1886. Present about eight years.) From T. D. Barron, Saint Clair, Mich.: I know fields of wheat and oats which it has almost destroyed. One small wheat field within the limits of the city was one-third wasted by what was shelled out both before and after it was cut. (October 7, 1886. Present eight or ten years.) From Ransom A. Moore, Kewaunee, Wis. : Several in this vicinity have had their crops almost ruined by iis depredations about the time the grain was ripening. (November 8, 1886. Present about two years.) From Charles M. Clapp, Albion, Noble County, Ind.: Ihave known of their picking out of the head all the grain in sight on top of shocks and stacks of both wheat and oats. (October 14, 1886. Present five or six years. ) From William Holmead, Mount Pleasant, District of Columbia (suburb of Washington): In 1882 I had part of my farm in wheat. After cutting and shocking it the Spar- rows came by thousands and destroyed every head of grain exposed; after it was INJURY TO OATS. 13 stacked preparatory to thrashing, they covered the whole stack. I had to shoot at them two or three times a day to scare them away, and upon thrashing my wheat it was estimated that fully one-tenth of the crop was destroyed. One of my neighbors estimated that one-half of his wheat was eaten by the Sparrows last year. ‘This year I had about four acres in oats. After the oats were put in the barracks the field was filled with thousands of Sparrows, and when they had cleaned the field they at- tacked the oats in the barracks, and I think they got every oat that was exposed. (November 8, 1886. Present about fifteen years. ) When wheat or other grain is grown in small quantities, for exper- imental purposes, it is liable to be severely damaged by the Sparrow, especially if planted near towns or cities. We append two or three complaints on this score from the many received : Andrew Gray, of Willoughby, Lake County, Ohio, in a letter to Hon. Norman J. Colman, Commissioner of Agriculture, says: This is to inform you that I drilled in the seed wheat you sent me in one corner of the field that I sowed to Clawson. Isowed it on rich, swdy soil and it came through the winter well and gave promise of a splendid crop, especially the Dieht Mediterranean, which looked the most promising, although the Marlin amber did very well. But, alas for human hopes! About four or five days before it was ready to cut IT went to see how it was getting along and found that the English Sparrows had harvested the crop. Their first choice was the Martin amber; the next was the Diehl Mediterranean; aud the last the Clawson. Isaved about apeckof seed trom the two kinds. I think Ican safely say that I would have got as ruch as one and one-half bushels of seed from the two quarts of seed sent, if the Sparrows had let it alone. They are a nuisance! They used up as much as five bushels of wheat for me this year, and as many oats. (October 25, 1886. ) William B. Alwood, of the Ohio State University, near Columbus, Ohio, writes: It never fails to attack our wheat fields in unlimited numbers about ten days before ripening; and each year we are compelled to resort to shooting. On the plats of the experiment station many varieties of our cereals would be utterly ruined unless watched with care. The Sparrows attack indiscriminately wheat, oats, and barley, but they attack the wheat with such force and persistency that many times the heads are completely broken down over rods of space. (July 16, 1887. Present more than ten years.) J. F. C. Hyde, of Newton Highlands, Middlesex County, Mass., writes: It is very injurious to grain crops, taking nearly or quite all in some cases. I had a new variety of wheat which I was growing for seed, and they took every grain. (February 11, 1884.) INJURY TO OATS. Next to wheat the Sparrow seems to prefer oats, and numerous instances of heavy loss to this crop have been reported by our corre- spondents. , The following may be taken as samples of the evidence on this point: From Dr. M. C. O'Toole, Berkeley, Cal.: It will eat every kind of grain, and in large quantities, but wheat is injured more than oats or barley. (February 17,1887. Present about three years.) 74 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. From Frank 8. Platt, New Haven, Conn.: A short time ago I cradled a small piece of oats, and the Sparrows gathered on the shocks in such flocks that I shot fifty-four with one barrel and thirty-five with the other. (September 9, 1886. Present fifteen years or more.) From Robert W. Barrell, South Bethlehem, Northampton County, Pa.: : I once saw about an acre of oats almost entirely destroyed by the Sparrows. They also do great damage to Egyptian rice; a moderate-sized flock will destroy an acre in aseason. (September 16, 1886.) From H. B. Bailey, East Orange, Essex County, N. J.: It totally destroyed a field of ripe oats back of our house, so that the owner cut it down for bedding. Others tell me they have witnessed the same thing. (February 7,1884. Present ten years or more.) From Dr. E. Sterling, Cleveland, Ohio: The only instance I know of in which the Sparrows threatened serious injury to grain was on a farm where a man killed 102 of them at four shots into a small flock that was inspecting his seed oats; and the owner tells me that if he had not slaugh- tered and driven them off, he would not have gathered a bushel of oats from his acre and a-half. (February 25, 1884.) From H. Volkening, Lenzburgh, Saint Clair County, Ill: Farmers say the Sparrow destroys about five per cent. of the wheat, and especially oats, in the field. (October 4, 1886. Present about three years.) From Elisha Slade, Somerset, Bristol County, Mass.: Bird for bird, or collectively, they are more destructive to rye, oats, barley, and Indian corn, than crows and blackbirds. The English Sparrows are enormous eaters, and so semi-domestic are they that it is not easy to scare them away from the grain fields. They cling to the shock and stack with grain-loving tenacity. (August 20, 1886. Present about twelve years. ) INJURY TO RYE AND BARLEY. Although between forty and fifty reports of injury to rye have been received, it is evident that for some reason it is much less often attacked than either of the grains already mentioned. The same is true, but to a still greater extent, with regard to barley, for many observers state that the Sparrow will not touch barley so long as it can get anything else. Nevertheless, there are doubtless times when these grains suffers considerably from the attacks of the Sparrow. Hubert L. Clark, of Amherst, Mass., writes: It is here continually except about the time the rye crop is gathered; it then visits the fields and does much damage to the rye. (October 2, 1885.) J. T. Bodkin, of Patriot, Switzerland County, Ind., writes: It works on wheat, rye, and oats, and on corn while young and tender. I have ex- amined one or two dead ones and found their craws filled with wheat and rye. (May 24,1887. Present about threv years. ) INJURY TO FIELD CORN. The injury to garden corn has already been spoken of, but it should be noted that the Sparrow does not confine its raids to gardens, but at- INJURY TO CORN AND SORGHUM. 15 tacks and seriously injures field corn, especially whilein the milk. The following is but a small part of the testimony on this subject, and a careful consideration of all which has been collected shows that the Sparrow threatens to be » dangerous enemy to this crop in the future. From Dr. Fred. Sumner Smith, West Hartford, Conn. : I can speak from observation of their raids on corn, some ears being completely stripped of kernels, the little pests lhusking and sheliing as they went along, so that not a shock in the field escaped them. (November, 1885.) From J. N. Bagg, West Springfield, Mass. : It strips down green corn in the fields, sometimes one-third or more the length of the ear, and is doing’so now. (September 7, 1683. Present five or six years. ) From G. W. Daugherty, Carmichael’s, Greene County, Pa.: It tears open the shucks of standing corn so as to admit the rain or wet, causing it to mold or rot. (February 21, 1887. Present six or seven years. ) From Dr. B. H. Warren, West Chester, Pa.: They greatly damage the corn crop, tearing open the husk, devouring the tender part of the ear, and exposing the remainder to the ravages of insects and to atmos- pheric changes. (January, 1887.) From Thomas Shroyer, Preston, Hamilton County, Ohio: We have seen many fields of corn bordering its resorts, where the cars were greatly damaged while yet soft. (September 23, 1886. Present about eleven years.) From G. C. Bunsen, West Belleville, Saint Clair County, IIl.: I recently saw a flock in my cornfield and gave them credit for destroying grass- hoppers, which they will do occasionally; on examination, however, I found they were in partnership with the latter, eating out the corn which the grasshoppers had laid bare. (Autumn, 1885.) From T. 8. Williams, Dupont, Jefferson County, Ind.: They s:tit the husk on corn as soon as it is in the milk, and eat and destroy large quantities of it. (October 6, 1836. Present about six years.) INJURY TO SORGHUM. The several varieties of sorghum are known in different parts of the country by so many different names that it is not always possible to tell just what is meant when a person complains of injury to his crop and gives the local name of the variety of grain attacked. In most cases the names Egyptian rice, Russian millet, pearl willet, chicken corn, Millo maize, etc., denote varieties of sorghum, and the Sparrow has proved very destructive to seed of this kind, wherever grown. W. H. Wherritt, of Lancaster, Garrard County, Ky., writes: I have known it to destroy the whole crop of sorghuin seed. (October 11, 1886. Present eight or nine years. ) Ruth C. Burton, of Taylorsville, Spencer County, Ky., writes: It injures wheat fields and the seed top of sorghum. (October 30, 1886. Presect six or eight years, ) H. F. Barrell, of New Providence, Union County, N. J., writes: A few years since I had about one-fourth of an acre of the so-called Egyptian rice destroyed by these pests. (1885. Present about twenty years.) i 76 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. Lloyd McKim Garrison, of Orange, N. J., writes: In our neighborhood grain is very little grown ; a neighbor, however, has planted Russian millet for fodder and the grain of this is devoured by the Sparrows with alarming rapidity. (February 11, 1834. Present many years. ) William Saunders, superintendent of garden and grounds of the Department of Agriculture, at Washington, D. C., says: The seed of ornamental grasses is taken as fast as it matures, and can only he saved by bagging the heads before they ripen. . When experimenting with sorghum the sawe trouble was experienced, and some experiments failed from this cause alone. (April 13, 1887.) Thoinas Hardeman, of Macon, Ga., writes: Millo maize and millet are not suffered to ripen their seed. (October 11, 1886. Present ten or fifteen years. ) Many other reports of injury to “millet” have been received, and probably in most cases this term is used to indicate a species of Setaria, also known as Hungarian grass. Mr. E, L. Brown, of Eufaula, Barbour County, Ala., writes: It eats millet seed before it fully matures. It is impossible to save such seed. (September 17, 1886. Present about four years.) Mary Tuttle, of West Windsor, Eaton County, Mich., writes: Millet fields have Leen quite destroyed by the Sparrow. (October 14, 1886. Pres- ent about two years.) The late Dr. J. M. Wheaton, of Columbus, Ohio, wrote: I have seen large flocks feeding on the seed of Hungarian grass in the autumn. (April 18, 1884. Present about twelve years.) M. Abbott.Frazar, Mount Auburn, Middlesex County, Mass., writes: July 30 I planted about 50 square yards with Hungarian grass. Two weeks of dry weather followed and the grass did not come up. From fifty to two hundred English Sparrows camped there during all this time and busied themselves with scratching up seeds. When the grass did come up it was badly injured. (Autumn, 1885.) INJURY TO RICE. Wherever the Sparrow has reached the rice-growing districts he has damaged the rice to a greater or less extent, but this crop annually suf- fers so severely from the attacks of rice-birds and blackbirds that the presence of a few English Sparrows is often overlooked. Inthe Middle States the rice-bird or bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) feeds largely on the so-called wild rice (Zizania aquatica), and often the Sparrow may be found feeding in the same places. F. T. Cuthbert, of Plainfield, N. J., writes: Tt feeds extensively upon wheat, grass seed, and all the smaller grains. In the wild-rice pads it mingles with the bobolink and fattens on the rice. (February, 1887.) Further South it has already attacked the rice-fields, although its in- juries as yet have attracted little attention, except in the rice districts of Louisiana, INJURY TO RICE AND BUCKWHEAT. U7 W. C. Percy, jr., of Black Hawk, Concordia Parish, La., writes: During the summer of 1886 it destroyed quantities of corn, oats, and rice. It is worse on corn and oats than any other bird. (September 15, 1886. Present about two years.) The postmaster at Edgard, Saint John Baptist Parish, La., writes: It injures rice seed very much [in the spring], and annoys farmers very much when the crop is ready to harvest. (October 7, 1886. Present two years.) E. J. Engman, of Concession, Plaquemines Parish, La., writes: Ican not say when the Sparrows first appeared here, but it is only within two years that we have noticed them on the rice-fields, where they come in flocks, and are more destructive than the blackbird or rice-bird Being so tame, they are very troublesome, as you can not scare them as you can the rice-bird. Last year they were very numerous during planting and harvesting. This spring I do not see as many, but they are making their appearance very fast, and every one is troubled more or less. (April 21, 1886. Present two or three years. ) The losses occasioned to rice-growers by the depredations of migra- tory birds are so heavy already that many planters have preferred to abandon the culture of rice rather than keep up the expensive warfare which is necessary in order to save any large proportion of the crop. By early planting it is sometimes possible to harvest a part of the crop before the rice-birds arrive from the north, but should the English Spar- row once obtain a strong foothold in the rice districts, and increase as rapidly as he has done elsewhere, the rice-grower will be compelled to fight a species which is present the entire year, which multiplies more than twice as rapidly as any native bird, and wl:ich is so ravenous and at the same time so cunning tbat it can ‘mot be combatted successfully with the same means employed against the native birds. INJURY TO BUCKWHEAT. One other crop suffers from the Sparrow’s depredations wherever it is grown. This is buckwheat, of which the bird is very fond, attacking it under almost all circumstances. As buckwheat is not grown exten- sively, however, we have not received any large number of complaints as yet; but the two following show that the Sparrow is true to his nat- ure, and will not neglect his opportunities. From A. H. Boies, Hudson, Lenawee County, Mich.: I have seen large flocks settle on buck wheat. (August 19, 1886. Present about eleven years.) From Hi. J. Gaylord, Binghamton, Broome County, N. Y.: He destroys buckwheat while it is standing in the field. Thousands of them are in my field to-day. (September 26, 1885.) NEGATIVE EVIDENCE. There is no side of this grain question which can be fairly said to be favorable. The question of benefit from eating weed-seed has al- ready been discussed, and the few reports which claim that the Sparrow 78 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA., does not attack grain crops under any circumstances must be entirely ruled out, or rather relegated to the category of purely negative evi- dence, and labeled “claims not substantiated.” There remain, of course, some reports which are only mildly hostile to the Sparrow, or are even favorable as far as they go, but these need no comment except, perhaps, the statement that they are evidently honest opinions, and are entitled to respect as such. Weiusert a few samples, which explain themselves. From A. P. Farnsley, per J. B. Nall, editor Farmers’ Home Journal, Louisville, Ky.: The Euglish Sparrow is the only bird I know to be injurious to grain crops ; but if the amount he saves were weighed against that which he eats, the former would out- weigh the latter many times. The trouble is, that the grain he eats and the amouat he cats are seen by all, while the amount he saves the farmer is not seen. The destruction of a few insects in the wheat field during the fall or spring might increase the yield one or more bushels per acre, yet it could not be seen; but when the Sparrow takes the wheat from the bundle that lies on top of the shock it isseen by all. (August 8, 1886.) From John Allan Terrell, Bloomfield, Nelson County, Ky.: It dees not injure grain more than other birds. It flocks to wheat fields, but on ex- amination I find the crop filled with grub-worms and grasshoppers. (October 6, 1886, Present about seventeen years. ) From Howard Kingsbury, Burlington, Iowa: All talks with farmers in this section failed to draw out any complaint of injury to grain crops. (December 28, 1886. Present sixteen or seventeen years.) From the Davenport (Iowa) Academy of Natural Science, per W. H. Pratt, curator: While it eats a great deal of grain about the mills and warehouses, it does not as yet go into the fields, and has probably injured no cropshere. (April 20, 1887. Pres- ent about seventeen years.) RELATION OF THE SPARROW TO OTHER BIRDS. This is one of the most important branches of the Sparrow investi- gation, and itis believed that the evidence collected and published herewith is ample for the final settlement of this much vexed ques- tion. More than a thousand original contributions to our knowledge of this subject have been received at the Department, and all the available published testimony has also been consulted, and selections from this have been printed. No pains have been spared in collecting evidence on both sides of the question; and when it became apparent that a large part of the testimony which was coming in was against the Sparrow, a special effort was made to induce friends of the bird to come forward with facts or theories to offset this damaging evidence. Asa result, a mass of testimony has been brought together which it is believed far exceeds in amount and value anything ever before collected, and it is now submitted to the public with perfect confidence that no candid EFFECTS ON NATIVE BIRDS. 79 reader will ever again deny that the Sparrow molests our native birds, and in many cases drives them away from our gardens and parks. No one should be content to read simply the brief summary presented at this place, but should turn directly to the evidence itself, and satisfy himself that the case is as here represented. The nature of the evidence is such that itis impossible to summarize it satisfactorily, but the following brief synopsis of matter contributed directly to the Department will show something of its extent. Total number of original reports submitted ...... 2.2.22. 2-2. eee eee ee ee eee ee 1,048 {n the main favorable to the Sparrow... .--... 222-22 eens eee eee cee eee 168 in the main unfavorable to the Sparrow.-.--. 2.220.220. scene cece eee eee 837 WndObtérminate sis cc pes co roncccd oy iis QaiSais on acreneg Salhi dg ainda oes ded ese coe eee 43 This would indicate that about one-fifth of the evidence submitted is favorable to the Sparrow; butif we exclude from the evidence all those reports which consist simply of the answers yes or no to the questions asked on the printed circulars, the percentage of favorable replies will be still further decreased. Two hundred and eighty-one reports were received which gave little or no evidence on this subject further than these monosyllabic replies, while the seven hundred and sixty-seven remaining reports gave illus- trations of the hostile or peaceful relations of the birds, or at least men- tioned some species which were or were not molested. Of these seven hundred and sixty-seven reports only forty-two are entirely, or even mainly, favorable to the Sparrow; seven hundred and twenty-five of them containing evidence unquestionably against the Sparrow, and most of it of the most damaging kind. This estimate, therefore, which seems to us much nearer the truth than the first, shows that about one-eighteenth of the reports re- ceived are favorable to the Sparrow as regards its relation to other birds, but it should not be inferred by any means that therefore even one-eighteenth of the evidence is favorable. About one witness in cightcen has testified for the Sparrow, but each juror must decide for himself as to the weight to be given to each piece of evidence. Tor our own part, after careful consideration of each bit of testimony presented, we believe that the proportion of one bundred to one against the Sparrow is the most favorable estimate which any unprejudiced person is likely to make. 80 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. LIST OF NATIVE BIRDS MOLESTED BY THE SPARROW. The following table gives the names of species which the Sparrow is reported to molest, and the number of such reports in each case: Reports. Bluebird (Sialia sialis) ........... 2. seeeee eee Western bluebird (Sialia mexicana) Robin (Merula migratoria) .........0.0+--000- Hermit thrush (Turdus aonalaschke pallasii). 1 Wood thrush (Turdus mustelinus) .......-.-. 4 Thrushes, species not indicated.............. 14 Goldeu-crowned kinglet (Regulus satrapa).-. 3 Chickadee (Parus atricapillus) -.......--.-+-- 1 Titmouse, species not indicated.............. 4 Tomtit, species not indicated .....-..-.-.-... 1 White-bellied nut-hatch (Sitta carolinensis)... 1 Nut-hatch, species not indicated ............. 1 House wren (Troglodytes edon) ...-..------++ 64 Parkman's wren (Troglodytes cedon park- NONI) sic ois Sn Srewiccelciztsbetes cedeaek cacacte 1 Carolina wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus..... 6 Bewick’s wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus be- WICKIE) cov sis cies eawbeus saeeaenemceecenes se 2 Wren, species not indicated.....-....-....-+5 116 Brown thrasher (Harporhynchus rufus)..-.-. 8 Cat-bird (Galeoscoptes carolinensis).......-.-. 33 Mocking-bird (Mimus polyglottos)..........++ 50 Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla ........ cio eee 1 Yellow warbler (Dendroica estiva)........... 1l Myrtle warbler (Dendroica coronata)......... Warblers, species not indicated ...........--. 15 Red-eyed vireo (Vireo olivacews)........-.-+05 2 Warbling vireo (Vireo gilvus) ........2.-.-+.- 3 White-eyed vireo (Vireo noveboracensis)...... 1 Vireos, species not indicated ........-...-.... 9 Cedar bird, cherry bird (Ampelis cedrorum).. 4 Purple martin, black martin (Progne subis) .. 65 Martins, species not indicated ............-.. Cliff swallow, mud swallow (Petrochelidon OO A) ns 25 Barn swallow (Ohelidon erythrogaster) ........ 24 White-bellied swallow, b'ue-backed swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) ......-.2-02-eee eee e eee 40 Violet-green swallow (Tachycinetathalassina). 1 Bank swallow (Clivicola riparia) .....-..----. 2 Rough-winged swal'ow (Stelgidopteryx serri- PORN) vesse wer secdoaesex sees nad weep eeeces. 1 Swallows, specics not indicated .............. 84 Tanager, species not indicated .........-..... i Indigo bird (Passerina cyaned)..-..----+.++++ 5 Painted finch, nonpareil (Passerina ciris) .... 2 Grosbeaks, species not indicated ............. 1 Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) ....-.-.----. 1 Redbird, species not indicated........ apisieransie 11 Brown towhee, species not indicated ......... 1 Chowink (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) ..--....-. 1 Song sparrow (Melospiza fasciata)......---.-. 26 Chipping sparrow, chippy (Spizella socialis).. 72 Field sparrow (Spizella pusilla) ....-...-.---.+ 2 Tree sparrow (Spizella monticola) ...-... eau “D Reports. Common sparrow, species not indicated..... 19 Native sparrow, species not indicated. . Ground sparrow, specios not indicated . Other sparrows, species not indicated....... 39 Savanna sparrow (Ammodramus sandwichen- S18 SAVONNE) iowoss cxwsccasa heed eeewasweeece 2 Grass finch, vesper sparrow (Poocetes gram- ineus) .......- “ Grass bird, species.not indicated Snowbirds (Junco sp?) Goldfinch - Yellow-bird ‘ie 0) ns 32 Wild canary Arkansas goldfinch (Spinus psaltria)........ Red-poll (Acanthis linaria) Purple finch (Carpodacus purpureus)........ House finch (Carpodacus frontalis)...-. oes Other finches, species not indicated. . Linnet, species not indicated...-...-........ Purple grackle (Quiscalus quiscula)......... Grackles, species not indicated..... Baltimore oriole (Icterus Baltimore)......... Orchard oriole (Icterus spurius)..........--- Orioles, species not indicated 2 Meadow-lark (Sturnella magna) .........-+++ Red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus). Blackbirds, species not indicated............ Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) Shore lark (Otocoris alpestris) Blue jay, jay (Cyanocitta cristata) .. Crows, species not indicated Least pewee (Empidonax minimus)...-..... 3 Wood pewee (Contopus virens) Phebe (Sayornis phoebe) 3 AON PR woOKe w eon Oe OS Great crested fly-catcher (Myiarchus crinitus) 1 Kingbird Bee martin § (Tyrannus tyrannus)......-..5 17 Bee-bird Fly-catchers, species not indicated .......... 8 Tnusectivorous birds, species not indicated. .. Song birds, species not indicated...... ..... 31 Humming-bird (Lrochilus colubris) .......... Chimney swallow or swift (Ohelura pelagica) . 3 Red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes erythro- COpPRALUS): as25 esse Secs whos ciekexeeen cece 3 Yellow-bellied woodpecker (Sphyrapicus va- US) serainisid- cessepo erent pemaishais ncaa seeaesioes 1 Sap-sucker, species not indicated ........... 2 Downy woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)... 8 Nairy woodpecker Dryobates villosus)....... 1 Golden-winged woodpecker, flicker (Culaptes OUTALUE) vn cea gve cinta onsen seats eeweieg cae 3 Woodpeckers, species not indicated......... 6 Yellow-billed cuckoo (Coceyzus americanus) . 1 In addition to the birds specifically mentioned in the foregoing list, many other reports have been received alleging attacks on birds, but not mentioning the species so molested. Thus sixty-five reports men- NATIVE BIRDS MOLESTED. 81 tion molestation of “ native birds;” forty-eight reports speak of * other birds” being driven off; seventy-eight reports state that the Sparrow molests or drives off “‘ nearly all species;” twenty-eight claim a similar effect on “all small birds ;” five claim the same for “ yard birds,” and two for “domestic birds.” Ten observers report attacks upon domesticated doves or pigeons, and one each on hens and chickens. It will thus be seen that the reports mention specifically seventy kinds of wild birds which are known to be molested more or less by the Sparrow. A majority of these birds are species which nest about houses and gardens, and, with the exception of the crow, jay, and pos- sibly one or two others, all are decidedly beneficial to the farmer and gardener. Naturally the birds most affected are those whose nesting habits are similar to those of the Sparrow; that is which nest mainly in boxes provided for them; in cavities or cornices of buildings; under the eaves of barns or outhouses, or in the natural cavities of trees. Thus, in a total of about 1,860 complaints, we find that more than half relate to martins, swallows, wrens, and bluebirds, whose nests or nesting places are coveted by the Sparrow. But in most places the Sparrows long since outgrew such accommo- dations and were compelled to build nests among the branches of trees, like other birds; and at once such buiky nests as those of the robin, catbird, etc., were seized upon and utilized either as building material or as foundations for new nests. Thus new quarrels have been con- tinually originating, and the Sparrow has been steadily encroaching on the territory of other birds. Although a large part of the trouble with native birds has doubtless arisen from questions over nesting places, still there is abundance of testimony that the Sparrow molests birds under other circumstances. Nearly one-third of all the complaints of injury to other birds relate to species whose nesting and food habits are very different from those of the Sparrow, and whose relations with this bird might reasonably be expected to be peaceful and pleasant. Among such may be mentioned the mockingbird, chipping sparrow, song sparrow, goldfinch, Balti- more oriole, yellow warbler, and vireos. Of course many of these birds, as well as those previously mentioned, offer more or less resist- ance to the advances of the Sparrow, but in most cases the resist- ance is uscless and the native birds are compelled to retire from the field sooner or later. It maybe well, however, to postpone such general considerations and conclusions until we have taken up the charges against the Sparrow one at a time and submitted evidence on both sides of the question. In doing this, it will be convenient to divide the sub- ject into three parts: I. The relation of the Sparrow to birds which nest principally in cavities, natural or artificial, and often in boxes prepared by man. 8404—Ball. 1 6 82 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. LL. The relation of the Sparrow to birds which usually nest in trees, or at least not in places especially prepared for them by man, but whose nests or nesting sites are often appropriated by the Sparrow. III. The relation of the Sparrow to other species than those included under the two preceding heads, or to those species under such condi- tions that the question of nesting has no direct influence. RELATION OF THE SPARROW TO BIRDS WHICH NEST PRINCIPALLY IN CAVITIES, NATURAL OR ARTIFICIAL, AND OFTEN IN BOXES PREPARED BY MAN. The birds coming most naturally under this head are the bluebird, the purple martin, the white-bellied swallow, and the house wren, species which appear to suffer more severely from the encroachments of the Sparrow than all others combined. Strange as it may seem, it is very evident that some observers are in doubt as to what consitutes an attack on a bird, and many more are uncertain as to the meaning of the word molest. Thus one man writes: If the Sparrow molests native birds, it has escaped my observation. Wrens and bluebirds attempt to reclaim former nesting sites; the former always succeeding, so far as I have observed; the latter seidom. There can scarcely be any question that a Sparrow molests another bird when he takes possession of that bird’s nest or former nesting place and holds it against all efforts of the rightful owner; and this is precisely what the Sparrow does in thousands of places every spring. John Bessmer, of Hastings, Barry County, Mich., writes: * * * Thave had good opportunities for observation, and I believe the facts are these: Staying over winter, as he does, the Sparrow selects good nesting places, and then, when the Wren, Bluebird, or Martin comes in the spring, sometimes he finds his old nesting place occupied and the fight commences. If it isa Bluebird, he will drive half a dozen Sparrows away, unless they should have eggs or young, in which case they can pot bedriven, * * * Last spring they tried to drive a pair of Sparrows out of a bird-louse where the Bluebirds had a nest the year before, but the Sparrows were breeding then and stood their ground well. Then the Bluebirds built their nest in the other half of the same house, and afterwards lived in harmony, the Sparrows in the vorth half and the Bluebirds in the south, with only a partition between, (October 7, 1886. Present about ten years.) SPARROW Versus BLUEBIRD AND PURPLE MARTIN, The Bluebird undoubtedly is one of the pluckiest of our native birds, and when it has eggs or young the Sparrow has hard work to dislodge it, yet even then it sometimes succeeds. On the other hand, when the Sparrow appropriates a box before the return of the Bluebird, in most cases it holds it against all new-comers. In reply to the schedule question as to the species which resist the encroachments of the Spar- row, thirty-three observers report the Bluebird as uniformly successful, and thirty report it as successful sometimes, a total of only sixty-three EFFECTS ON THE BLUEBIRD. 83 reports, against three hundred and seventy-seven complaints of moles- tation. The following are examples of the testimony relating to the Blue- bird: From B. T. Gault, Chicago, Ill: I have repeatedly seen the English Sparrow drive Martins from their boxes and Bluebirds from their nests, in both cases destroying the eggs and pulling the nests to pieces. (October 29, 1885.) From H. H. Miller, Sandy Spring, Montgomery County, Md.: I know of an instance where two pairs of Bluebirds fought for two wecks to keep their boxes, but were beaten in the end; also of a case where the hole in a Wren’s box was too small for the Sparrows to get in, and they pulled out the.nest and broke the eggs. (February 16, 1887. Present about eight years.) From John L. Huber, Tell City, Perry County, Ind.: The Bluebird and Martin resisted the first and second year, but the Sparrow proved victorious, and after the second year they did not come back. (October 8, 1886. Pres- ent about twelve years. ) From Walter B. Hull, Milwaukee, Wis. : I put up about a dozen boxes this year, and native birds started to build in nearly all. One Bluebird succeeded in raising a brood, and that because so close to the house that I could interfere when a fight began. All the other houses were stuffed with straw, and young Sparrows were hatched in them, the rightful owners having fled. (August 23, 1886. Present about six years.) From Clarence L. Cate, Spencer, Worcester County, Mass. : There is a bird-house on my heu-coop in which a pair of Bluebirds have nested for three years without beiug molested; but the Sparrow has at last driven them off, and bow occupies the house. I know of one case where it has driven away the Orchard Oriole. (October, 1886. Present about eleven years.) From L. Bunnewitz, Wolcott, Scott County, Iowa: Bluebirds and Martins attempt to reclaim former nesting-sites. I had to kill a Sparrow in order to give a Bluebird back his little house ; Martins can defend them- selves. (October 8, 1886. Present about four years. ) From Jerome Trombley, Petersburgh, Monroe County, Mich. : A pair of Sparrows last spring appropriated one of my bird-boxes, occupied, the previous year by Bluebirds. When the latter arrived they immediately declared war, and in three or four days had vanquished the foreigners. (August 23, 1886. Preseut about nine years.) From Daniel 8. Wadsworth, Hartford, Conn. : It does not drive away our native birds; I have seen it battle with Bluebirds, but not successfully. A Sparrow had occupied a hole in an apple tree when the Bluebird came, but after several battles the latter took possession of the hole and reared its young there. (October 11, 1886. Present about eight years.) Other evidence will be found interspersed in the testimony relating to martins, swallows, and wrens, where the conditions are often iden- tical and the results practically the same. Probably the Purple Martin resists the Sparrow more successfully than any other box-inhabiting species, mainly owing to its size and to the fact that it nests in communities, and hence is able to make a more equal fight; yet when we compare the soft, weak bill, short legs, and 8+ THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. small feet of the Martin, with these parts in the Sparrow, it is Gifficult to understand how it can ever succeed in a combat where the numbers on the opposing sides are nearly equal. Owing to the fact that the White-bellied Swallow ( Tachycineta bicolor) is called ‘* Martin” in some places, it is impossible to give accurate fig- ures on the Purple Martian, though there is little doubt that in most cases this latter species is referred to where the term “ Martin” is used, and always when “ Black Martin” is given. Complaints of molesting the Purple Martin were received from sixty- five observers, and complaints regarding the “ Martin” from one hundred and ninety-eight. Twenty observers state that the Purple Martin re- sists the Sparrow with more or less success, while sixty-two give sim- ilar testimony for “ Martins ;” a total of eighty-two witnesses of com- plete or partial victories for the Martin, against two hundred and sixty- three witnesses of quarrels. The proportion of successful resistances for this species would seem therefore to be nearly double that shown for the Bluebird, or even more than double if we admit, as we must, that some of the complaints of molestation undoubtedly refer to the White-bellied Swallow. For the reasons already mentioned it is obvious that the stummary of the reports on the White-bellied Swallow can not be considered exact, but from the returns which unquestionably relate to this species, it would seem to be fully as successful as the Purple Martin in resisting the Sparrow. The summary shows forty com- plaints of molestation and seven cases of more or less successful resist- ance, a showing scarcely to be expected in view of the fact that this species is much smaller than the Martin, and very similar in structure and habits. The following examples of evidence show how severe the struggle for nesting places often is between the Sparrow and Martins. From C, Augustus Rittenhouse, Collegeville, Montgomery County, Pa.: All birds that build in boxes and holes in old trees are driven off. I have several boxes in which Bluebirds and Martins reared their young every season until the Sparrows fought them out and took possession. I haveseen them throw the young out of the nest and fly to the ground and kill them. I could fill this paper with ex- amples of this kind. Boxes are being removed wherever they build. (August 18, 1886.) From A. Ford, Bronson, Bourbon County, Kans. : It pulls the Martin and Swallow from their nests and throws out the eges. (Octo- ber 11, 1886. Present about two years.) From H. Volkening, Lenzburgh, Saint Clair County, Tl: Martins and Swallows resist, but not successfully. I have built houses for the Martins and Wrens as have some of my neighbors, but the Sparrows fought them away and destroyed the nests with the broods in them. (October 4, 1886. Present about three years.) From W. V. Hardy, Holman Station, Scott County, Ind.: In the spring of 1886 four pairs of Martins came to my boxes. The Sparrows drove away two pairs, but by shooting the Sparrows as fast as they came the others were induced to stay. (September 6, 1s8b. Present about four years. ) EFFECTS ON THE MARTIN. 8&5 From 8. D. Crites, Elida, Allen County, Ohio: I have watched the battles between Sparrows and Martins, by the hour. Now there is not a Martin to be seen in the country. (September 4, 1886. Present about ten years.) Frequently the Sparrow is unsuccessful in its first attempts to dis- lodge Martins, but ultimately it succeeds. Many observers testify to. the fact that the two species live peaceably in different compait- iwents of the same box, and some of these observers have witnessed the struggle which doubtless always precedes such a truce. Probably in every such case the contest is renewed each spring soon after the return of the migrants; and the entering wedge having been once secured, the Sparrows keep pushing until sooner or later the migrants find it easier to go elsewhere than to continue the fruitless struggle. Dr. F. H. Kimball, of Rockford, Winnebago County, IIL, writes: Purple Martins formerly nested in the hollow work of an iron bridge. The Spar- rows in vain attempted to dislodge them, and now live in neutrality with them. (September 28, 18&6. Present about eight years.) Dr. Daniel Berry writes from Carmi, White County, IL: In 1872, I built a business house on the site of ~church. Over the door of the church one or two pairs of Black Martins had a home. In the new building they found su- perior facilities for lodgment, of which they availed themselves, and increased wonderfully. ‘Chis summer the colony must have been more than a thousand. On their arrival in the spring they find their quarters in possession of the Sparrows, when the fight for ejectment begins. ‘The Martins have been strong enough to regain pos- session so far, but this is not always the case. When the Sparrows in force attack a pair of Martins or Bluebirds nesting in boxes they invariably drive them away. (Oc- tober 6, 1886. Present about ten years.) Herman Koerner, of Birdseye, Dubois County, Ind., writes: Ihave a bird-house with twelve apartments which was occupied in 1885 by six pairs of Martins, but was taken possession of in the winter of 1835~’86 by the Spar- row. When the Martins returned there was a week’s war, then a compromise, and each took six rooms. (October 7, 1886. Present about three years.) Dr. Geo. H. Jennings, of Jewett City, New London County, Conn., writes : Martins and Bluebirds attempt to reclaim former nesting sites when occupied by the Sparrow, but as often fail as succeed. It is common to sce a bird-box occupied in part by Martins and in part by Sparrows. Often they thus settle down after more than a week of quarreling. White-bellied Swallows, Wrens, Martins, and Bluebirds often resist; the three latter sometimes effectually. (September 11, 1826. Present more than eleven years. ) ; Robert W. Curtiss, Stratford, Fairfield County, Conn., writes : The Sparrows build nests every spring in my martin-box, but when the Martins come in full force they drive them out. (October 11, 1886. Present about fourteen years. ) M.S. Lord, of Saranac, Mich., writes: I have had a martin-house for the last cight years, and the Martins always take possession when they come, a'though the Sparrows occupy it before and after. (Oc- tober 8, 1886. Present seven years.) 86 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. NEGATIVE EVIDENCE, A very few observers are still skeptical about the alleged attacks on other birds, and occasionally a correspondent appears to be convinced that the Sparrow is innocent of all such crimes charged to it. Dr. H. A. Hagen, of Cambridge, Mass., writes : I have never seen it molest other birds ;.indeed in the next street, in a house with one entrance, Swallows and Sparrows brooded together, and both had young. I have seen the Sparrow driven out of its house by Bluebirds. (April 13, 1884. Present about eleven years. ) Ferdinand Schumacher, of Akron, Ohio, writes: I have notiobserved it to molest other birds. A bird-house in my yard, occupied for several summers by Martins, was invaded and ocenpied early in the spring by the Sparrows; but with one or two individual exceptions they were driven out by the Martins. The remaining one or two families occupied the house jointly and peace- ably with the Martins. (October 25, 1886. Present about eleven years.) The late Prof. Chas. Linden, of Buffalo, N. Y., wrote in 1885: Ido not believe that there ever will be an authenticated, true report of a battle between Sparrows and our native birds, excepting, perhaps, with the White-bellied and Barn Swallows. I have observed them pilfering the angleworm gains of the Robin, which otherwise, like the aggressive Bluebird, is well able to take care of it- self. Another observer is equally positive, and says: I do not believe the Sparrow drives away auy of our native birds. I speak from careful observation, and they are just as pleutiful here now as before the advent of the Sparrow. I have never seen the Sparrows band themselves together for attack, and am satisfied they do not doit. It is pair against pair. The sssertion that they attack other birds in a body is sheer nonsense; no such thing is known in natural history of any species of bird. As bearing on this last point, that the Sparrow does not attack other birds in numbers, the following testimony may be of interest: From Jesse G. Case, Peconic, Suffolk County, N. Y.: It has driven off our Martins. They have a fight every spring, and the Sparrows succeed by force of numbers. Sometimes a dozen Sparrows will surround one Mar- tin. (1885,) From the postmaster at Jamestown, Russell County, Ky.: The Bluebird and Black Martin attempt to reclaim former nesting sites, but are attacked by the Sparrows mm squads, and routed. (October 27, 1886. Present four years. ) From H. Harris, Union Springs, Bullock County, Ala. : ‘The Sparrows will not singly attack any bird, but usually unite in an army to do their work. I bave known them to kill ont at least a dozen pairs of Martins, young and old, at a single attack. (September 17 and 24, 1886. Present about six years.) From John J. MeDannold, Mount Sterling, Brown County, Il: The Martin and Bluebird always try to reclaim former nesting sites, but never succeed, because of re-enforcements, the Sparrows flocking in great numbers to the assistance of a distressed brother or sister. Thongh the Martins and Sparrows are bitter enemies, it is nearly always some nesting difticulty that causes trouble between them. (September 4, 1886. Present about three years. ) EFFECTS ON THE HOUSE WREN. 87 From Prof. I. HW. King, River Falls, Wis.: Mr. H. T. Baker, of Berlin, Wis., has related to me that last summer he was a wit- ness of a conilict between some English Sparrows and Purple Martins, in which the Sparrows were trying to get possession of breeding places which had been oceupied for several years by the Martins. The Sparrows congregated in a large flock upon a tree standing near the building in the cornice under the eaves of. which the Martins had their nests. From this point a number of Sparrows would together attack the Martins and then return to the tree, to be followed by a similar squad. This method of attack was followed until three Martins had been killed, some of them having had their eyes picked out. It need hardly be added that the Martins were forced to leave. The same gentleman tells me that he saw the Sparrows kill, in the same man- ner, a bird, the name of which he did not know, iu the city of Milwaukee. (January 31, 1887.) SPARROW versus WRENS. The House Wren is one of the birds often attacked by Sparrows, and it is claimed that in very many cases it has been driven away by them. Most reports which mention “ wrens” doubtless refer to this species, so we shall probably not be far from correct if we state that the reports of molestation of this species number one hundred and eighty, while thirty-nine observers report it as more or less successful in resisting the inroads of the Sparrow. It would thus appear to be somewhat more successful than the bluebird, but less so than the martin. In many cases protection has been afforded this pugnacious but in- teresting little songster by supplying it with a box the entrance to which is too small to adinit the Sparrow; but this does not suffice in all cases. The evidence relating to this species is particularly full and interesting, but we have room here for only a few examples. Wallace D. Rhines, of Constantia, Oswego County, N. Y., writes: J have seen Wrens driven out of their houses and not allowed to enter until I had driven the Sparrows away; but not being able to help them all the time, they have left their house in possession of the Sparrows. (August 23,1586. Present four or live years.) Edward Burrough, of Merchantville, Camden County, N. J., writes: The Wren makes the most determined resistance, but is generally defeated. (Sep- tember 2, 1886. Present about ten years.) J. F. Niesz, of Canton, Stark County, Ohio, writes: The Bluebirds were driven away the first year the Sparrows came, and have not returned since. The Sparrows fought the Wreus all last sammer in a sugar-tree near iny house, but the Wrens hatched a brood there. Then they went into the carriage- house and hatched asecond brood there. In the spring they came back to their sugar- tree branch, but the Sparrows tried to drive them away, reaching into the hole and trying to pull them out. We began shooting the Sparrows (only while fighting), and shot twelve, but the Wrens were so harassed that they failed to hatch their brood, and left my farm. I have only observed the Sparrows molesting Bluebirds, Wrens, and Chippies, but I notice a scarcity of other species formerly abundant, (September 6, 1886. Present about three years. ) P.L. Ong writes from Hennepin, Putnam County, Il: 1t has not as yet driven away any of the native birds from this locality, but it was seen to throw the young, and to commence to throw the nest of a House Wren ont of 88 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. a stump here thissummer. After being driven away, however, it did not molest the nest again. The young Wrens were replaced. It tried te whip some Bluebirds, but we drove it away and it did not again molest them. (November, 1885. ) A. H. Mundt, of Fairbury, Livingston County, IL, writes: It sometimes drives Wrens and Bluebirds from their nesting places. Ihave noticed them repeatedly trying to drive the Wrens from their boxes, but the holes were too smallto admit them. (October 6, 1886. Present five or six years. Robert W. Barrell writes from South Bethlehem, Northampton Coun- ty, Pa.: House Wrens especially are driven ont of their homes, even when the openings are so small that the Sparrow can not enter. Under such circumstances I have known Sparrows to stand in front of the entrance and keep the Wrens off, and I have shot the Sparrows while doing it. (September 16, 1886.) M. Abbott Frazar, of Mount Auburn, Middlesex County, Mass.,writes : Before the Sparrow made its appearance on our place I had about 10 pairs of White- bellied Swallows, 5 pairs of Bluebirds, and 15 pairs of Wrens, breeding in boxes put up forthem. Now the birds are all gone. The Sparrow breeds so early that all the boxes are occupied, and very likely have young in them when the other birds arrive from the South; so the migrants are driven out. (Autumn, 1885.) J. B. Stockton writes from Toronto, Kans. : It has not been observed to drive away any of our native birds. In a contest last spring the little House Wren actually drove the Sparrow out, and getting inside the nest box kept the Sparrow out and finished its laying and incubation, The Bluebirds also attacked the Sparrows, and after a contest lasting six hours drove them from a box I had put up for them, (October 6, 1886. Present about ove year.) William Holmead, of Mount Pleasant (in the suburbs of Washington, D.C.) writes: The Wren, Bluebird, Common Sparrow, and Martin were formerly very numerous here, and nested in trees and houses, but all without exception vacated them years ago. One casein particular which I remember is that of a Wren which built her nest in a box I had prepared for her. The Sparrow destroyed her young and tore up her nest, and after several attempts to rebuild it she disappeared. (November 8, 1886. Present about fifteen years. RELATION OF THE SPARROW TO BIRDS WHICH USUALLY NEST IN TREES, OR AT LEAST IN PLACES NOT ESPECIALLY PREPARED FOR THEM BY MAN. Under this head may be included very many of our common garden and farm birds, such as the Robin, Mockingbird, Goldfinch, Phoebe and other flycatchers, Vireos, and certain sparrows and swallows, especially the Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon lunifrons). SPARROW versus CLIFF SWALLOW AND BARN SWALLOW. The CliffSwallow is also known as the Mud Swallow, Eave Swallow, Jug Swallow, and occasionally as the Barn Swallow, though the latter hame more properly belongs to the fork-tailed swallow, which most often nests inside of barns, placing its nest against therafters aud using a mixture of mud and straw in its composition. The Cliff Swallow, on the contrary, usually nests in large colonies on the outside of buildings, EFFECTS ON SWALLOWS 89 placing the gourd-shaped nests inrows beneath the eaves, and using no straw except perhaps for the lining of the nest, the outer shell being made eutirely of pellets of mud, plastered together and to the building. This nest when finished commonly has a projecting neck like that of a flask, for entrance, whence the name jug-swallow. The whole struct- ure is brittle, and rarely if ever serves the swallow for more than one season, but the newly-built nests serve the Sparrow’s purpose admi- rably, and he avails himself of them at every opportunity. Henry Hales, of Ridgewood, Bergen County, N. J., writes: i have seen a large colony of Eave Swallows abandon their nests, that had been es- tablished in large quantities all along a barn, rather than fight the Sparrows. (June 18, 1887. Present about fifteen years.) J. C. Swetland, of Sparta, Morrow County, Ohio, writes: The small barn-swaliow that builds on the eaves of the barn [Cliff Swallow, Pe- trochelidon lunifrons], attempts to reclaim former nesting sites. There are over four hundred swallow’s nests on my barn, and last spring the Sparrows began to take possession of the nests, and for two weeks there was a constant fight between the Sparrows and swallows. Finally, the Spa:rows took possession of one side of the barn and the swallows took the other. (October 18, 1886. Presentabout three years.) Dr. H. D. Moore, of New Lexington, Somerset County, Pa., writes: Within the last year or two the Sparrows have found their way out of the cities and have taken up their abode around farm buildings all over the country. Most of the barns are what are known as “bank” barns, and underneath the extensions of these, Mud Swallows (Petrochelidon lunifrons) have been building and hatching by hundreds at each barn. I saw, this summer, where one pair of Sparrows had taken possession of one nest and driven the entire colony of swallows to the other end of the barn. Atother barns J saw where several pairs of Sparrows had taken possession of as many nests and driven the swallows all away. Farmers generally know the value of swallows as insectivorous birds, and have been protecting them against cats, rats, mice, etc., but this last enemy is the worst of all, and long and loud are the curses poured upon the “ cuss” who imported the first Sparrows. (September 13, 1886. ) B. C. Townsend, of Bay Ridge, Kings County, N. Y., writes: As regards the peaceful relations of the English Sparrow to other birds, my experi- ence confirms the testimony of my neighbor, Mr. J. A. Perry, with the exception of a single case. There were certain swallows building their mud nests under our front porch, which nests it attacked with great violence and destroyed, driving the birds away. (March 27, 1886.) William J. Muldragh, of Sand Hill, Wayne County, Mich., writes: Large numbers of swallows formerly nested on our barn, but they have nearly all’ left since the Sparrows began building in their nests this year. (August 23, 1836.) The true Barn Swallow (Chelidon erythrogaster) is also seriously per- secuted by the Sparrow, forty-nine complaints relating to these two species having beeu received, as against seven reports of more or less successful resistance, but none of these favorable reports give any de- tails of the contests. A. L, Parkhurst, of San José, Santa Clara County, Cal., writes: Cliff Swallows and Western House Finches retain their usual nesting places in spite of the presence of these noisy neighbors. (August 27,1526. Present about five years.) 90 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. About eighty observers report molestation of swallows without giv- ing the specific name, while only six cases of successful resistance are mentioned. H. Morrison, of Ithaca, Gratiot County, Mich., wrifes: Robins, swallows, and native sparrows make some resistance, but with no success; they are all gone now. I have seen a swallow fight over a nest until it was nearly killed, so that it died soon after. (October 6, 1886. Present four years.) W. G. Markham, of Rochester, N. Y., writes: I have seen half-grown swallows attacked by Sparrows and drawn from their nests and destroyed. (September 19, 1887.) The last two notes may refer to the White-bellied Swallow, already mentioned, a species commonly nesting in holes in trees, but sometimes also in boxes or in nooks about buildings. SPARROW versus ROBIN. The influence which the Sparrow exerts on the Robin during the nest- ing season may be inferred from the following: From E. Bradford, Sparta, Kent County, Mich.: The Robin comes every spring and tries to build nests, but is driven away. (Octo- ber, 1886. Present about six years.) From Edward T. Keim, Dubuque, Iowa: For many years a pair of Robins nested in an apple tree here, and shortly after the introduction of the Sparrow they were attacked, but with man’s assistance the Spar- rows were kept off for two seasons. Force of numbers, however, finally prevailed, and the Robins have not been seen now for years. (August 19, 1886. Present about ten years.) From I. J.C. Swift, Falmouth, Barnstable County, Mass.: Last spring I observed a female Sparrow, unassisted by the male, frequently, for two days engage in battle with a male and female Robin for possession of the Robin’s completed nest, and at the expiration of that time she drove them from the premises Qo” and ocenpied their nest. (Autumn, 1885.) From Dr, A. 3. McCrea, Berwick, Columbia County, Pa.: During the past season I knew an instance where the Sparrows attacked a pair of Robins, broke their eggs, and literally destroyed their nest. (September 1, 1885.) From H. A. Koch, College Hill, Hamilton County, Ohio: I noticed one case in the spring of 1884, where a pair of Robins had w nest contain- ing eggs in a poplar tree near a house. A pair of Sparrows drove tho female away, tipped out the eggs, and built a nest of their own on top of the Robi’s, and it soor after contained five eggs. (August 25, 1885.) From Dr. R. L, Walker, Mansfield, Allegheny County, Pa.: A friend tells me he found a dead young Robin on the sidewalk, and on looking up into the tree which stood alongside, he saw the Sparrows busy trying to throw out the other young Robins and tear up the nest in the absence of the old birds. (July, 18387. Present about five years. ) Many similar instances have been reported and will be found in full in their proper place. In all one hundred and eighty-two complaints of molestation of the Robin have been received, against twenty-eight re- ports of more or less successful resistance. EFFECTS ON THE MOCKINGBIRD. 91 We append one or two illustrations of the latter class: From PF. B. Rich, South Richland, Oswego County, N. Y.: I have seen the Sparrow drive off Bluebirds, but I have also known a Robin to build its nest and raise young within 4 feet of a bird-house inhabited by a lot of English Sparrows. (1885.) From J. W. Pearson, Newton, Middlesex County, Mass.: Last year two Sparrows commenced to build a nest under our porch in front of the house, and while they were at work upon it two Robins came and drove them away, and took possession of the porch and built a nest for themselves, while the Sparrows went to a pear tree just in front of the house and built a nest and reared five young ones. Does this look like Sparrows driving away other birds? (April,1884. Present seven years.) SPARROW versus MOCKINGBIRD. In the Southern States the Mockingbird is frequently interfered with by the Sparrow, and in spite of its courageous resistance it is often obliged to yield to superior numbers. Fifty reports of such troubie have been received, against twelve reports of more or less successful resist- ance. Thus in about one case in four this magnificent songster now holds its ground against the Sparrow, but as the enemy becomes more uumerous less favorable results may be looked for. The following are a few samples of evidence submitted : From Charles L. Dendy, Hamilton, Harris County, Ga.: The Mockingbird, like the Sparrow, prefers for its habitation the evergreen shrub- lery around dwellings and yards. The former is the larger bird, and cold more than hold his own single-handed, but he finally succumbs to persistence aud numbers. (September 8, 1886. Present five or six years.) From the postmaster at Marion, Crittenden County, Ark.: The Sparrow drives off the Wren, Mockingbird, and all smaller birds. * * * JT am satisfied that our favorite songster, the Mockingbird, will have to go. (Septem- ber 18, 1886. Present about four years.) From J. B. Stacy, Pulaski, Giles County, Tenn.: It drives off all song-birds, and especially the Mockingbird. (September 1, 1886. Present about three years.) From Charles E. Nesmith, Donaldsonville, Ascension County, La. : The Sparrows drive off native birds. I have seen them take from the nest and cast on the ground the young of woodpeckers, Mockingbirds, yellow-hirds, and other small birds. (1886.) From Abel A. Wright, Griffin, Spalding County, Ga. : Mockingbirds will not give way to it, but retain their old haunts, where they build and hatch every season. Ihave not observed it to molest or drive off other birds. (October 5, 1886.) From the postmaster at Athens, Limestone County, Ala.: I have seen Mockingbirds whip the Sparrow aud drive it from my premises. Ido not think tho Sparrow driver off any of our native birds. (September 18, 1835. Pres- ent about six years.) Many people have expressed doubt as to the possibility of the Spar- rows driving away birds of the size of the Robin, or species as pugna- 92 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. cious as the Mockingbird and Catbird, but in most cases these doubters lose sight of the fact that many birds are more readily driven away by small annoyances often repeated than by a single strong attack, and al- though almost all birds defend their young valiantly, they are very apt to desert nests which are in process of construction if disturbed while at work, or before any eggs are laid. Even the Purple Grackle or Crow Blackbird is not exempt from the Sparrow’s attacks, and the following testimony shows that it does not always resist these attacks success. fully: Dr. J. F. Detweiler, of Wadsworth, Medina County, Ohio, writes: The boat-tailed blackbird [Purple Grackle] has roosted and nested for many years in some large pines in a ueighbor’s yard across the street, but last year the Sparrows drove them away, and occupied the trees with their nests, a hundred or more in num- ber. (December 10, 1887. Present about thirteen years. ) SPARROW versus VIREOS. Many of the smaller birds which use various soft materials in the con- struction of their nests are continually robbed by the Sparrow. Dr. B. H. Warren, of West Chester Pa., has given a graphic account (published elsewhere) of the destruction by Sparrows of the nest and young of a Warbling Vireo; and the following notes relating to other vireos were received recently from George I. Berry, of North Liver- more, Me.: At Holyoke, Mass., on June 5, 1884, I found a set of eggs of the White-Eyed vireo, and also another set begun with two eggs. On June 7 this last nest was forsaken, and in a box in the tree two pairs of English Sparrows were building their nests. On June 81 saw a fight between a pair of birds, but could not tell what they were, so fired and shot them. One was a female English Sparrow, the other a male White- eyed Vireo. On June 12 I found an English Sparrow appropriating the nest of a vireo, and carrying away to her own nest the material of which it was composed. On the 14th of June I found two empty vireos’ nests, partially destroyed, probably by either the English Sparrow or Kingbird. RELATION OF THE SPARROW T0 OTHER BIRDS UNDER SUCH GONDI- TIONS THAT THE QUESTION OF NESTING HAS NO DIRECT INFLU- ENCE. Nearly all the species already mentioned have oceasional encounters with the Sparrow, even at times when all have good nesting places; but it is probable that the ill feeling which prompts these quarrels was originally engendered by conflicts over nests or nesting places. There are many species, however, which appear to be very unfavorably affected by the presence of the Sparrow, yet which do not seem to come in con- flict at all as regards nesting places. In some cases the trouble may be caused by competition for food, but in very many eases it is difficult to account for the quarrel except on the ground that one of the combat- ants is naturally pugnacious and has made an unprovoked attack on the other. EFFECTS ON THE CHIPPING SPARROW. 93 ENGLISH SPARROW versus CHIPPING SPARROW. One of the birds which suffers most is the Chipping Sparrow (Spizella socialis), which in some localities seems to have been driven completely away by its foreigu relative. Naturally confiding in its disposition, it was accustomed before the advent of the English Sparrow to pick up the crumbs about our door- yards and to build its little hair-lined nest in the rose and lilac bushes under our windows. But already this is a thing of the past in most towns and cities, and there is no escape from the conclusion that the English Sparrow is mainly responsible for the change. More than seventy observers testify to the attacks on the “ Chippy,” and but two reports have been received which mention even partial success in resisting. Dr. A. P. Sharp, of Baltimore, Md., writes: I have been a close observer of the English Sparrows since they first made their ap- pearance on my place, in Kent County, Md. Iam a great admirer of the little wrens, martins, and House Sparrows, as we call them (S. socialis), and felt an interest in them. Having martin boxes near the house, as well as boxes for the Wrens and Blue- birds, I had a good chance to watch the new-comers, aud can say without hesitation that I think they are the greatest nuisance ever introduced in our country. Notwith- standing I have been for years shooting them whenever I can get a chance, they have nearly exterminated the Wrens and Sparrows, and lessened the number of Martins and Bluebirds. The young Wrens, Sparrows, and Bluebirds are ciestroyed as soon as they are hatched. While the parents are looking for food, the English Sparrows will go to the boxes and pull out the young, featherless birds and kill them. With the House [Chipping] Sparrow I have known them not only to kill the young the first day they were hatched, but to tear up the nests in # few minutes. For years I have encouraged the little Chippy to build her nest in my honeysuckle, but last year I had not a single nest near the house. I had two in 1825, and tried every way to protect them, but the young were destroyed as soon as hatched, and the nests were torn to pieces. (February 16, 1887.) LF. R. Welsh, of Phijadelphia, Pa., writes : On the 17th instant, I noticed five English Sparrows pecking at a young Chipping Sparrow. The latter was able to fly (as I subsequently ascertained) about twenty yards atatime. The Chipping Sparrow w ould offer a feeble resistance and then fly two or three feet. The English Sparrows would follow and take turns in pecking at it. They had pulled out about one-third of the feathers on its head, which was bleed- ing slightly. There was also a small bare place on its back. The Chippie invariably faced its enemies until he lad received several pecks and then flew off to one side. Many other English Sparrows were in the trees near by, but took no notice of the affair. As soon asI went up to the young bird the parents came fluttering round, probably attracted by its cry. While the English Sparrows were about I did not hear a sound from it. Another young Chippie, about fifteen yards off, had nearly all of its head feathers and a few of its body feathers pulled out. (August 9, 1887.) It is scarcely surprising that after such treatment as this the Chipping Sparrow is not as abundant as formerly about our houses and gardens THE SPARROW “ MOBBING” OTHER BIRDS. The Robin is often attacked and robbed of his food by the enterprising. Sparrow, as is shown by the testim ny of many witnesses. 94 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. Charles B, Fuller, of Portland, Me., writes: I have repeatedly seen the Sparrow follow the Robins and rob them of such food as they unearthed; can not say what the food was. (May 31, 1884. Present ten years or more. ) Dr. F. H. Kimball, of Rockford, Ill., writes: Thave seen the Robin more frequently molested by the Sparrow than any other bird, chiefly in the way of being driven from its food or having its food stolen. (September 28, 1886. Present about eight years.) A. ©. White, of Jefferson, Ashtabula County, Ohio, writes: I have observed that it follows Robins and Bluebirds and takes from them worms and insects which they find. (September 3, 1886. Present about scven years. ) Sometimes the attack is entirely unprovoked and without any appar- ent object, as in the following case sent by W. J. N. Osterhaut, of Provi- dence, R. L.: March 30, 1884, heard a Robin for the first time caroling his morning song in a pine tree near the house. I went out to watch him, and had not been standing long watch- ing him when at least a dozen Sparrows flew up into the tree and pitched into him. Poor Robin was driven from tree to tree and badly whipped. ‘There were no nests of the Sparrows near and they evidently fought the Robin, who was peaceably enjoying himself, from pure hatred of any intruder. jsuch instances are innumerable and are constantly occurring. The Robin referred to in this instance disappeared aud I have not seen himsince. (April, 1886.) Native birds are frequently driven away or “crowded out” without any actualattack, the Sparrows simply following them about and threat- ening them until they become uneasy and leave. The reader should turn to the testimony of Mrs. Olive Thorne Miller, of Brooklyn, N. Y., and read her account of this method, which has been termed “mobbing.” Similar testimony will be found under the head of Washington, D. C., and in other places among the evidence. Even the Kingbird is thus “mobbed” and sometimes is actually attacked. George B. Holmes, of Fernwood, Cook County, IL, writes: Ihave known Sparrows to challenge a Kingbird, but they were always whipped. (August 27, 1886. Present about five years.) William J’. Doertenbach, of Cleveland, Ohio, writes: In July, 1883, a Kingbird was attacked by two English Sparrows, but ho resisted and finally drove them off. In about one minute, however, he was attacked by a dozen or more Sparrows from different points. He flew straight up into the air for about one hundred feet and then swiftly to the southward. ‘his happened in front of my house. (November 8, 1886. Present about thirteen years.) The list of species actually attacked, without regard to nesting con- troversies, is a very considerable one, but we shall only mention a few. Owen Durfee, of Brooklyn, N. Y., writes: I saw » pair of Golden-crested Kinglets, November 19, 1883, and when first seen about two dozen English Sparrows were attacking them,’ P. B. Loomis, of Jackson, Mich., writes: My carpenter, a man of veracity and closo observation, says he has seen it kill our smaller song sparrows. (July 20, 1884, Present about eight years.) SPARROW VERSUS NATIVE BIRDS. 95 Dr. Edgar A. Mearns, of Highland Falls, Orange County, N. Y. writes : It frequently attacks and drives away the native birds. It has been scen to kill a Yellow-bellied Woodpecker in a back yard at 32 Park avenue, New York City, and also a Robin in Washington Square, New York City. (February 27, 1884.) J. Percy Moore, of Philadelphia, Pa., writes: « * * The Sparrow is certainly very pugnacious, and I have often seen it attack and chase even such a large bird as the domestic pigeon (October 13, 1885); and in July, 1883, two were seen to attack and put to flight a Crow. I have also seen them attack the Ruby-throated Hummingbird (September 10, 1334) and Chipping Sparrow (October 7, 1835). (October 15, 1825, Present nineteen years or more.) Henry Stewart, of Hackensack, N. J., writes: It attacks my young chickens and drives them from their food. (February 5, 1884. Present about fourteen years. ) SUMMARY OF THE QUESTION OF SPARROW versus NATIVE BIRDS. The foregoing examples of evidence have been taken exclusively from original contributions, although numerous equally strong testimonials will be found among the material reprinted from various publications and from both American and foreign sources. There seems, then, to be no possible escape from the conclusion that the Sparrow exercises an important and most harmful influence on our native birds. It is not ‘claimed that in all cases where native birds have become less abundant, or have entirely disappeared from town or farm, the Sparrow is the cause. On the contrary, we know positively that there have been marked changes in the numbers and kinds of birds visiting certain dis- tricts, under such circumstances that it is impossible to attribute these changes tothe influence of the Sparrow. The settlement of a country fre- quently causes great changes inits bird life. Therapid growth of towns and cities, without a corresponding increase in parks and gardens, has done much to diminish the number of birds. Cats, small boys, feather hunters, and similar agencies have aided in the war of extermination. The Bobolink breeds much less abundantly in New England now than it did twenty-five years ago, but this is well known to be due partly to the introduction of mowing machines and the cutting of hay much ear- lier in the season than formerly, and partly to the wholesale destruction of the species during its migrations. But the fact that all disappear- ances of native birds from town or country cau not be charged to the Sparrow in no way lessens its responsibility for such changes as it un- questionably has caused. On the other hand, many of the most stalwart champions of our native birds are not altogether free from blame for their partial disappearance. In how many cities of the Union were native birds carefully protected and encouraged to build their nests before the introduction of the Spar- row? Itis certain that in many cities hundreds or even thousands of boxes were provided for the introduced Sparrows, where scarcely a dozen had been given to native birds. 96 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. In many cases this superabundaunce of nesting places so suddenly pro. vided will account for the actual increase of native birds in spite of the presence of the Sparrows; and such cases have naturally misled many caudid observers, who recognized the facts without considering all the conditions. As bearing on this point we cite a part of Dr. J. A. Allen’s remarks before the Nuttall Ornithological Club, at a meeting held in Cainbridge, Mass., early in 1878. All of Dr. Allen’s remarks were of great interest and value, aud should be read with care by every one interested in the Sparrow question. We quote here from the report printed in the Boston Evening Transcript of March 19, 1878, but select only the parts referring to the Sparrow’s relations to native birds : Mr. J. A. Allen stated that although he had hitherto purposely kept out of the Sparrow controversy, it had not been from any lack of interest in the subject. He had believed the question to be not so one-sided as many have assumed—that the Sparrows are not quite such unmitigated pests as they have sometimes been represented to be, nor, on the other hand, quite so unalloyed a benefaction as some have claimed. While they have some good points, they are certainly not lacking in bad ones. Before taking sides on a question of so much importance, be had waited for the accumulation of evidence ; in other words, till the Sparrows had so increased in numbers that our knowledge of their proclivities would enable us to judge of the results of an ex- periment that at first seemed praiseworthy. The Sparrows, it is true, came to us with a bad name, and many a wise one on the other side of the Atlantic had warned us of the consequences of what they had termed an act of folly. * * * Having had his attention called of late rather strongly to the subject, Mr. Allen had been led not only to collect his own observations on this subject, but to seek information from localities beyond his own immediate vicinity; and on weighing the evidence liad been rather surprised at the preponderance of facts unfavorable to the Spar- rows. * * * The destruction of a few caterpillars he regarded as almost the sole good that can be adduced in their favor. Their presence in small numbers, and especially in win- ter, is indeed cheery and pleasant; but, when in force, their harsh chatter becomes a positive nuisance, and even in summer renders the notes of other birds singing in neighboring trees almost indistinguishable. In regard to the unfavorable side of the score, the list of charges is a long one, and the greater part are too well attested to admit of reasonable doubt. First in the list is their unfavorable influence upon our native birds. Ordinarily, so far as his observations extend, he believed that they were not violently aggressive, but readily became so whenever there was a conflict of interest and occasionally with- out provocation. The little Chipping Sparrows commonly associate with them on terms of intimacy and harmony, and rarely had he seen them pursue or attack other birds when meeting with them at a distance from their own domiciles. But that they do, by their abundance and petulance, tend to crowd out and supplant our native birds seems nearly unquestionable, since the latter disappear wherever the House Sparrows become abundant. Upon such species as have a preference for nest- ing sites similar to their own, they do exert, however, a most positive influence. These are Bluebirds, White-belied Swallows, Purple Martins, and Wrens—birds of attractive ways, agreeable notes, and highly insectivorous in their diet. When the Sparrows were first introduced into Cambridge, probably at least a dozen bird-houses were put up to each pair of Sparrows. Tho result was that the native species just mentioned found abundant nesting places, and at once became more numerous than formerly. As the Sparrows rapidly increased, they very naturally possessed them- selves of the bird boxes and forced their former occupants elsewhere. He cited the SPARROW VERSUS NATIVE BIRDS. 97 following instances as having fallen under his observation: Three years ago no less than three pairs of Wrens and as many pairs each of Bluebirds and White-bellied Swallows raised their young in boxes in sight of his windows. The following year about one-half disappeared, and last year not one of these nine pairs of native birds had a representative left within this small area. Not that all the boxes were occupied by the Sparrows, but they claimed possession of all, and by force of numbers re- tained it. In most cases the former occupants, finding their homes already in the possession of their enemies, appeared to make no struggle to regain them, a recon- naissance of the field apparently satisfying them of the hopelessness of any such attempt; in other cases they were not given up without long and and hard-fought battles. On inquiry he found that similar incidents have been observed in neigh- boring parts of Cambridge. Besides this, instances of uncalled-for aggression had come to his notice, one of which he himself had observed. Last year a colony of Sparrows, not content with three times as many boxes as they had use for—to gain possession of which they had dispossessed wrens and swallows—attacked a pair of Robins that very unwisely, as it proved, had chosen a nesting site in an elm close to this pugnacious colony, by which they were so persistently harassed that they had to abandon their completed nest and its, to them, precious contents. One error into which many observers who are not ornithologists have fallen lies in the failure to discriminate between the abundance of birds in. towns and cities in time of migration and in the breeding season. Thus such a visitor to the national capital during the first week in April, 1887, would have been struck at once with the number of Robins in all the parks, and might have come to the hasty conclusion that there- fore the English Sparrow had no serious influence on them. There were undoubtedly many thousands of Robins in the city of Washington at that time. On the grass ground in front of the Smith- sonian Institution, on the lawns of the Capitol, and in many of the other parks, hundreds were in sight at once, and tlrey seldom appeared to be molested by the Sparrows. But no sooner had these migrating flocks passed northward and the intending settlers arrived in smaller num- bers from the South than the Sparrows began to show their natural disposition, and, as a result, the Robins which remained and nested in the beautiful parks, numberiug hundreds of acres, probably did not average one pair to every ten acres of suitable ground. One other egregious blunder, for which there is still less excuse, is the claim so often put forward that in other countries, notably in Eng- land and Germany, the Sparrows live in peace with all birds, whereas if they were the terrible foes represented they would have expelled all these birds long ago. In general, such statements may be set down at once as totally untrue as regards the facts. The Sparrow in Europe is very much the same bird as in the United States, certainly no bet- ter. And wherever there is any marked difference in habits such a dif- ference is usually attributable to the fact that the conditions of ex- istence are entirely unlike. On this point Dr. Elliott Coues says: In Enuvope these birds are part and parcel of the natural fauna of the country. They are not, as I understand, petted, pampered, and seduously protected from their natural enemies, as they are here. They shift ror themselves, find certain sources of 8404—Bull, 1——7 98 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. food supply, have a fair share of natural enemies, and are kept within due bounds of multiplication by natural causes; so that the “balance of power,” to use a political phrase, adjusts itself. In short, they have their useful part to play, and they play it; they have their natural checks, and their increase is naturally checked. (American Naturalist, Vol. XII, p. 500, Aug., 1878.) In many parts of Europe bounties have been paid on the Sparrow from time to time for centuries, and to-day in many sections of England the farmers are fighting this pest as bitterly asin any section of the New World. If any one doubts that the Sparrow attacks other birds in Europe, let him turn to the evidence given before the select commit- tee of the British Parliament in 1873, and read the statements which support the testimony of Col. Champion Russell with regard to the relations of the Sparrow and the martin. His conclusion is, “ If peo- ple will neither protect the martins from the Sparrows nor let them build near their doors and windows for protection, we shall lose these beautiful and most useful birds; indeed, we are losing them fast. Un- like most other birds, they will not make their nests far from our dwell- ings; if not allowed to build there, they disappear.” RELATION OF THE SPARROW TO INSECTS, GENERAL SUMMARY OF EVIDENCE. The vexed question of the insect-eating habits of the Sparrow is one of the most important ones to be decided, and on the decision many persens would rest their arguments for or against the bird. It has been shown that the Sparrow is decidedly injurious to grain, seeds of various kinds, and fruit; that it causes a decrease in the num- ber of native birds in gardens and on farms, as well as in cities and towns; and that it is a serious nuisance in many ways. But, if it could be shown that it habitually consumes large numbers of injurious in- sects, there might still be some ground for continuing to protect it, or at least for refraining from its wholesale destruction. In the effort to obtain sufficient evidence to settle this question no trouble has been spared, and every scrap of testimony submitted has been carefully considered. Particular pains have been taken to obtain every possible fact favor- able to the bird, and the utmost care has been taken to exclude no item of this kind, while in doubtful cases the Sparrow has always been given the benefit of the doubt. Yet, unfortunately for this bird, the result shows plainly that it is not a habitual insect- -eater, that it flocs not prefer insect food, and that it seldom produces any perceptible effect on the numbers of any species of injurious insect. We are well aware that these conciusions will be questioned by some friends of the bird, either too busy or too prejudiced to examine the evidence for themselyes, but we believe that no candid person can ex- INSECT-EATING HABITS. 99 amine carefully all the evidence printed herewith and fail to be con- vinced of the justice of the verdict. Much favorable evidence has been submitted, and it leaves no doubt that Sparrows generally carry some insects to their young; that the young after leaving the nest continue to eat insects for a time, and occasionally even when fully adult. In- stances are given where the Sparrow has done good service by destroy- ing large numbers of the army-worm, cabbage-worm, canker-worm and other span-worms, as well as grasshoppers, and some other insects; but these are exceptional cases, readily accounted for when all the circum- stances are known, and showing, in most instances, not that the Spar- row is habitually insectivorous, but that it follows the rule which Prof. S. A. Forbes has indicated for many other seed-eaters, viz, that when suitable insects are extraordinarily abundant these birds substitute in. sect food to some extent for their more natural diet of seed and grain. Except when feeding the young, Sparrows can scarcely be said to have any habit in relation to insects. Certain individuals may acquire a taste for certain insects, or even for insects in general, and many Sparrows seem to delight in chasing large winged insects, such as but- terflies, grasshoppers, and cicadas, and when their clumsy efforts in this direction are successful they usually, though not always, eat or take to their young the insects captured; but asa rule adult Sparrows which are not feeding young do not hunt for insects, and if they catch them at all, it is only because they chance to come in their way while seeking other food. The following facts should be borne constantly in mind while study- ing this question. In the first place, there are many beneficial as well as injurious insects, and the Sparrow does not appear to discriminate between them. Again, the injurious insects, such as span-worms and smooth cater- pillars, which the Sparrow sometimes destroys in numbers, are pre- cisely such insects as are always acceptable to other birds; while there are many other injurious insects, such as hairy caterpillars, which the Sparrow never touches, but which some other common birds devour greedily. As almost all these native birds have been lessened in num- bers, or entirely driven away from places where Sparrowsare abundant, the bearing of these facts is obvious. Finally, there is no species of injurious insect that the Sparrow has been known to destroy, even in small numbers, which is not much oftener devoured by native birds. Thus the Sparrow does no kind of beneficial work as an insect destroyer which would not be much better done by native birds; while its presence prevents other birds from accomplish- ing many kinds of work which the Sparrow does not undertake at all. The reply so often made to this argument, namely, that native birds never would stay in towns as the Sparrow does, shows the most pitiable ignorance of facts. In most towns where there is vegetation subject to the attacks of insects, native birds are sure to be found unless driven 100 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. away by the Sparrows. If there be but one or two trees in the heart of a city, there is no need to depend upon birds, native or imported, to keep them free from insects; if there are many trees, then many native birds will nest there if they are properly encouraged. Had one-tenth the care been devoted to native birds in Boston, Philadelphia, and New York that was wasted on the imported Sparrows, it is not probable that the span-worm would ever have stripped the trees in those cities, or that the hairy larva of the tussock-moth, or the equally destructive web- worm, would have followed when the span-worm was lessened in num- bers. That the steady and alarming increase of these hairy worms is largely, if not mainly, due to the presence of the Sparrow and the consequent absence of better birds is not open to doubt. The testimony of Prof. ©. V. Riley, Entom ologist of the U. 8S. Department of Agriculture, of Prof. J. A. Lintner, State Entomologist of New York; and of Dr. John L. LeCoute, of Philadelphia, is conclusive on this point. A part of this testimony is given a few pages further on, and the remainder will be found in Professor Riley’s report which follows. Before proceeding further with this discussion, it will be well, as under previous sections of this Bulletin, to give a brief résumé of the evidence collected, and on which the conclusions as regards the Spar- row’s relations to insects are based. This evidence may be roughly divided into two classes: I. Evidence derived mainly from study of the contents of Sparrows’ stomachs. IL Evidence derived mainly from observation of the bird, without subsequent examination of the stomach. EVIDENCE DERIVED FROM STUDY OF TOE CONTENTS OF SPARROWS’ STOMACHS, Under this head is included all available published data derived from dissection in both Europe and America, and representing in all about two thousand five hundred stomachs. Of this number, about eleven hundred are from European sources and the remainder from the United States and Canada. With the excep- tion of data relating to upward of five hundred stomachs examined at the Department during the past year, very few of these records are as complete as could be desired, and no attempt has been made to tabu- late the results of all the dissections, but it may be stated that among two thousand four hundred and fifty-five stomachs only three hundred and forty-five, or about 14 per cent., showed any insect remains. In the case of five hundred and twenty-two stomachs examined at the Depart- ment of Agriculture all necessary data were obtainable and the results have been carefully tabulated. The insect remains contained in these stomachs were critically examined under the direction of Prof. C, V; Riley, who has kindly prepared a report upon the subject, and has added INSECT-EATING HABITS. 101 thereto the results of his study of published data of other dissections and of his own large experience with the Sparrow. This valuable report of Professor Riley covers the ground so thor- oughly, that there is no excuse for our entering into any extended dis- cussion of the facts brought out by these dissections, and we shall merely touch on one or two points to give emphasis to some of our remarks later. EVIDENCE DERIVED FROM OBSERVATION OF THE BIRD. That part of the testimony which is based mainly .on observation, with only an occasional dissection, is much less positive as a whole than that based solely on dissection; but some parts of it are extremely val- uable nevertheless. In reply to the schedule questions sent out, and by subsequent cor- respondence with all persons willing to contribute information, reports were received from five hundred and ninety-one persons. The contents of these reports may be roughly classified as follows: Mainly favorable to the Sparrow...-.. 2-222. ce00 cee see eee cece cee ee ene eee ees 267 Mainly unfavorable to the Sparrow... ...--.---- -----ee-ee eee cece ee eee ee noes 1388 About equally divided .... 222.0... cece ee ce ee ee ee ce ce ee ee ee ee eeeecee neces 60 Indefinite, or of no practical value ...-...-------------e2 sees evades aidsce aisha seis 126 POtA A cesta teases Sth baie ee ain ue latoais Savane uae cana ele ewe 591 Of the one hundred and twenty-six reports counted of no practical value, seventy-eight consist simply of the statement that the Sparrow eats insects only when forced to do so by the absence of other food. As a majority of all observers were naturally unable to discriminate between injurious and beneficial insects, all reports which credit the Sparrow with eating insects of any kind have been considered (in this summary) favorable to the Sparrow, though, in view of Professor Riley’s examination of insects actually eaten, this is far from being really the case. The following table shows the insects which the Sparrow is said to eat and the number of observers reporting each insect. With the ex- ception of single reports on six or seven species, it does not record re- sults of dissection, but merely the observations of those who report having seen the Sparrow taking insects for itself or young. In this list there are no repetitions, that is, the same insect is not entered in two separate categories. For example “worms,” fifty-six reports, does not include cut-worms, canker-worms, earth-worms, ete., which are re- corded just as reported. 102 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. List of insects said to be eaten by the Sparrow. 1 2 of a m on Kind of insect. sé Kind of insect. ce as Ag 5 H Ants: GBS cies jasc oe tierssticistne cine selae sea nica Soi 3 Red cicntiantanwrcs ania seen seaineawareeseanes 1 || Grasshoppers, kind not specified... 7 52 Winged ........- 1 || Grubs or larve, kind not specified. 50 Kind not specified . 4 || Harpalus vagans ......--+.++-+++- 1 Ants-0gg8 .--.------.-- 1 || Honey bees.....-.......--0-- cee nee 2 Aphid@.......- 2 || Hyphantria (moth 2 Apple-tree worm 3 || Hyphantria (larva) 1 ATmy-worm ... ae 9 || Ichneumon flies.....-..-.-.---.---. 5 LAURE nee ev crcexsui nireancneind’s sxeminnie 1 || Insects: Leetle: Quimaples scccwscas us sancnenceseeascmes 1 Tiger (Cicindela) 1 On trees .... 2 Goldsmith 1 In wheat ....... 1 Beetles: Kind not specified’ 10 Kind not specified 118 Blow-fly 2 || Insect eggs.........- 5 Bot-fly... 4 || June-bug......... 1 Borers 1 || June-bug (larva). . . 1 Buifalo-moth I, |) SEAT iO ca precemiad car aeaeacaistecemaccmneaet 1 Bugs: Larva of— Brow lox Dark wa: -sscwaxen sancemcnca 1 HOn86-OY- 2 pardaiasnictonicsigintemsinsiostipepicce 1 From cherry treo . .-. 1 Stable-Ay iocn eames ss yeeeeseorees 1 Kind not specified ... “| 18 Various: 168 a scccseseccescscecs cs 1 Botterily (2urus) sos ez scsesemosseseeecaies.cs 1 Moths ......-..... 1 Butterfly: Leaf-rollers of plum .......--- dinidetancmer 1 VameS9e .. 00-22 enn n ne cence eee eee neeee 1 || Leaf-rollers, kind not specified......-...... 1 MOUOW 22.2 pcicisioccso gisig.cice sic DL ]) OCU tS sien sania vivreiscianos auminie’s Reecinnsesinrs oc) 4 Dutterflies, kind not specified . 14 || Maggots from dead animal ......--.......- 1 sutterfly larva................ 1 |] May-bug........0....226-5 2 Cabbage-butterfly ........--- 2 || May-bug larve . 2 Cabbage-moth .....-... 2 || May-flies ....... 4 Cabbage-worms . eit 39 || Measuring-worms .... : 8 Canker-worm 26 |) Measuring-worm moth ......,.....-....-.- 1 Carabide... 1 || Melon bugs of all kinds ....-...-.......... 1 Carabid larva .........-.-..-.64- 1 || Mosquito......-.......... 3 Caterpillar : Moth, luna ......- : 1 Fal 1 |} Moth, Cecropia 1 1 || Moths or millers, kind not specified ....... 35 Bl) Meese 08 areca ee a sieieieieteenisinin en einin eaitiniaia ae 1 SB |) AAPG (MOTT sonisininin mer crnrmsienin wneanemasinciia 1 3 || Orgyia (larvae)... 2.0... eee cee ee eee ce eee 3 Kind not specified...........-. Bo:|| OVtMOPlOre os. sini aacustaememaseeimecincen ated 1 Cherry-tree worms .... 1 || Potato-bug .......-....... ase 1 Chinch-bug.....-...2...-.2.-2-.se- 1 || Potato-bug larva ......... 1 Clear-winged flies from grapo 1 || Rose-bag o..0 .csccees esc 1 Cicada: Rose-slugs............-.-. 1 Soventeen-year ......-.... 0. eee eee e ee 11 || Scale insecis............-. 1 Kind not specified Oh) SNORE eases oimnnneeax enue 2 Ooccinellide@ .......++.0eeeee eee ee 1 || Sphinw carolina .....-...... 1 Codling-worm . 1 || Spiders, kind not specified. . 26 Codling-moth..............22-2.--- 2 || Squash-bugs......2..2....2. 1 Coleoptera (larva) - 1 || Tobacco-worm.........- 1 Crickets....-.-.... 2 || Tree-lice........ 1 Curculio of plum. 1 || Wasp.. 1 Currant moth .........--.-- 0.0206. é 1 || Weevils . eacis 2 CULraNt: WOYMN jvc nenneniissisceaiemaseaaacmciee 4 || White-ants (Termes) .........20..--00000-5 2 Cutworm: Worms on— BOONES cnciocpsxnciumtoupreiedendaaen 1 Fruit-trees 2.22.0... cc ee eee cee ccc eee 1 Kind not specified ......- 6 Elm .... 2 Dragon-flies .. 2 Linden 1 Dung-insects - 2 Maple .... 4 Earthworms -. 7 7 Pear-treo 1 RUNES Jia wiesnsmamenn si aamanmemacrenaiadesm es 1 || Worms: Flies: WE A icatchuin timemiran enna 1 Horse ..-. 2 1 Stable 7. 1 ; able .... 1 Kinds not specified... 2.1... Small, black .. 1 BOP eisas: eeeictmecneerone is Kind not specified 25 In this list there are dozen or more items which are conspicuous from the number of witnesses reporting them. Thus army-Worms, canker-worms, and cabbage-worms aggregate Seventy-four reports; caterpillars alone are mentioned in sixty-four reports, and “ worms,” INSECT DIET OF YOUNG. 103 many of which are undoubtedly caterpillars, in eighty-eight more. Fifty observers speak of grubs or larva; fifty-two of grasshoppers; and then we have moths, millers, and butterflies with fifty-nine; flies, thirty-two, beetles, twenty-seven, and spiders, twenty-six; while, lastly, one hun- dred and eighteen reports state that the Sparrow eats “insects,” but fail to specify the kinds. Unquestionably the information in many of these reports is of little consequence. It is assumed to be in most cases the result of personal observation, but many of the reports contain internal evidence that the information is derived from other sources, while still others appear to be hasty inferences from entirely insufficient data. But the same might be said for many of the reports relating to the Sparrow’s relations to na- tive birds, with the difference, however, that the names and habits of insects are less commonly known than those of birds, while the small size of many insects is apt to lead a careless observer to believe that the Sparrow, when searching on the ground and picking up anything too small to be readily seen, is always eating insects. ARGUMENT FROM ALL AVAILABLE DATA. The fact that more than a hundred observers state that they have “never seen a Sparrow touch even a single insect is certainly surprising, and can only be explained by one of two hypotheses: either they are not close observers, or their opportunities for observation have been lim- ited. Certainly when suitable insects are abundant, Sparrows usually take considerable numbers to their young; yet it is equally certain that in our large cities thousands of Sparrows are reared annually without ever tasting insects. When bread, cooked meat, or other soft food is obtainable the old birds are content to give the young such food, and even when insect food is fairly abundant it is not always utilized. Thus Colonel Russell states that in England he once examined the stomachs of forty-seven nestling Sparrows taken at one time from one farm yard, and found the remains of but six small insects in the entire lot, the crops in most cases being filled with green peas and grain. On the other hand Dr. Schleh, professor in the College of Agriculture at Herford, Germany, after examining ‘the crops of a large number of nest- ling Sparrows sent to him from different parts of the country,” finds that “‘ while in the nest, and for a week after leaving it, their food cun- sists entirely of insects, grubs, etc. Two weeks after leaving the nest their food still consists of forty-three per cent. of animal food; a week later of thirty-one per cent., and after that age of only nineteen per cent. of animal ingredients.” Unfortunately we do not know the num- ber of dissections on which these figures are based, but they are far more favorable to the Sparrow than any others we have seen, and can scarcely be regarded as nearer the average than the above figures of Colonel Russell, which perbaps indicate the other extreme. 104 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. In this connection some of the data afforded by the five hundred and twenty-two dissections made at Washington during the past summer are of interest. Three hundred and thirty-eight were the stomachs of birds taken on the grounds of the Department of Agriculture, almost all of them shot: between noon and 2 o'clock p. m., and when not engaged in searching the driveways for refuse. These grounds consist of about thirty-five acres of grass, shrubbery, trees, and gardens; and form one section of the unbroken series of parks which extends from the Capitol to the White House, a distance of more than a mile. Here at all times during the summer large numbers of insects were to be had without any particular search, and hence these three hundred and thirty-eight stomachs ought to contain a larger percentage than usual of such food. The remainirg one hundred and eighty-four stomachs came from various places at a distance, and the data accompanying them are not complete in all cases, but many were collected in places where insects were abundant. Three hundred and seventy-six of these stomachs were from adult birds, and fifty-four of them, or fourteen and two-tenths per cent., contained remains of insects. One hundred and two were from birds classified as “immature ”—that is, they were at most only two or three months old, but were fully fledged, and no longer under the care of the parents. Twenty-two of these, or about twenty-one and one-half: per cent., contained insect remains. Forty-four were either nestlings or at least still under the care of the parents, and seventeen of these, or thirty-eight and six-tentls per cent., contained some insect food. This confirms in great measure the generally accepted theory that young Sparrows eat many more insects than adults, but it should be remarked that very few of these five hundred and twenty-two stomachs contained any large number of insects. Certainly the average percentage of in- sect food would not exceed one or two per cent., while even in the forty- four young birds not more than ten per cent. of the entire tood was insects. Moreover, in one ‘or two cases, young Sparrows taken from the nests contained no trace of insect food, but did contain crushed or soft- ened grain, probably from horse droppings. Dr. B. H. Warren, at West Chester, Pa., and Mr. C. J. Maynard, in Boston, had similar experiences, and there can be no doubt that insects are not essential even for feed- ing the young. Many persons suppose that when Sparrows are busy at horse droppings in the streets they are looking for insects, but of course they are really picking out the partially digested grain, and this grain is perfectly adapted to the wants of young Sparrows, even when just hatched. An occasional insect may be picked up in the same places, but such insects are usually small dung-beetles which are useful, or at least not harmful species. It is probably safe to say that asa rule nine- tenths of the food of city Sparrows—so long as they remain within city limits—is derived from horse droppings, and most of the remainder is house refuse. In the parks or onthe outskirts of cities, in small towns, SEASONAL VARIATION IN INSECT DIET. 105 and in the country, Sparrows undoubtedly take more grain or seed, fruit, and insects; and all careful observers whose observations have ex- tended over considerable periods in such localities, agree that the Spar- row destroys insects more or less according to their abundance. SEASONAL VARIATION IN TIE INSECT FOOD OF THE SPARROW. It has been claimed often that Sparrows take much the larger part of their insect food in spring or early summer. While this may be true, we have not the data as yet to prove it, and it seems to be, in part at least, a hasty inference from two principal facts. These are, first, the assumption that the young are fed mainly on insects, and that the most young are hatched in spring and early summer; second, the sup- position that as grain ripens, Sparrows naturally neglect all other fvod. Undoubtedly both these points have considerable weight, but there are two other points that tend to offset them, and these are too frequently overlooked. Although doubtless more Sparrows are hatched in May or June than in July or August, yet we do not know how many more. It has been shown already that at least three or four broods are hatched each year, and during the last weekin August, 1887, stump-tailed young just out of the nest were not at all rare about the grounds of the De- partment of Agriculture. If nearly as many young are reared in Au- gust as in May, probably as many insects would be fed to them in Au- gust asin May, for—and here is the second point—insects are certainly more abundant in midsummer and early autumn than in spring. In England, according to Mr. Gurney’s tables, the Sparrow eats more insects in August than in any other month; and Dr. William Brodie, at Toronto, Canada, found that of 85 stomachs taken in September, 63, or about 74 per cent., contained insects. The following table gives the results, as regards the number of stom- achs containing insects, of the 522 dissections made at the Department of Agriculture, arranged by months.* It is to be regretted that as many birds were not killed each month as in August, but this was im- possible, although it is hoped it may be done hereafter. *For information as to the manner in which these examinations were made, sce page 133. 106 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. Table showing, by months, the number and percentages of Sparrows containing insects, in @ iolal of 522 dissections. 3 Z/a ° 3 ° f=, A|3|3 | gle s|/2)8]4 1 oe a | 4 3 Flas a/e8|/se/]sé Ga 2 > 5 5 E/o]a] es | January : Ewaitiined. seesertacameeaesebecsceee. |s/e|A] a a a/2|olg 8 ZIS|S|ml/G|B lb |aljalala 1886. 5689 | sim.| July 12 | Washington, M., |eac|easlsce| $6 [ciel sve |-ee] oes |se D.C. ee x - x - x i x Remains of 1 dung- Mich, ----do 5 Amherst, Mass. |... West Chester.|..- Pa, we C0 scesecrsces Alfred Centre, N.Y. Taunton, Mass. Ambherst, Mass. Washington, DC. x 2 RRP sR Fe . K fee ae K jee- x SRG ee Oe XXXXXXXXXKY xy ae ce a Se ea Re ROK He xx beetle; lother small beetle. :| 1 snout-beetle. 138 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. Contents of stomachs of English Sparrows (Passer domesticus )—Continued. 2 Cereals. iS Insect food. g, aT g £ | jal.|2 2 BK) a |%] a] Sex a tlSlel|o;e 8 and rae Locality. ¢ os 8 2 8) a A . sla lo |e 5) @ 2 o, | a SIElEIE/EF18 ls] 2]! Kina of insect, Ep : alel2ieis ja rs/ gia g a) lcleleleis Igieieia 3 S/S/EVElZ (38 [2a ele a Sl Ole] & | 2 a 8 EFIS|S(SIGIEBIS le lalal4 1886, 2 2132 | Qad.| Aug. 3] Washington, |-.-| x |---|---|-- |..-|----|---|-- | « |---| L moth with eggs; 2 D.C. pars of jaws (of caterpillar ?). 2133 Q ad.|..-do .--.]..-.do .....2..--.]---] % [---]---[---]---]----[-+-]---] % |-- | 1. snout-beetle Pi) ony 31| Gainesville, Va .|---|-+-|~--|---|---]---]-<-[---| --]---[-- | (Emupty.) 1887. 5693 | Qim.|July 12) Washington, |...) x |.-.]--.].-.]--.]----[---| ? |---|-- | Verysmall pieces of D.C. a wasp. 5694 5695 5696 5697 5698 5699 5700 5701 11 flea-beetles; 1 leaf flea- beetle. 5702 5703 5704 5705 Remains of a wasp. 5706 5707 5708 5531 5532 1 spider; 1 snout- beetlo; 2 ants; 1 ° bee; 1 small, par- agitic fly. : 5533 | gtad.|June 2)....do ........--.]---] « |o.-|---|---[-- |---| x | x | « |---| 1 spider; 1 snont- beetle. : 5534 cs do... |... 55385 | of --do 5536} of do ....J... 1snout-beetle; 5 flea- beetles. 5537 | Q do ....]....d0 ........... ote) 8 berskeg |ossleschewetess] RLS) S Rey Y ae lectles; flea bee- ties. 5538 | @Q Several snout - bee- tles. 5539} 9 5540 | 9 : 5541 § ca fac 5542 aipaeste 2 pups of blis-bottle Yes 5543 | Q 5344] 1snout-bectlo; pieces of larva of a leat- hopper. 5545 | dim.| June 38 |....do........... se-[ee [es foe-feeJe--] x [---] x | x |---| Nunserous spiders; 3 snout - beetles; 1 wasp. 5546 im.| June 4 |....do sete] eats|me [aslelbsse [TOR cases ene RR IRE 547 ay June 7 |... sane <> [sara sinnd|nel) 38 Ie see leis 5348 | fijuv.}.--do ....].... is | é, % ile eee -| 1 May beetle; 1 snout- beetle. 5549 ses 1 snout-beetle. 5330 x 5551 x 5552 x 6553 x 5554 x 5555 x 5619 x 566L x 5662 _ 1 flea-beetle ; traces of » bee or wasp. 5665 2 3) aes etal eee gee|emenlee |S Very small pieces of a@ hymenopteron. RESULTS OF DISSECTION. 139 Contents of stomachs of English Sparrows (Passer domesticus)—Continued. Cereals. Insect food. Sex, | pate of ae capture. Locality. matter. Bread, rice, ete. Kind of insect. Undetermined vegetable Catalogue number. Wheat. Corn (maize). Fruit seed. Oats. Noxious species Indifferent species. | Grass seed. | Weed seed. Beneficial species. x 5666 | Qjuv.| Juné 16 | Washington,].-- D.C. 5669 | Qjuv due TT facie Os ciate ainied weal ines 5670 Pjuv. 3 aie 5671 ojuv.}... 5672 | g#ijuv.|- 5673 ojuv. 5676 | ad. 5677 FOV os O aacis| owas 5678 | Qjuv.|...do....].... 5679 2 ae UO..a55 5680 Qjuv.|.. do .-..|. 57U9 | cf ad.| Jaly 14 }. 5710 $a ---d0 ..-.]. xx XK Xx! June 21 }. | 6 house flios, with numerous eggs. x im.]|...do ....]. im,|...do ..-. XXX XXK! x |---| x | Leg of spider; leg of beetle; part of wasp ; part of an- other small hy- menopteron. 2 wasps; several flea- beetles. a ~ m4 aw +0 is B ou 6 , a 3 ‘i 5 ‘ x x x 8 REISS BECK -| Numerous wasps; traces of a bug. --.| 2 snout-beetles. --| 2 snout-beetles. ti oxxx x 1x xX KXxX KX KKK X Xt XXX x x? x “x Many fica - beetles; legs of snout-bee- e. x x ee lw ee ee ae 5925 xxx x? 5933 5935 5037 5938 5939 5940 5941 5942 5943 5944 5945 5946 XXX KI MXKKT AK XX Be XXXXXE KEE eee lecshieleee| be flea-bectle; traces of a wasp. -- |---| x ].--]---] Remains of a wasp. Xxx xT xX x xi SE ae .-| Remains of 1 an: x | 1 snout - beetle; wasp; 2 small Mei erpi lars; flea-bee- tle, xt 140 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. Contents of stomachs of English Sparrows (Passer domesticus)—Continued. oO Cereals. lea Insect food. ‘a & 8 e | ll al2 Sex d/3/3/2/8 B | and | Date cf! Locality. a ee)o/ 213) e ge. > Ni[srloglgtaSshao| @ : @ | 28° SIElE/S Eel Sla| Z|) Kind of insect. S glol(e|/eig ala} oa] Ye ee fs Blajle|alss ~| ols B & al. elalgia |sl/elels a o|n A 3142/ a} Se) oa is s qi ols o|a 3 ey 3s Sle iH fh | o | 2 q 5 |- BIS|O|BIO|E IP |elalala 1887, 5947 | Sim.| Aug, 11 ESE BED 2 coal [ee Seal] Re as fate aS lioeen lie §948 | giad.|...do... was] % [es sfees| oe | ce lhe 5949 | Qad.}...do... aia aise fzcral| | 5950 | cim.|...do..-. Sark ierallg ote aero lagne [aca «fae: 5951 | ino. 25-00 eee]. 22.d0 cence. sices eedlece x -|x |x |---| 1 snout - beetle; 1 wasp. §952 | Sims | 25.00 sos. |serdO wesccewesee Ssiel| PeMficeccl SSH Re Loe. [see lectileed | su lee 5953 | Q ad.|...do....]....d0 .........-- wee] x foe-]---}--.] x |----]---] # [-.-|---] Remains of 1 hymen- opteron (wasp ?). 5954 | ofiim.|...do..-..]....do -.....-..-. wae[ x [eeefees]eee]ee.]--ee[---[...] x [-.-] 1 tree-hopper. 5066 Dad. Ag, 18 fans dO 5 anesiwcate|ccil|saciaael Plaacleac Poa. [tenes |ea|tecoa 5067 | 2 OA dO wml isc ccrcasiaciscice we-[ x [oe-]---]---] x ]----]--.[---] x |---| 1 tree-hopper; 2 winged ants (fe- males). 5968 5989 may 5970 2 wasps; 3 flea-bee- tles. 5971 -| Remains of 1 ant; 2 wasps. 5972 -| Parts of legs of May : beetle ; 2 wasps. 5973 | cfiim.|...do....|.-..d0.........-- onl ries) SRE lester [reat --| x |..-] Lllegof mole-cricket. 5974 | Qim.| Aug. 15 |....do.......----|..-] x wa| 36 |e] Be fe a 5075 JUV ax GO cewe|seeedO saveceaencs sect oialie ehe((0% ~-|----/-..| x] x |...) 4 ants; remains of 4 several wasps. 5976 JO a ooenlicn lO . genoa sae Mi lewslewcles [eestonne| ® | M1 laxn| Sante» 1 wasp: 5977 | ciim.]...do....|....d0 ...--..---- sel] 3 x |...|.-.[----|---] x ]-..]---) Very minute re- mains of several wasps. 5978 Ki beg afew 3 HX alae 5979 x x 5980 * a 5981 aie or 5 5982 x se 1 wasp. 5983 x eee P 5987 c x wee 5988 cS x x 5989 cs x x 5990 c x x 5991 cs x % 5992 co im bys 5993 | sim x 5994 x 2 5$95 x ~ 5906 x sl aa 5997 x alias och ‘Wbeais 5998 x ella aii) fave [iiss [ie 5999 x -| x bara att x ferac[ aye | earl ape 6000 K:|eeva ears se seers srapall gio pai BOOT * sae ee - Remains of 1 wasp 6002 x Pasa be 63, x ae be 6102 x a eae 6103 x x 6104 x a 6105 x ae 6106 x G107 x 2 6108 sin Remains of 3 cut- worms. 6109 -| x [o--fees [eee]. -]----]--.[ % ]..-] x | Lwasp; 1 Psocus. 6110 PRY x [ff peeee]ee dd |x | Lraces of 1 bee or wasp; 1 flea-bee- tle. x! Remains of 1 wasp. R SULTS OF DISSECTION. 141 Contents of stomachs of English Sparrows (Passer domesticus)— Continued. Catalogue number. Sex and aye. Date of capture. Locality. Cereals, 6012 6013 6015 6016 6017 GUL8 6019 6020 6021 6022 6023 6024 6025 6026 6229 6230 6231 6232 6233 6234 6235 6236 6237 6238 6239 6136 6137 » a ad. 400, AAAAIOIOHOHO 40 OQ, G+O1010104010104010 juv.|.. 2 = Washington, D.C. XXX KKK XK KR? | Corn (maize). mnaiter. Undetermined vegetable | Finit seed. Grass seed. Weed seed. | Bread, rice, ete. Beneficial species. Insect food. Noxious speces. 1x Da KKK KE x x Dix xx xXx x Pa XL eK xx : | Indifferent species. Kind of insect. Legs of Lichneumon fly [2 Many wasps. 1 snout- beetle; 2 small jaws (of cat- erpillar?). 2 small bees. 1 wasp. Remains of 2 wasps. lant; 1 wasp. Remains of a few spill ants. Very small pieces of a bymenopteron. 1 wasp. 1 wasp; 5 jaws of a grasshopper. 1 moth (of web- wor 2). -| 2snout-beetles ; part of leg of May-bee- tle. 1 wasp. -| 4bees (of two kinds). Remains of 1 wasp. Remains of 1 wasp; 1 fica- beetle. 142 THE ENGLISH SPARROW 1N AMERICA. Contents of stomachs of English Sparrows (Passer domesticus)—Continued. } Cereals. 2B Insect food. aS é E | iglale po alt a |p | ede |i a] Sex BIS/Sle ls é and ra Locality. < ze ° 2 3) & 3 aye. S\3/E/EiselE|s & &| Kind of insect. eh ss E|S| a) 275 m3 z| = a elslalelzieis [glelzie = SIZ/E/EIS/ SE |e] a) sis 3 JZIS|S|BIOIE ID |a/ala)4 1887. 6138) of Aug. 23 | Washington, jrye|--.]--.]---| % |---].---[--+L-- Jee dee Du. 6139] g¢ — f...do....] ...do ...22.-22 2] pees leoaloeeloael sae 6140 3 e se Nisezosall SRS ETS uae: 6l4l | sia se | x [ere]ee 1 wasp. 6142 Q . aizalliecsa|| Oe = P 6143] o> ce x |x |... : 6144 | me X fidecllass ee 6145 | ee sicslae | OF [Botsleae 6146] ¢ - S escles os 6147 | gia. a x doe. satloset 6148 cad. aia seeaseelteSe URS: Neen 6149] = al eas eal gece 615u | ¢ 2 see] X x| x 6151} ¢ se B hee ® lave 1 flea-bectle. 6152) ¢ z x x |e. G153 | ge feedO en tase dO sewers mses --[ X Je. ceefee Remains of a hy- menopteron, and very small pieces of a bug. 1 wasp. 1 small caterpillar. Remains of 1 wasp. -| Remains of 1 wasp. XXKXXK KX XXX KK! re So eee Sees £2858 40401010109, 0,0, 0, 0,401010100,,0,0,0,0,0, = co SRR Remains of several grasshoppers and 1 wasp. : <0 a 6135] 9 6099 | gad. 6100 | ad. 6101 | 6201 6202’ 6203 6204 +x xxx Remains of 1 cut- worm; 1 May-flv; 1 leaf-hopper, and 4 ants. 6205 6206 6207 6208 6209 6210 G21L 6212 6213 6214 6215 6216 6217 6218 6219 xxXKIOXXxX XIX KR Re Te 40400, 0,0, 9,0, 0,401040401010 RESULTS OF DISSECTION. 143 Contents of stomachs of English Sparrows (Passer domesticus )—Continued. a a Cereals. 3 Insect food. ' 5 3 2 a ¢ a | Sex “ss lSlals v} 21'S ° gE | ana ae of Locality. at g5/8/3)3)8 A age. peure: e :|_- [as] -| @/ oO] a ® . Siols(stsa]Sl/2) 22] xinaori a @|B/ 3/318 s 4/2718 ind of insect. 2 a] j€l2)2 218 1/3 3 |e a Olga #£) a © = | i 3 RAE ee ee 3 FISIS|S OIE b> [es [ea (a | 4 1887, 6220 2 Aug. 27| Washington, | x | x D.C. 6221 cs XK |ecoleeu|eec] % [omen fasel ee 6222 cs a) 961] HE Paver] ice | eeatct arthas fra 6223 & Heiss areal ares ai [re 6224 cs K[esalewe| dee x 6225 | + % ese x oh lecial oe, 6226 ov x |x 7 6227 Mlb 6228 x 641) o¢ x 6242) o as 6243] ot i 6244 | of % 6245 | oS x 646 | of -- 6247 | of * 6248 2 ose 6249 é -- ae 6250 oe i 6251 Q "x 3 6252 | 9 x]---]..-[.- 6253 | 2 hx foe. eralllas 6254 | 9 xf laze fecel ce x 2 6255, é x |x sells sarafaarifess lee siless 6256 was x |---|---|...] x | Many leaf flea-bee- tles. x |x eee x fx]... sean ae |cis we wate x x x -- ape ae] oe [awe iis x |.. |---| x |---| Remains of several small grasshop- pers. ioe Reap aes: x waclewsfeenclen - . hse Ae a ic one - |---| ¥ x . - - neces ogee heen [seed mee cone enfeo-] % J[-.-[-- Saen daames los: aoe] X a] X |-.-]-- a een oes ae: % |esw es oes e] ans fas: eee eee ee lene oe x x wwefee - eee ee twewee x - x os x x i pee Ra nits ite rs x ie x x |. ee ee x = x a x I... * 20 oats in crop. 136 oats in crop; 10 in stomach. ¢ 34 oats in crop. 4 SUMMARY. The 522 stomachs examined at the Department of Agriculture gave the following results: Wheat was found in 22 stomachs, oats in 327, corn (maize) in 71, fruit seed (mainly of mulberries) in 57, grass seed in 102, weed seed in 85, unde- termined vegetable matter in 219, bread, rice, etc., in 19, noxious insects in 47, beneficial insects in 50, insects of no economic importance in 31. Doubtless most of the oats found in the stomachs were obtained from horse droppings, and some of the undetermined vegetable matter was from the same source. 144 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. Contents of stomachs of English Sparrows (Lasser dumesticus)— Continued. {Examined at West Chester, Pa., by Dr. B. H. Warren, Prof. C. 13, Cochran, and Benj. M. Everhart.] 3) Cereals. = £ j Sh 3 3 ; j a] Fe 2 » Bldola g | Sex | pate of Locali Lis zS/2/FilInsect ocality. | 8 BELO] s Remarks. 5 a capture. y glelale He |Z] lood. g Bl/Z/S/ SiRF als gi 8 a 8 a | a 4 i 8 S| a2) lo Sila 3 SiZ/E(Ei2i2le [212 8 Sa/OolFi aie B o FIS/S|S it |/E I lalm 1879. ; 1] oc ad.| Mar. 13) Chester Co., Pa |---|.--)..-}.--1 x 2] coiad | Mar....) .. do. esa x eisver seed. 3 ad.|...do .. ze x x 0. 4 a ad.| ..do...].-- x x Blades of grass, 5] —ad.|...du... pias x x oleae seed. 6 ail. }...do ... x ase Jo. 7 = ail. }...do a x a Blades of grass. 8] —ail.|...do...1.... 2 x x Clover seed. 9| —ad.}...do...) .. , sei oerets ail ME ‘fesse | 28 Do. 10) oad.) .| 3 Slalaleigizie izle SIS\ElBle)sl3 | Sls > a ° al nd S a = = FIOJO|HRIOIF IP [AIA es] * x ae x é ey x + eS . Bee apa leuthl save yy ie a * *® hw Fane oe sg wae * x“ x ei or [8 fees [seme dee aes Lf | S05 ee ce x Dib Worse |yapeanaya a .asegei x sel x * coal eases bores leaoashevess 6 aes |e lees 1 potato beetle. ---| Flies. : 9 flies 23 aptera. ‘| Stomach empty. Ginger-bread aud green vegetable matter. Ginger-bread. Green eaves. Seed of fox-tail £1 ass. Do. Do. Oats and barley. Apple. Orange-peel. 24 graingof wheat. Small seeds. Green vegetable substance. Do. 0. Stomach empty. Do Clover sced, Green vegetable substance. Small mass of cooked ucef. Stowach empty. 146 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. [Notes by Dr. B. H. Warren. ] The various vegetable materials named in the records given above are, with a few exceptions, included in the following list: Oats (dvena sativa). Wheat (Triticum vulgare). Rye (Secale cereale). Corn, maize (Zia Mays). Grass seed, Clover seed, Small seeds, etc., refer mainly to the follow- ines Red clover (Trifolium pratense). White clover (Trifolium repens). Timothy (Phleum pratense). Bitter-weed (Ambrosia artemisic/folia,. Foux-tail grass (Setaria glauca). Seeds of other species of Setaria ave also fed upon, Buds and blossoms were chiefly of the following kinds: Pear (Pyrus communis). Plum (Prunus domestica). Cherry (Cerasus avium). Grape ( Vitis). Maple (Acer), Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium). In a few cases remains of the following vegetables were present: Lima Bean (Phaseolus lunatus). String Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). Garden Pea (Pisum sativum). Numerous complaints are made by our citizens as to the destruction caused by Sparrows to growing pea-vines. MISOELLANEOUS INJURIES. Aside from the damage which the Sparrow occasions to the agricult- urist and horticulturist, it is also chargeable with offenses which are regarded by many people as insignificant, but which, nevertheless, sometimes become so marked as to demand immediate attention. Mention has already been made of the damage which the Sparrow does to foliage by its filthy habits, and this kind of injury extends to various other classes of objects. : No specific questions as to injury by filth were sent ont by the De- partment, but many observers have contributed notes on the subject, and even the most superficial observer knows what endless annoyance and vexation, to say nothing of serious damage, is occasioned by the soiling of window-casings, cornice-brackets, porches, awnings, and orna- mental work of every kind about dwelling-houses, business blocks, aud public buildings. MISCELLANEOUS INJURIES. 147 Wherever the Sparrow nests this trouble is observable in greater or less degree, but it is by no means limited to nesting-places. Very slight modifications in architecture will often suffice to prevent the Sparrows from nesting about a building, but it is impossible to keep them from perching and roosting everywhere. Even the plainest and barest brick front is likely to suffer, for wherever a window-cap projects a few inches the Sparrows are sure to rest, and defacement is equally sure to follow. In the city of Washington many of the statues and fountains in the public parks are more or less disfigured by the filth of the Sparrow, and in some cases the defilement is so extensive that the statues become positive eye-sores, the filth being conspicuous even at a distance. Sometimes a heavy rain obliterates the stains for a short time, but so long as the cause remains untouched the evil is sure to re- appear at more or less regular intervals. In the spring of 1886 a per- sonal examination of the statues in the various parks and squares showed that more than half were thus conspicuously defaced, and fur- ther observation shows that almost all are affected at one time or an- other. A similar state of things is often found in cemeteries where Sparrows are abundant. Again, the benches and other resting places in parks and squares are so befouled that frequently not one is available, and the adventurous stranger who lingers long in such places is sure to have his apparel, as well vs his pleasure, marred by the omnipresent Sparrow. The rapidity with which these birds collect rubbish in places chosen for nesting purposes is well illustrated by the trouble caused in the city of Washington by their attempts to occupy gas lamps, and even the globes of electric lights, with their nests. During a single day they will almost fill a gas lamp, and although the rubbish is removed regu- arly they persist in carrying in more. Capt. Charles Bendire, of this city, has called our attention recently to cedar trees in the Smithsonian grounds which have been denuded almost completely of their bark by the Sparrows. The birds have stripped it off to use for nesting material, and liave taken not only the rough outer bark, but much of the thin inner layers, leaving the trunks smooth and shining. Another cause of complaint is the Sparrow’s habit of nesting and roosting in gutters, pipes, and drains of roofs. Large quantities of nesting material are carried into such places and subsequently choke up the pipes, sometimes causing serious overflows. In some casts such trouble is easily remedied, but in most cases the damage is done before the danger is suspected, and it is only possible to prevent a recurrence of the mischief. Weappend a few examples of the complaints received. Mr. T. J. Martin, of Waynesborough, Va., writes: During the years 1881 and 1882 I was engaged in the tin trade in Lexington, Va., and having considerable roofing and guttering to do, I had a chance to note the dam- age done by the English Sparrow. Formerly it had been the practice to put heads or ornamental crown-pieces to the down spouts. These heads formed convenient 148 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA, places for the Sparrows to build their nests, and they choked them up so completely that water could not pass cown the spout at all, or only by slow percolation. In consequence these heads either had to be abandoned or completely covered, so that there was no room for the birds to get in. Insome cases the Sparrows would fill tho gutter and cave troughs with all manner of trash, seemingly using them for a play- ground, and not for the purposes of nest-building. They caused much annoyance in this respect, as the gutters had to be cleaned two or three times during a year. In fact, I knew one or two persons having groves of trees near their dweilings who kept ladders continually at hand for this purpose. (December 26, 1867.) Mr. J. T. Connor, of Rome, Ind., writes: The greatest trouble the Sparrow gives us here is by nesting about our houses, par- ticularly in the spouting and pipes, and obstructing the troughs that lead the water to our cisterns. (November 5, 1886.) Mr. J. S. Shade, of McConuellsburgh, Pa., writes: They are a nuisance here, filling the water spouts with their nests, which they re- build as fast as destroyed. (November 15, 1886.) Occasionally this habit of the Sparrow may prove dangerous to the health of persons who use cistern water for drinking. Cases are not very infrequent in which severe sickness has resulted from the use of water collected from roofs frequented by domesticated pigeons, and such a result is perfectly possible from the use of water contaminated by filth from Sparrow nests and roosts. Still another danger from the presence of Sparrows about our houses lies in the possibility of fire resulting from spontaneous combustion among the masses of rabbish carried into out-of-the-way corners about frame buildings. Although there is little probability of such fires origi- nating frequently, yet they are known to have been caused by the material collected by mice, and the following incident, taken from the Scientific American of February 26, 1887, seems to show that there is some ground for similar apprehension from the Sparrow: There is a bar-iron mill situated ina neighboring town, 4 miles from bere, that has been on fire three or four times, in which the English Sparrow might be called the in- cendiary. These sparrows pick up old pieces of cotton waste, which they build into their nests among the timbers of the roof of tho mill, and in evory case of the fires above mentioned these nests were the cause, either from spontaneous combustion or from sparks from the hot iron striking and lodging in the nest. (R. W. Kear, Potts- ville, Pa ) As an illustration of the capacity of the Sparrow for mischief, we cite the following statement of Mr. H. H. Miller, of Sandy Spring, Md. He writes: It has become nscless to thatch roofs with rye straw here, as the Sparrow wears holes through it, apparently for ‘pure devilment.” I know of several roofs that have been destroyed in this way within the last two or three years, (February 16, 1887.) Similar injury to thatched roofs is very common in some parts of England, and has been ascribed, as above, to the Sparrow’s love of mischief. It seems probable, however, that the injury results from a natural mistake on the part of the birds; for they are accustomed, after MISCELLANEOUS INJURIES. 149 cleaning the grain from the outside of stacks, to dig or burrow into the stacks in search of more, and a thatched roof bears no distant resem- blauce to such a stack stripped of the outside grain. Among the complaints of miscellaneous injuries from the Sparrow, one of the most frequent relates to its habit of robbing poultry of their food. At first sight the loss thus occasioned would seem to be trifling, but the complaints received show that this is far from being the case. The Sparrows do not eat what the poultry leave; they eat with the fowls, and soon become so bold that they not only resist the attempts which the fowls make to drive them off, but even nake unprovoked attacks on them, sometimes driving them away from the food. Asa Sparrow eats more, in proportion to its size, than a hen, and as the Sparrows about a farm-yard frequently outnumber the fowls ten to one, the grain which they thus steal day after day is an item of considerable impor- tance. Under date of February 27, 1884, Mr. D. C. Beard, of Flushing, N Y., wrote: I know to my sorrow that it lives all winter entirely ou grain, for in buying chicken feed I allow two parts for the Sparrows and one for the chickens. Auother observer says that they are so abundant about his place that they “rise in clouds” trom his hen-yard; while more than one wit- ness states that when chickens are fed out of doo.s the Sparrows get more than the fowls. Dr. A. P. Sharp, of Baltimore, states that on his place in Kent County, Md., the Sparrows have learned by experience that it is dangerous to eat grain except with the chickens. He says: formerly I killed a good many of them, but now have trieud every means to feed them. They will eat with the chickens, seeming to know that I will not shoot them, This list of miscellaneous injuries would not be complete without a reference to the voice of the Sparrow. Some notes of the Sparrow are not in themselves unmusical, especially if uttered by single birds and ina low key, but even the most enthusiastic of Sparrow admirers will readily admit that the bird is uo singer, and the-ccaseless, discordant chatter of a flock of Sparrows about their nesting or roosting places can be characterized ouly as a nuisance. Those who have been compelled to listen to this noise continually will appreciate the remarks of one of our correspondents who wrote in 1884: To many our singing birds form the very poetry of the year; and when they are replaced, or their music is drowned by these noisy and dirty Sparrows, so that half the charm of spring is gone, uo little suffering results. The effect upon sick or nerv- ous people of their monotonous and peculiarly untuneful cry is very great. I have often couuted a hundred and more successive chirps by one Sparrow, in exactly the same key, areal torture to the car; and I have known more than one invalid whose morning sleep and needful out-door walk have been quite spoiled by the presence of these birds. 150 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. SECTION SECOND.—RECOMMENDATIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LEGISLATION, SUGGESTIONS AS TO THE REPEAL OF OLD LAWS AND THE ENACTY- MENT OF NEW ONES, The following recommendations are respectfully submitted to the legislative bodies of the vatious States and Territories: (1) The immediate repeal of all existing laws which afford protection to the English Sparrow. (2) The enactment of laws legalizing the killing of the English Sparrow at all seasons of the year, and the destruction of its nests, eggs, and young. (3) The enactment of laws es it a misdemeanor, punishable by fie or imprisonment, or both(@) to intentionally give food or shelter to the Hnglish Sparrow, except with 4 view to its ultimate destruction; (b) to introduce or aid in introducing it into new localities ; (¢) to in- terfere with persons, means, or appliances engaged in, or designed for, its destruction or the destruction of its nests, eggs, or young. (4) The enactment of laws protecting the Great Northern Shrike or Butcher Bird, the Sparrow Hawk, and the Screech Ow], which species feed largely on the English Sparrow. (5) The enactment of laws providing for the appointment of at least one person holding civil office, preferably the game constable, where such officer exists, in each town or village, who shall serve without additional compensation, and whose duty it shall be to destroy or bring about the destruction of English Sparrows in the streets, parks, and other places where the use of fire-arms is not permitted. In the larger towns and cities this office might be well imposed upon the commission- ers of public parks. Tu relation to the above recommendations a few remarks may not be out of place. By reference to the summary of legislation which follows, it will be seen that the existing laws which may affect the Sparrow are not suf- ficiently explicit in most cases. In only seven States do the laws mention the English Sparrow spe- cifically. In the State of New York it is a misdemeanor to feed or shelter the Sparrow, aud in Michigan a bounty of one cent per head is paid. Massachusets, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Ohio* sim- “ply except the English Sparrow from the protection afforded most other small birds, In twenty-two other States and Territories, which afford more or less protection to small birds, the English Sparrow stands on the same foot- * Since this was written, an act offering a bounty of ten cents per dozen tor Engs lish Sparrovyy has beon passed by the Ohicubecinbture (Seon 71o172) RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EXTERMINATION, 151 ing with harmless or beneficial birds. In the laws of fifteen States the word “sparrow” is used without qualification, the birds so designated being entitled to protection, except that in the States of Illinois, Ken. tucky, Louisiana, Missouri, and Nebraska, any person may kill birds on his own land when they endanger his crops. In Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Wiscon- sin, most small birds are protected, and Sparrows are not among those excepted. Eighteen other States and Territories have no laws which have any bearing on the case. It is evident, therefore, that prompt and vigorous legislation is needed in all States where the English Sparrow has become established, and even those States and Territories not yet infested (if there be any such) would do well to take measures to keep the pest out. Whatever may have been the intention of the framers of laws which protect native sparrows, there can be no question that many people refrain from tak- ing active steps against English Sparrows, through the belief that they are protected under the law. And States whose laws are thus open to misinterpretation ought at once to define clearly the position of the Jinglish Sparrow. Moreover, since the most effective warfare on this bird can be waged during the breeding season, any act intended to ac- complish its destruction should distinctly authorize the destruction of its nest, eggs, aud young. It will be difficult, doubtless, to enforce strictly a law which makes it a misdemeanor intentionally to feed or shelter the Sparrow, but some such law will be found necessary in order to prevent the systematic propagation of Sparrows in places where otherwise they might be com- pletely extirpated, and it will serve also as a wholesome check on those individuals who do not believe the Sparrow to be injurious, and would be glad to frustrate any plan for its destruction. ; The appointment of at least one person in each town or village, who shall act as a professional Sparrow-killer, in our opinion is one of the most imperative necessities of the case. Towns and cities are the nur- series of Sparrows, and will serve to replenish the surrounding country, no matter how industriously the farmer may shoot them. | From the nature of the case the use of fire-arms and poison in towns and cities must always be restricted to comparatively few individuals, whose discretion can be depended upon. Other persons can do much by the destruction of nests and eggs, or by the use of traps and nets, but the main work of exterminating the Sparrow inside the limits of a town must fall on persons specially designated for the work. That such per- sous, being already civil officers of some grade, should serve ordinarily without additional pay, is a suggestion which should commend itseif; for otherwise there would be a natural tendency on the part of the iu- cumbent to make the occupation permanent, while it would be to the obvious advantage of a non-salaried officer to accomplish the extermina- tion of the Sparrow as quickly as possible. 152 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA, Circumstances, however, must govern largely the appointment and compensation of such officers, and it is evident that in many places where Sparrows are very abundant they should be able to give their entire time to them, especially at first, and in such cases should be em- ployed at a fixed salary, contingent, however, on the killing of a certain number of Sparrows per week or month, with perhaps a bonus for every additional hundred or thousand killed during a specified time. As the Sparrows in a district decreased, the number required from any one man could be reduced, and the number of men employed might be lessened also, until finally the regular game constable, or other officer, would be able in addition to his other duties to keep down the Spar- rows. Aside from the numerical strength of the Sparrow, the principal ob- stacle to its extermination is to be looked for in the opposition of a small number of persons in each town who see no present necessity for de- stroying the Sparrows in their neighborhood, and can not appreciate the importance of simultaneous action over all the country. It is hoped that the contents of the present volume will do much to Jessen the number of people who take sneh a stand; and it is believed that many who now cherish the Sparrows would be perfectly willing to have them exterminated if they could be sure that any native birds would take their places. Except in absolutely treeless cities there is not the slightest doubt that this replacement by native birds cen be effected if reasonabie efforts are made; and it is most urgently recom- mended that, simultaneously with the efforts to exterminate the Sparrow, every possible care be taken to protect and foster our native birds, and induce them to return to our towns and cities and make their bomes in our parks, shade trees, and gardens. Wrens, bluebirds, swallows, and martins may be assisted very mate. rially by closiug up the openings of their boxes as soon as they leavo them in the fall; re-opening them only on their return in the spring. In this way the Sparrow will be unable to appropriate the boxes during their absence, and if all other breeding places in the vicinity are secured against them.very few will linger to dispute the boxes with the native birds when they come. Boxes intended for the wren may be left open through the winter pro- vided the entrance be made too small to admit a Sparrow. In shooting Sparrows about parks or gardens at times wheu other birds are present, care should be taken not to alarm the latter, and this can be effected by using such weapons as are made especially for the use of bird collectors, since they make very little noise, and the small ainount of powder and fine shot used prevents damage to buildings or trees. Moreover, such a weapon, while just as effective, is far more economical than a larger gun. In winter it may be difficult to keep many native birds in our north- ern cities, yet there are species uf woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches, INEXPEDIENCY OF BOUNTIES. 153 kinglets, sparrows, and finches which remain in the Northern States in large numbers every winter, and need only alittle food, and the assur- ance that they will not be molested, to bring them regularly about houses and gardens, even in towns and cities. There is one plan for the extermination of Sparrows which might give good results under some conditions, and Which might be tried on asmall scale first and subsequently on a larger one if the results of the ex- periment should warrantit. A premium might be offered for the largest number of Sparrows killed in a given district within a specified time. For example, « township or county might make such an offer, prescrib- ing the couditions, and requiring each contestant for the prize to comply with them. So far as possible such a contest should be open to every one residing in the district, but the utmost care should be taken to prevent the slaughter of other birds than Sparrows, and unless all participants had perfect confidence in each other, precautions should be taken to prevent the importation of dead Sparrows from neighbor- ing places of greater abundance. Secondary prizes might be offered for the next largest numbers killed, and if the amounts were large cnough very many people would be tempted to compete forthem. Itis certain that $500 or $1,000 expended in this way would result in the destruc- tion of very many more Sparrows than if the same amount were paid outin bounties ; and probably under ordinary circumstances this method would yield better results than any other plan of paid extermination. Similar plans, on a smaller scale, might be tried by farmers’ clubs and similar organizatious, and doubtless would destroy many Sparrows. °BOUNTIES. INEXPEDIENCY OF BOUNTIES IN GENERAL. It is not expedient to offer bounties for the destruction of Sparrows. In fact, at the present time it is desirable and perfectly feasible to bring about a great reduction in their ranks by concerted action of the people, aided by helpful legislation, without drawing heavily upon the public purse. Bounties offered for the destruction of harmful species seldom accom- plish the desired end, and if success does finally result, it is only after vastly larger expenditures than were at tirst thought necessary. After a harmful species—the wolf, for example—has become rather scarce in any section of country, the offer of a bounty may lead to its complete extermination; and to attain such a result it is certainly good economy to make the bounty large. Obviously, it is better to pay a large sum at once for the last few pairs of wolves in a district than to offer a bounty so small that it is little inducement to a hunter to spend his time in their pursuit. In this latter case the wolves easily hold their own for many years, or even increase slowly, while the aggregate bounties paid will far exceed allexpectation. In order to be effective a bounty should 154 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. be large enough to assure the destruction of the great majority of the individuals during the first year, and this is especially true of species which are very numerous and prolific. And yet the amount of money required for the payment of bounties in such cases would be so enor- mous as to make the plan impracticable. ESTIMATED COST OF EXTERMINATING THE SPARROWS IN OIIIO BY MEANS OF BOUNTIES, A rough estimate of the amount of bounty money which would be re- quired to exterminate the Sparrows in a single State may put this mat- ter iu a clearer light. Let Ohio serve as an illustration, and for the sake of argument let it be assumed that no Sparrows enter the State from outside after the payment of bounties begins. Ohio bas an area ot about 40,000 square miles, or 25,500,000 acres, and the entire State is thickly sprinkled with cities, towns, and villages, separated from each other only by populous and productive farm lands which constitute at least three-fourths of the total area of the State. In the larger cities Sparrows fairly swarm, and it is doubtful if they are entirely absent from asingle village of athousand inhabitants or upwards; moreover, the abundant evidence from Ohio shows that Sparrows are found on almost all the farms in the State, and in grain-growing sections their numbers are almost incredible. Mr, Charles Dury, of Avondale, Ohio, says : In some localities the swarms of Sparrows are prodigious. One flock observed by me in October, 1887, near Ross Lake, had tens of thousands of birds in it. They rose in a cloud and settled down on a stubble-tield, covering it all over. Jt is scarcely possible to do more than guess at the number of Spar. rows which the State of Ohio supports at present, but keeping in mind the points already mentioned and the fact that less than one-fiftieth of the entire area of the State consists of unimproved lands, it will be per- fectly safe to say that Ohio contains at least 20,000,000 acres of good Sparrow country, and that, on an average, there are at least two Spar- rows to the acre, which is 40,000,000 Sparrows for the whole State. No doubt this estimate is far too low, but it is desirable to keep far within bounds in making estimates of this kind, and the above figures are sufficiently large for present purposes. Supposing all these Sparrows could be killed before any further in- crease took place, they would still cost the State, at one cent apicce, $400,000. But it would be absolutely impossible to exterminate all the Sparrows in the course of a single year by any expenditure of money, and it is very improbable that so small a bounty as one cent apiece would effect any perceptible decrease in their numbers, if indeed it even neutralized the increase. Certainly not one-half the original 40,000,000 would be killed; for although at first fair wages might be made by kill ing them in places of greatest abundance, this could not be continued long, as the Sparrows are exceeding cunning and very quickly learn to avoid danger. As soon as Sparrows became so scarce or so shy that AN IDEAL BOUNTY LAW. 155 a person skilled in shooting or trapping conld kill only 100 or less per day, the bounty of one cent would cease to be an inducement, and the few Sparrows killed by boys and others, who might still follow them up for sport, would be insignificant. Meanwhile, the very means used to destroy them would serve to dis- tribute the remainder more evenly through the country, and their rapid rate of increase would more than counterbalance the losses caused by the bounty law. At the close of the year, therefore, the State would have paid out a large sum of money, and there would be just as many Sparrows as ever, and in all probability more. But suppose that the bounty can be made large enough to insure the immediate destruction of a large proportion of the Sparrows. Let it be assumed that with 40,000,000 Sparrows as a starting point on Jan- uary 1, so large a bounty is offered that during the next three months 20,000,000 Sparrows are killed. During this time no young will have been reared, so there will be but 20,000,000 Sparrows left. If now left undisturbed, these birds would rear at least two broods of four or five young each during the next three months ; that is 10,000,000 pairs would rear about 20,000,000 broods, aggregating upwards of 80,000,000 young. But in consequence of the bounty many will be killed before they rear any young, others will be able to rear but a sin- gle brood, while others still will succeed in rearing as many young as usual. In order not to overstate the increase let us assume the average number of young hatched during this quarter to be 4 for each pair of adults, but that two-fifths of the adults and one-half of all the young are killed for bounties during the quarter. Thus, starting with 20,000,000 Sparrows (10,000,000 pairs), before July 1, 40,000,000 young will be hatched, but 20,000,000 will be killed, together. with 8,000,000 of the adults, so that, on July 1, there will remain 12,000,000 old birds and 20,000,000 young, or 32,000,000 in all. By this time most of the old birds will have become very shy, butas the full grown young are much more abundant, as well as much less wary, the larger part of the Sparrows killed during the next three months will be young birds. Most of the adults, however, will succeed in rearing one more brood; but, allowing for the constant persecution to which they are subjected, and granting that one-third of the adults are killed during the quarter, these broods will hardly average more than 2 young to a pair. Thus, 6,000,000 pairs will hatch 12,000,000 young, 6,000,000 of which will be killed, together with 4,000,000 of the parents. It may be al- lowed also, in accordance with previous estimates, that one-half the young birds of the earlier broods are killed during this quarter ; so that, on October 1, there would be left 8,000,000 adults, 6,000,000 young ot thelast brood, and 10,000,000 from the earlier broods, a total of 24,000,000; while bounties have been paid on 4,000,000 adults and 16,000,000 young, or on 20,000,000 in all. 156 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA, During the next three months no increase will take place, but the de- crease from bounties will be rather less than for any previous quarter, since the birds will have scattered to the country, and constant persecu- tiou will have made them very suspicious and difficult to kill. Perhaps, however, 40 per cent. will be killed and offered for bounties. By summing up the results of the year’s work it will be found that the number of Sparrows in Ohio has been reduced from 40,000,000 to about 14,500,000, but at the expense of bounties paid on seventy-séven mill- ion six hundred thousand Sparrows. The opening of a second year finds the Sparrows reduced to about one-third of their original numbers, but this-very paucity of numbers, joined to the experience acquired by the Sparrows during one year of zealous persecution, will make it a difficult matter to keep up the same rate of destruction during another year. However, by largely in- creasing the bounty it might be possible, aud, provided the natural in- crease be estimated as heretofore, the end of the second year would find but 5,184,000 Sparrows left, although bounties would be paid dur- ing the year on nearly 25,000,000 Sparrows. If now, by any increase of bounty, this rate of destruction could be maintained for the third year, about 10,000,000 more Sparrows would be killed and less than 2,000,000 would be left. The fourth year at the same rate would reduce the surviving Spar- rows to about 672,000 at the expense of a heavy bounty on more than 3,500,000, and the fifth year would result in the death of about 1,300,000, with a living remnant of 241,865 Sparroxs. The following table shows in detail the successive steps by which such a reduction would be made; the entire arguinent, however, resting ou the assumption that as the number of Sparrows is lessened the bounty is increased, so that a fixed rate of reduction is maiutained, Thus the bounty offered at the beginning of each year is assumed to be large enough to effect the destruction of more than five-sixths (S44 per cent.) of all the Sparrows (original plus increase) in the State during the year, so that the total uumber in the State at the beginning of any year will be but 36 per cent. of the number existing there at the begin- ning of the previous year, PROBABLE EFFECTS OF AN IDEAL BOUNTY LAW. 157 My pothetical table, showing in detail the probable effects upon the numbers of English Spar- rows in Ohio, of a high and annually increased bounty dwing five successive years, under the most favorable circumstances. Sparrows | 23 aes ape Immature! apotay ie ; du Sparrows iS ae Quarter. the begin. |, Pairs | Young eoarrows| YOUMS | cited in jRUmber of] sz ning of breeding.| hatched.* illed.t killed. third ae z = each quar- quarter.) “eG. | Fa ter. pa = aad First year: Jan. to Mar ....| 40,000,000) ......2..)..0-22-22-- 20, 000, 000|.........-. Euepehaaed 20, 009, 01} 50 Apr. to June ...| 20, 000, 000;10, 000, 000) 40, 000, 000) 8, 000, 000) 20, 000, Ou, Beda eae ake 28, 000, 000 462 July to Sept ....| 32, 000, 000) 6, 000, 000] 12, 000, 000] 4, 000; 000] 6, 000; 000; 10, 000, 000) 20, 0v0, Won! 454 Oct. to Dec ..... 24; 000, 000)... 2.0 --.|eeeeee sees. 9; 600, 000)... 2.2. ee. )eee bee eee 9, 600, 000, 40 Tiptal OWS CABS pm loersethahe A enone act imraderh aca [sell vdly a touetcae tanaena ice "77,600, 000| 842%, Second year: oe Jan, to Mar ... | 14,400,900] ......... cececeses [| J, 200, 000) ...2.2.022.Jeeneee eens 7,200, 000! 50 Apr. to June ...| 7, 200, 009} 3, 600, 000; 14, 400, 000) 2, 880,000) 7, 200, 000}........... 10, 080, 000; 46% July to Sept .. | 11, 520, 0u0; 2, 160,000} 4, 320, 000} 1,440,000) 2,160,000} 3,600,000; 7,200,090! 454 Vet. to Dec .... | 8,640,000) 222. flee ee. 8,456; 000 svececc vee slymocsiersdeowe 3,456,000, 40 spyitptalfor your. | ceesessee Pesseeeee feces sone] seeeeceedeeseeececefaneeecones 27, 936, 000, 84°, rird year: Jan, to Mar 51184000) ecemetereiel mameesasia i002) O00 he asasisccccars, l)-cscte slant sueiats 2,592,000} 50 Apr toJune. .| 2,592, 000) 1,296,000; 5, 184,000) 1,036,800, 2,592, 000,......-.... 3, 628, 800' 463 July to Sept ...| 4,147, 200 777, 600) 1,555,200] 518, 400) 777, 600) 1,296,000) 2, 592, 000! 454 O-t! to Dec... 3, 110, 400,........... saceepreen endl Wy O44) 100 bese sce fc eels 1, 244,160, 40 ‘otalfor pear ices. os | caceavace[scecncaunoelseocenuaueleawesas race eR Eaen 10,056,960, 84, Fourth year: I Jan.to Mar .. 1,886; 240) .iciccs socal nsasmacamcin 933) 120) rcnaicce cae /foesercsie cae 33,120 50 Apr. to June - 933,120) 466,560) 1,866,240; 373, 248 933,120" cw sonas ou 1, 306, 368, 463 Tuly to Sept .. | 1,492,992} 279,936] "959,872 186,622} 279,936 466560, 933,118 454 Oct. to Dec ...- 1, 119, 746) fe 447, 898' : 447, 898, 40 Total for \ear) -.--..---- easan hae cok nasi pele wedemaanld 3, 620, 504! 84, Fifth year: | i Jan. to Mar ..-. 671, 848 335, 924) 335, 924) 50 Apr. to Jun 335, 924! 167, 962 671, 818 134, 370 335, 924°. 470,294) 462 July to Sept - 537.478 100,777 201, 55 4! 67, 185 100, 777, 335, U24) 454 Oct. to Dee 22.] 403, 108)...2-. 2. | eee eee |, Ob 248) eerste concise ne 161, 243,40 otal foryeais ccccsmes se: |! Seu eee weenyenies pieoatale ewe aisennton: awash satan 1, 303, 385) 81 ' i | Total number killed during five years, 120,516,819. Living remnant, 241,865. * Equals four to each pair in second quarter; two to each pair in third quarter. t Equals first quarter, 50 per cent. ; second quarter, 40 per cent. ; third quarter, 33} per cent. t Equals 50 per cent. each quarter. § Equals 50 per cent. As to the cost of bounties during such a five years’ war nothing bet- ter than rough estimates can be given, for it is impossible to know with- out trial how large a bounty would be necessary to secure the destruc. tion of 50 per cent. of all the Sparrows in the State during the first three months. It is certain that one or even two cents apiece would not suf. fice, and it is doubtful if three cents apiece would secure this end. Pos- sibly the necessary rate could be ascertained by experiment, and after this had been maintained for a year, and the Sparrows had decreased to about one-third of their previous numbers, other experiments could be made in order to determine the rate necessary to secure a continuance of the same ratio of decrease. It is but reasonable to suppose that if Sparrows are but one-third as plenty (and three times as shy!) as for- merly it will be worth at least three times as much to kill them; but, allowing that it costs only twice as much to maintain the same rate of decrease, it will be very expensive, nevertheless, to continue this dur- ing four years. 158 fHE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA, The following table shows how costly such an undertaking would be, even were it certain that the lowest rate, one cent apiece for the first year, would secure the desired result. It is more than probable, how- ever, that at least three cents apiece would be necessary to accomplish the first year’s work, and after this had been doubled for the second year, it would be found inexpedient to continue so expensive an exper- iment. Hypothetical table, showing the amount of money necessary to expend in bounties on English Sparrows in Ohio for five years, at the rates of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 cents a Sparrow the first year, the rates being doubled each successive year. (Based on tho conditions assumed in the last table, of which it is a corollary.) Year. eee Rate. Cost, Cents 77, 600, 000 1 | $776, 000. 00 27, 936, 000 2 558, 720. 00 10, 056, 960 4 402, 278. 40 3, 620, 504 8 289, 640. 32 1, 303, 385 16 208, 541. 60 | ee Total) c.0scc0sawen 120, 516, 849 |...... 2, 235, 180. 32 77, 600, 000 2 | 1,552, 000. 00 27, 936, 000 4 | 1,117, 440.00 10, 056, 960 8 804, 556, 80 3, 620, 504 16 579, 280. 64 1, 303, 385 32 417, 083. 20 Total........-2.... 120, 516, 849 |...-.. 4, 470, 360. 64 77, 600, 000 3 | 2,328, 000. 00 27, 936, 000 6 | 1, 676, 160, 00 10, 056, 960 12 | 1, 206, 835. 20 3, 620, 504 24 868, 920. 96 1, 303, 385 48 625, 624. 80 * — Total........2-00e 120, 516, 849 |...... 6, 705, 540. 96 77, 600, 000 4 | 3, 104, 000, 00 27, 936, 000 8 | 2, 234, 880. 00 10, 056, 960 16 | 1, 609, 113. 60 3, 620, 504 32 | 1,158, 561, 28 1, 308, 385 64 834, 166, 40 TOtMscaiseted sen cee 120, 516, 849 |...... 8, 940, 721. 28 BSE crienstwncmsaowenans 77, 600, 000 5 | 3, 880, 000. 00 Second Z 27, 936, 000 10 | 2,793, 600. 00 Third ... asin --| 10, 056, 960 20 | 2,011, 392. 00 Fourth Z 3, 620, 504 40 | 1, 448, 201. 60 Fifth. 1, 303, 385 80 | 1, 042, 708. 00 Total..............] | 120,516, 849 |...... 11, 175, 901. 60 When it is remembered that all the assumptions and estimates upon which these conclusions are based have been moderate in the extreme, and that all the conditions are supposed to have been favorable for the successful operation of the law, it will be seen how fatile would be the attempt to exterminate the Sparrow in Ohio by the offer of bounties. Some of the considerations which have not been brought into the cal- culation at all, but which of necessity must affect the question mate- rially, are the following : (1) The expense necessary, even at the moderate estimates submitted, would be greater than any State could afford. OBJECTIONS TO BOUNTY LAWS. 159 (2) Such a scheme of extermination, to be successful, must be care- fully planned, and must be carried on for at least five successive years. But in all probability the first year’s expenditures would be so heavy, that animmediate repeal of the law would be demanded. Moreover, as no accurate census of the Sparrow population of the State could be made, it would be impossible to tell exactly what proportion of the Sparrows had been killed, and this element of uncertainty would be a powerful argument for repeal. J'urthermore, the mere continuation of a fixed bounty would prove wholly inadequate, for, as already shown, it must be largely increased—probably doubled or trebled—each year in order to accomplish avy tangible result. This can not be provided for in the original bill without in part frustrating the very design of the law; for if it is known that after January 1 of any year the bounty is to be increased, few people will care to hunt Sparrows during the last weeks or months of the preceding year. (3) The number of Sparrows in the State might prove to be very much greater than was supposed. (4) In spite of all checks the actual rate of increase might prove to be much greater than that assumed. (5) Unless neighboring States should prosecute equally vigorous cain- paigns, Sparrows would enter the State in considerable numbers if the warfare were relaxed for a single month. (6) Even admitting the possibility of reducing the Sparrows 50 per cent. during the first three months of a year, it is very doubtful if the rate of decrease assunied for the remainder of the year could be secured without an increase of bounty, (7) As soon as Sparrows became somewhat scaice throughout the State, and the bounty was correspondingly increased, people would begin to protect and rear them simply for the sake of the bounty, and so long as the law did not compel a man to rid his land of them his in- tentional neglect would give the same result as intentional propagation. (8) In spite of all precautions many Sparrows killed in States where they were still abundant would be sent into Ohio, and bounties would be collected for them; and this would be done the more frequently as their number became smaller and smaller in Ohio and the bounty was made larger and larger. (9) In order properly and speedily to examine all applications for bounties, and to destroy all Sparrows or Sparrow heads on which bounties had been paid, it would be necessary to appoint one or more persons in each town or village, who should have the requisite knowl- edge, to attend to this matter. It would be useless to expect the town clerk or other town officer to assume this duty without additional com. pensation, and, moreover, very few such officers would be competent to discriminate between heads of English Sparrows and those of more valuable birds; hence, (10) Either an additional expense would be put upon the State, or else 160 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. many valuable native birds would be destroyed and the State would pay bounties unwittingly on the heads of some of its best friends. (11) It must be borne in mind that the money expended in bounties by no means represents the entire expense of a bounty law. To this sum must be added not only the cost of incidentals, such as fire-arms, ammunition, grain for baiting, poison, traps, nets, etc.—items often small in themselves, but amounting to considerable sums in the aggregate— but also the cost of advertisiug the bounty, examining and paying claims, and destroying heads. It has been suggested that the bounty money, however great the amount, might be raised by taxation, and eventually would be returned to the very people who paid the taxes. But a moment’s thought will convince any one that this argument is utterly fallacious. The taxes would be collected necessarily from all citizens, whether they sustained any injary from Sparrows or not, and yet not one citizen in one hundred would kill any Sparrows or receive any bounty, since few men could afford to neglect their business for the sake of securing a few dollarsa week in bounties. Thus the bulk of the money would go to people hav- ing no regular occupation and little or no taxable property. In this way it is trne the money would be kept in the State, and, provided all the Sparrows were killed, the State would reap the benefit, but the money itself would not return to those who contributed it. The suggestion has been made that, as the bodies of all Sparrows killed by other means than poison might be utilized for food, a Sparrow- killer could collect the bounty on the head and realize an additional profit from the sale of the body; so that the bounty might be very small and prove effective nevertheless. But in many places there is absolutely no market for Sparrows at any price; and, if there were, it is doubtful if the heads aloue would be sufficient for identification when presented for bounty to the proper officer. Again, it is claimed by some that all destruction of Sparrows, caused by the offer of a bounty, would be additional to the destruction already going on without expense to the State; and it is further urged that the natural checks on the Sparrow’s increase would lessen still further the number on which bounties could be paid. In regard to the first claim it need only be said that it is an assumption not only unsupported by any facts at all, but rendered improbable by all the evidence bearing ou the question. There is every reason to believe that independent, unpaid persecution of the Sparrows would cease almost entirely as soon as a bounty law became operative. The second claim may be conceded without argument, but in the fore- going estimates due allowance was made for the effects of natural checks by assuming at the outset an extremely low rate of increase. To those who see thousands of Sparrows daily, perching familiarly on their window-sills or hopping unconcernedly about the streets, it seems an easy thing to kill them by scores or hundreds, and many peo- ple believe that any wide-awake boy could trap a thousand a day, and MONTANA’S BOUNTY LAW. 161 that any man who should give his entire time to the business could make a fortune at the rate of a cent apiece. Itis useless to assure such persons that the Sparrow is watchful, suspicious, cunning, and quickly becomes so shy that it is one of the most difficult of all birds to kill; but ordinarily a single day’s experience with trap or guu will convince even the most skeptical. Another point to be considered in connection with the question of bounties is the desirability of a premium on the Sparrow’s eggs. That the destruction of the eggs is one of the most effective checks upon increase is unquestionable, but the practical difficulties which stand in the way of a bounty on eggs are so numerous as to make its trial a measure of doubtful utility. The discovery of an accessible nest makes it easy in most cases to kill the parent birds, but if there is a bounty on the eggs the juvenile Sparrow-hunter is tempted to take the eggs without disturbing the birds, well knowing that a week later he is almost certain to find another set of eggs in the same nest. By re- moving a part of the eggs ata time the bird may be induced sometimes to lay thirty or forty eggs in succession, and such a discovery is a ver- itable bonanza to an enterprising boy. Charlie H. Shaw, of West Berlin, Ohio, states that in 1887 a neighbor took foity eggs in succession from one English Sparrow’s nest; and Dr. Coues refers to the case of an English Sparrow which laid thirty-five eggs in as many days. Between April 22 and June 27 (1884) Eli W. Blake, 3d, of Providence, R. I., took nine hundred and fifty-three Spar- row’s eggs from some fifty-five or sixty nests in the ivy on a church, and nine hundred and seventy eggs were taken at one time from the nests on another church in that city. The eggs of the English Sparrow vary so much in size and markings, that it is impossible always to distinguish them from eggs of some of our native birds; hence a bounty on Sparrow’s eggs might lead to the destruction of the eggs of many valuable birds, while it would be cer- tain to encourage among boys a habit of nest-robbing, which would be likely to endure and extend to the nests of native birds after the Spar- rows had become scarce. The histories of two recent bounty laws in the United States possess more than ordinary interest as bearing directly on the questions dis- cussed here. MONTANA’S BOUNTY LAW ON PRAIRIE DOGS AND GROUND SQUIRRELS. Early in 1837 the Territory of Montana offered a bounty of 10 cents each on prairie dogs and 5 cents each on ground squirrels. The act went into effect March 5, 1887, and the bounties paid duriug the next six months amounted to more than $50,000. On September 12, 1887, the record of payments stood as follows: 153,709 prairie dogs, at 10 centseach ........---.- 2-2. see eee eee cee $15, 370. 90 698,971 ground squirrels, at 5 cents each ..-.....---- .-- eee eee ee eee eee 34, 948. 55 TOGA arecare erenaiaterdicts rarest creas sta worth aps ceieatntgt ale siavaretaS sieve wieie ieieaie SE Sis eleie 50, 319, 45 8404—Bull. 1——11 162 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. It is stated that up to this time the number of prairie dogs and ground squirrels killed had had no perceptible effect on their abundance in the Territory, and as the money in the treasury was exhausted,the Govern- or, with the permission of the President, called a special session of the legislature and the act was repealed. MICHIGAN’S BOUNTY LAW ON ENGLISH SPARROWS. Tn 1887 the State of Michigan offered a bounty of 1 cent apiece for English Sparrows in lots of not less than 25. (A copy of the act wil] be found on page 169 of this Bulletin.) Any claim for this bounty must be submitted to the clerk of the town- ship, village, or city in which the Sparrows were killed, and, if allowed, the clerk issues a certificate for the proper amount, payable by the county treasurer, from the contingent fund of the county. This act went into effect March 15, 1887, but for various reasons it does not ap- pear to answer the purpose intended. Unquestionably, the law itself is defective in some respects. Thus, in Wayne County, of which Detroit is the county seat, no bounties have been paid, owing to the fact that the county treasurer has “no author- ity to pay anything except on the warrant of the board of auditors,” and the bounty act provides only for payment on certificates issued by the clerk of a township, village, or city. The act provides, furthermore, that the bounties shall be paid from the contingent fund of the county, and in some cases the county supervisors have failed to make any pro- vision for such payment. The proviso that not less than 25 heads can be presented at once, and the necessity of going or sending to tlie county seat, are features which deter many persons from availing them- selves of the act, but, even were all these obstacles removed, it seems probable that the offer of 1 cent a head would not be large enough to tempt many persons to engage in the business of killing Sparrows. In reply to requests sent to the county treasurers throughout the State, reports have been received to date from forty-one counties. These reports cover a large part of the areain which Sparrows are most numerous, and may be taken, therefore, as a fair sample of the whole State; yet in twenty-two of these counties no Sparrows what- ever have been presented for bounty. The largest number reported thus far from any one county is 1,638 from Kent County, between Jan- uary 1, 1888, and March 30, 1888. The number on which bounties were paid in this county prior to January 1, 1888, is not reported, but on the above basis it would have been nearly 5,200, or about 6,800 Spar- rows for the first year in which the law was operative. The reports from two other counties are similarly incomplete, giving returns for only a small part of the time, but by estimating as above, an approxi- mation to the actual number has been obtained, aud the total number of Sparrows killed, for tounties in these forty-one counties is about 5: 163 15,500, or an average of 378 for a county. As there are eighty-two counties in Michigan, this gives 31,000 Sparrows, a number utterly in- significant, in fact not more than were actually trapped by a single en- terprising man in Indianapolis, Ind., during the past two years. (See Report of W. T. Hill, page 181 of this Bulletin. No data are at hand on which to base even an approximate estimate of the total number of Sparrows in the State of Michigan, but as there must he many millions at least, it is evident that the present bounty law not only fails to lessen the total at all, but probably does not effect the destruction of one per cent. of the annual increase. Doubtless the entire thirty-one thousand might have been killed within the city limits of Detroit without making any noticeable difference in the number of Sparrows in that city. Tn this corinection we desire to acknowledge the receipt of valuable information from the following county officers in Michigan: MICHIGAN’S BOUNTY LAW. Name and address. County. Name and address. County. S.J. McNally, treasurer, Harris- B. W. Wright, assistant treas- Wl Oictsiace siarniags warscasiieccinie "seein vera'e Alcona. urer, Marquette .....-..-..-.. Marquette. Hein Lankheet, treasurer, Alle- J. C. Gardner, treasurer, Big BELL ciate. ntarstare atarcia gcteiaie'e « oiniaisibninres Allegan. Rapids...-.0...-2-.002-+ 20-0 -- Mccosta. alvert S. Abbott, treasurer, Bel- Stod E. Drew, treasurer, Mid- Mairescscss..0-- 3.2 e0sesesecies Antrim. Wand nccnccsewamessinemieccneey Midland. C. A. Hough, treasurer, Hastings.| Barry. Orville F. Mason, treasurer, W.J. Pettitt, treasurer, Benzonia| Benzie. St@NLOD i occ eetecicicecicscn sisters Montcalin. Edmund B. Storms, treasurer, Martin Waalkes, treasurer, Mus Berrien Springs...---..-------- Berrien. OL ON Gs ccna secrewe esa tcm ena Muskegon. J. W. Wood, treasurer, Marshall.| Calhoun. Hiram L. Brace, treagurer...... Newaygo. J .E. Cueny, treasurer, Cheboy- J. Allen Bigelow, treasurer, BAD cone nen nee ncn nen ene serene Cheboygan. Pontiae= secs ceescccsaves< --.-| Oakland. James H. Conn, treasurer, St. John F. Widoe, deputy treas- DONDS iasawsis cca valeacamewee nies Clinton. urer, Hart... -| Oceana. John Campbell, treasurer, Flint..| Geneseo. W. M. MeCras: E. H. Foster, treasurer, Traverse West Branch.. -..| Ogemaw. CIty scasworsices vessosceeseucee: Grand Traverse.|| J. F. Radcliffe, tr William Brice, treasurer, Ithaca.| Gratiot. BOY wees sss -| Osceola. James Beattie, treasurer, Hills- E. P. Gibbs, tr WANG cc oe cciite ce ese einen cecienee= Hillsdale. TRAV OD v5.5 cnseininin,sinleinje'e zcisietale Ottawa. William ar, treasurer, Mermann Hoeft, treasurer, Rog- MASON, ssjs0s502oscenucesensccas Ingham. O98 CitYe csc cnciisccaicyecis sce aen Presque Isle. J. Warren Peake, treasurer, William Burns, treasurer, Port TOU 12 )sicieia5.0s's o(eteterreetoeeet Tonia. MOM ors siesieiamaceesw's tances Saint Clair. B. snow, treasurer, Kalamazoo..| Kalamazoo. Chris. Murphy, treasurer, San- Charles D. Stebbins, treasurer, GWUSKG sc: ctosieatinctind aiiesisciize Sanilac. Grand Rapids .......-..--.---- Kent. Geo. H. Orr, treasurer, Manis- Robert J. Matthews, treasurer, PiQUO ascend seerncsnmesexaenace Schoolcraft. Bald Win 2s ccsicviessecne sexe acess Lake. G.D. Mason, deputy treasurer, Peter Stiver, treasurer, Lapeer..| Lapeer. Corunna onic seca sasiies veces Shiawassee. Jobn J. Miller, deputy treasurer, Charles H. Butler, treasurer, Leland ...-.. .-220.--2-2--eeee Leelanaw. BW: Paw weczenccesses vewscess Van Buren. William C. Moran, treasurer, Ralph Phelps, jr., treasurer, AAVIAD aioe wis cvwaciescis ceiwne dasa Lenawee. Detroit .......--.----6s-ee---- Wayne. Robert Johnson, treasurer, Man- Ezra Harger, treasurer, Cardil- , WBUOO vce wensecce dovanesssisesisiects Manistee. Di cwnceuy a pvaeaxadgnanne sauna Wexrord. 164 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE PEOPLE, GENERAL SUGGESTIONS. The English Sparrow is a curse of such virulence that it ought to be systematically attacked and destroyed before it becomes necessary to deplete the public treasury for the purpose, as has been done in other countries. By concerted action, and by taking advantage of its gre- garious habits, much good may be accomplished with little or no ex- penditure of money. If the people can be led to appreciate the undeniable facts with regard to the Sparrow, the danger to be apprehended from its continued in- crease will soon be realized, and a vigorous campaign against the bird will follow. Too much assistance must not be expected from legislative action. Under ordinary circumstances the repeal of all unnecessary restrictions on Sparrow-killing and the legalization of all safe methods of extermination are all that can be demanded, and the rest must be accomplished by the intelligent, persistent, united efforts of the peo- ple. USE OF FIRE-ARMS, TRAPS, AND POISON. The Sparrow is a cunning, wary bird, and soon learns to avoid the ineans devised by man for its destruction. Hence much sagacity must be displayed in the warfare against it. In the winter-time, if food is placed in some convenient spot at the same hour each day for a week, the Sparrows will gather in dense flocks to feed, and large numbers may be killed at one time by firing upon them with small shot. By spreading the food along a narrow strip of ground which can be raked conveniently from some hiding-place, the best results may be obtained. When shooting Sparrows which are collected in flocks, especially in and’ about grain fields, an ordinary gun, heavily loaded with small shot, should be used, but for regular work on single birds, about houses, and particularly in cities and towns, a different weapon is desirable. Al- most any “collecting gun” of small caliber will be convenient, and very small charges in a 22-caliber shell are perfectly effective at short range. Such charges do not frighten the remaining Sparrows badly, and do not alarm other birds. Moreover, the cost of ammunition is compara- tively small. Probably the most effective weapon is what is known as an “auxiliary barrel,” 7. ¢., a small-caliber barrel trom six to cight inches long, which can be slipped inside the barrel of an ordinary breech-load- ing shot-gun. Such a barrel using No. 22 shells, which are exploded and ejected precisely like the larger oues, is not only almost as noise- less and economical as tho regular collecting guns, but is effective at greater distances and permits greater aceuracy of aim. Such a weapon, in proper hands, may be freely used even in the streets and parks of a large city without damage to anything except Sparrows. RESTRICTION AND PREVENTION. 165 Sometimes Sparrows may be successfully netted or trapped, but this requires considerable skill, and except under favorable conditions at night, one must be content io catch them singly, or at most in twos or threes. They are so suspicious, and learn so quickly from experience, that it is almost impossible to catch many in succession at the same place and by the same meaus. Much valuable information on this sub- ject will be found in Mr. Hill's report in another part of this volume. Sparrows may be poisoned by grain soaked in solutions of arsenic or strychnine, or by meal mixed with the poison in powder, but poisoning is attended with some danger and should be attempted only by official Sparrow-killers. Full directions for the preparation and administra- tion of poisoned food will be found in the chapter on this subject by Dr. A. K. Fisher. (See page 174). DESTRUCTION OF NESTS AND DISTURBANCE AT ROOSTING PLACES, Large numbers may be destroyed and increase prevented by the sys- tematic destruction of their nests, eggs, and young. By the aid of an iron rod and hook, set in the end of along pole, most of their nests can be reached and brought down. This method promises most satis- factory results. They may be easily driven foot their roosting places by disturbing them on several successive nights. | es Lay. Poncho Springs ....-.-- C. Eubank. Thatchor . J.M. Thompson. Puebloz.c. cscos cesses H.W. Nash. Tin Cup .. . | D. Mawherter. QUOTA, sccaesciccend sae Postinaster. Tomicbi .. .| E. F. Blain. Red Mountain ......-.. Do. Trinidad. . H. Stark. Rocky Ford ....-....-- Do. Villa Grove. Postmaster. Sacuache .....---.----- R. H. Jones. Walsenburg Do. Salida. .........-.......| Dr. G. B. Underhill. White Pine. Do. Sedgwick... seeeeeee----| A.D. Moorhead. Way needs einen nsec Nathaniel Sisson. In CONNECTICUT the Sparrow was reported present in the autumn of 1886 at the following places: Locality. coal _ Observer. Locality. on Observer. Brookfield Cen- |.......... George C. Jones. New ied Seis 1876+ | Louis B. Bishop. tre. -~- | Frank S. Platt. East Hartford... 1878t | Willard E. Treat. Robert D. Camp. Ellington . ai 1880+ | S. LT. Kimball. G. Geduldig. Farmington 1878t | Henry H. Mason. Do S. T. Holbrook. Gaylordsville oajatbie esses iE. H. Austin. Piantsville ..... i877t E. R. Newell. Hartford 1874¢ | Mrs. W. Scliger. Poviland.. -... 1869 | John H. Sage. Do. Petes: | NV Ge Talmadge. Ridgefield ...... 1882. | Edward J. Couch. Do. 1878+ | Daniel S.Wadsworth]| Rockville ..... 1882t | C.D. Tucker. Jewett City. 1875+ | Dr. Geo. H. Jennings} Sharon -....-.... 1875¢ | George M. Marckres, Manchester ..... 1872+ | James B. Olcott. Shelton He 1874f | J. Tomlinson. Mansfield. - 1885 | Prof. B. F. Koons. South Wood-| ......... Mrs. G. 8. F. Stod- Meriden ......... 1870 | H.C. Hull. stock. dard. Middle Haddam. 1878 | Henry L. Stewart. Stratford .....-. 1872t | Robert W. Curtiss. Middletown ..... 1870t | Walter B. Barrows. || Suffield ........ .--| Jesse F. Smith. New Haven...... 1871 | A. C. Sheldon. Windsor......- 1879t | Stephen Hills. t About. In DAKOTA, in the autumn of 1886, the Sparrow was known to be present at but one point. was reported not present at the following places in Dakota: Mr. O. M. Whaling states that it appeared at Milltown early in 1885. It Locality. Observer. Locality. Observer. Aberdeen......-.-..--. Charles A, Fisher. BYRA0N 50 oe esc oe cae ees Postmaster. Alexandria .......-.... Postmaster. Ellendale... 0. Altamont.............. 0. Estelline . C.P. Gould. Argusville {1835]...... 8. M. Edwards. Fairview W.U. Hubbard. Arlington ...........-. Postmaster. WAL, asc cals vaccinia Postmaster. Wahton vcce.siccoceaics Do. Fort Abraham Lincoln, William Cannon. Athol... scoeseeaieguce C.M. Sullivan. Goodwin ......-....-. G. i. Nelson. Aurora Postmaster. Hamilton ....... -| G. W. Boylan. Bath ... Thomas Edwards. Harold... ... John A, Sigler. Beresford Thomas T. Brady. Honry.......... E.H. Waldron. Big Stone -| L, A. Card. HOpeO seeseasicexe Postmaster, Bismarck .... Andrew T. Sherwood. Hudson..... T. W. Millbam. Blanchard - Douglas Robertson. Huron ...... Dana Duran. Blunts: os ceccecececess Charles A. Berger. Do...... -| George T. Love. Bon Homme........-.. B.D. Graves. Do, 2cesd.cx George Wilder. Brandon.......--.-.... William J. Jones. Hyde Park... James Kyle, Bristol -2scesseneesace en E. Stevenson. Troquois ...... Postinaster. Buxton .......2.20---- Postmaster. Jamestown 0. Canton, 22coscecisecee 0. A. Rudolph. ICOI80 i decision ecigs Goorgo H. F. Johnson. Casselton .. weee----| LJ. Fulton, Kindred .......- Postmaster. Castlewood .......----- Willian Marshall, La Moure....... N.B. Wilkinson. Cavour ..-... q---| Andrew J. Sweetser. Larimore ....... T. F. Eastgato. Chamberlain.......--.. William Gilman. Le Beau .| 1.3. Jones. Chirk wuseesccnsszeeeee: 5. D. Jeffries. Disbon.ccicc onc sce ox: J. Durbin, Columbia .......--.---- J,R. James. Madison .. - .+- | JOM. Preston. Crandon ....--..------. Flora Z. Wagner. Manvel . W B. Stevenson. Cumings...........-+-. D.B. Wilbur. Mapes... IL. KX. Stearns, S. R. Norris. Marion . John Ryan. Postmaster. MATVAN ccm becacite 3 Charles B, Williams, DISTRIBUTION BY STATES. 203 Locality. Observer. Locality. Observer. Meckling. .-.---....... C.N. Taylor. Salen sccese: wserentcee Postmaster. Medora....... -| Postinaster. Sanborn ......---..2.. Do. Mellctte ..-... --| W.'T. Dale. ! Sheldon...-........-.. James W. Allen. Millbank ..... -| Charles L. King. , Sioux Falls -| Postmaster. Miller ...- W.H. Kephart. Spring Seld -| M. Griffin. Milnor. . Postmaster. Steele. .| Postmaster. Minto .. John Gallagher, VTOYseeiceued vax eects Do. Do: seseen Fred. Twamley. Vermillion [1885]..... Dr. G. S. Agersborg. Mount Vernon . Postmaster. Vermillion....-.....-. C.G. Shaw. Neche ........ 0. Wahpeton .......-.-.. B.C. Wilson. Northville -. .| S. K. Stanles. Walhalla .............| T.S. Burley. Northwood. . ---| Postmaster. Wane’ coseceineeencce W. PD. Kingston. Olivet ...... ---.| GW. Baker. Webster...........--. J.B. Prendergast. Oriska.... --- | Alfred C, Lee. Weutworth...........| Postmaster. Parker... .--| John J. Catter. White Lake .......... James McCauley. Portland . .| H, A. Langlie. WillOWS iis c2sereecient David H. Henman. Rapid City .......--.... Postmaster. WY SMOG cin oie se ac sistem nie Postmaster. Rockport ..--....--.--- 0. Wolsey .. Harrie A. Watson. Rousseau ....-..-....-. M.C. Rousseau. Yankton.......-......| L.D. Palmer. In the DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA the Sparrow was reported present in the au- tuinn of 1886 at the following places: Locality. depeurul) Observer. Locality. eee Observer. Mount Pleasant 1872t | William Holmead. Washington .. |..-..-.--- | George Henning. Washington ..-. 18727 | Michael Durkin. DO sindestisvecs 1870t | Robert Ridgway. t About. In FLORIDA the Sparrow was reported present in the autumn of 1886 at the follow- ing places: Locality. Observer. Locality. Observer. Cerro Gordo N. B.O'Donoho. Lake City Prof.A.Q. Holladay [1882)* Crescent City Sidney L. Benham. PAW PA. « cninicsinciaveiniee de W.H. Dall. * First appeared. It was reported not present at the following places in Florida: Locality. Observer. Locality. Observer. Apalachicola .--..---.. Jobn W. Wakefield. Hake City * ssncna comes J.J. Thompson, Apopka .-....-- Postmaster. Leesburgh -| F. C, Childs, Archer ..- Do. Madison ......- -| H. J. MeCall. Baldwin .. G. W. Ford. Mandarin.....- .| W.Y¥. Merry. Bartow .-- R.H. Burr. Marianna. . -| Q. E. Hearn. Bronson ... C.E, Taylor. Micanopy .- Postmaster. Cedar Keys Postmaster. Millview . .| Rix M. Robinson. ChaireB.--....----.---- Do. Milton.......----.---. I. M. McGehee. Clear Water Harbor...| I. K.Munnerlyn. Monticello.........-.. Jobn W. Garwood. Cottondale ..--.. .----- John E, Voss. Mount Pleasant Postmaster. De Land...-....-...-- C.F. A. Bielby. A. W. Lawless. Enterprise ...--. .----- J.#. Alexander. D.L. Morgan. Euchee Anna Postmaster. L. Dorier. Federal Point J.¥F. Tennly. F.C. Austin. Fernandina. - .| Samuel ‘t. Riddell. 0 Ose scene E, W.Speir. Gainesville .-..---...-- Frank M. Chapman. C.8. Goss. Green Cove Springs. ..| Thomas Roberts. V E.S. Tyner. Highland ..-....--..--- Postmaster. Quincy ...- Postmaster. Houston.-. Dr. C. T. McMannen. Rosewood .... .- C.M. Jacobs. Do..-- : .| Postmaster. Saint Augustine. Postmaster. Jacksonville. ..-..- .| William H, Ashmead. Soutb. Lake Weir .| William Foster. Jasper..----------- R.J. McKee. Tallahassec...-.... D. W. Gwynn. Key West ......- Postmaster. Tampat ......- .| H.R. Benjamin. Lake Butler ....--.---- M.C. Levy. Waldo.....222.-22066- Samuel J. Kennard. *Repozted present by another observer. 204 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. Doprrree C. L. Hopkins (Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C.) reports no English Sparrows seen or heard of at any points in Florida visited by him August 23 to Sep- tember 10, 1887. The points visited were Jacksonville, Astor, Umatilla, Eustis, Tavares, Sanford, Orlando, and intermediate poiuts. In GEORGIA the Sparrow was reported present in the autumn of 1886 at the fol- lowing places: ‘ First : | aa First Locality. appeared. Observer. Locality. appeared. Observer. | Albany ....------ 1867 | Postimaster. Isabella.....---- 1876 | Postmaster. Alpharetta ...... 1+84 | William A. Porter. Jackson .-..---- 1881 Do. Americus....-..- 1884 | M. B. Council. Jonesborough -. 18761 | J.C. Haws. DO: sesisee=0 1876t | W.C. Furlow. Kingston .....-.. 1884 | Postmaster. Appling .-..-.--- 1886 | Postmaster. Kuoxvillo...... |....--.-- . H. Halt. Atlanta. .cc Dr. I. M. Morrison. Gid. B. McFall. Do. 1885: George H. Nichols. D.C. Beaman. Do.. Is84 | C. R. Keyes. K. M. Milliken, De Witt 1882 | J. D.Bourne. N. G. Baker. Dubuque 1876 | Edward T. Keiw. Jacob L. Bake. Do.. 1879 , A. F. Hofer. H. E. Deemer. Do 1878t | Theo. W. Ruete. J.R. Ratekin. Dy ersvillo. 1883 | KR. W. Gadsden. G. V. Swearingen. Kidridge.. 1875t | M. H. Calderwood. C. H. Shircliff. Fairfield. . ----- -- | Thomas C. Ross. M. J. Casey. Farley - - 1682+ | W.V. Oldridge. S. D. Redficid. Ferry el Sibrataeicuclanss F. Eveland. L.M. Jamison. Glenwood 1881+ | ‘Theo. W. Ivory. E. M. Hancock. Grinnell . 1884 | John Houghton. Do D, W. Reed. Do...- ~ |ee----.--.) Lynds Jones. ‘| West Liberty . is7it | Dr. E.. King. _ Do .. se 1881 | Carl Kelsey. | Winthrop. ....-. 1885 | M. A. Chamberlain. Guitenber: b 1880 | James Schroeder. Wolcott -.....- 1882 | L. Bunnewitz. Hamburgh ..... 1881 | Sidney Moor. ; tAbont. It was reported not present at the following places in Iowa: Locality. Observer, Locality. Observer. ANDION sadrmeresedseces Postmaster. De Soto......---.-.--. E.C. Payne. Attics cossesweesanece H. A. Lieb. Eagle Grove. Postmaster. Altvona....----.-..---- W. H. Tompkins. Earling.. ....| J.H. Buhl, ANOS sa.senecsdswsscesas Prof. Puckett Osborn. Early... ..-- | Postmaster. ANUUOW esseceoesecs sas C. W. Long. Eldora.. ---- | M. W. Moir. Aplington ............ C.J. Fitzpatrick. ELRAVOD octawciimnmnes D. G. Griffith. Arcadia ....----------- Postmaster. Elwood .........---- .| S. H. Clark. BVOC esis tersiedwievsels sine A. P. Cramer. Postmaster. Battle Creek........... Postmaster. Do. Bayard sng caeevec Elmer 8. Shannon. Do. Bedeon cecresas ve -wciexs Mary Salisbury. Do. Bluirstown Carrie 5 apnieale. Do. Boone .. Jobn A S.J. Beach. Britt....-- 2 Poctnanler. .| F. Eveland. Brooklyn ... .| W.T. Sharp. W.H. Mong. Butler Centre. H.N. Walker. -| Postmaster. Cambridge ... .| J.B. Green. Forest City . -| Martin Cooper. Centreville . .-| H.C. Haynes. Fort Dodge. Mr.Rain. Charles City.. .-| Dr. Joel W. Smith. Garnavillo.. -| Theo. J, Krasinsky. Do.... ..| T. A. Hand. Gilman ..... ..| J. H. Seages. Coin .c2s~ ..| Postmaster, Gilmore City . .-, F.E. Beers. Colfax . - S. V. Wilson, Grand Junction. -| Tenny Smith. Conwa....-.-- R. A. Holland. Greene ....--. .| Postmaster. Correctionville ---.| Postmaster. Greentield .... .| Paul Dowlin. Dakota -...--- 3 Do. Guthrie Centre . --} Postmaster. Dayton ..-.- = Do. Harlan ...---. .--| B. 1. Kinsey. Decorah .- .| John Finn. Hawarden... .| J.C. Miller. Detiance ..| Postmaster. Homestead - ..-| William Moershel. Denison .......--.-+66+ Do, FR esos. ic vissonicincsinnes Edward 0. Plumbe, 208° THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. Locality. Observer. Locality. Observer. Ida Grove .......------ George S, Witters. Petcrson....---------- Postmaster. Imogene ....-. .--. -| Postmaster. Pocahontas ......-..-- J. F. Harlan. Indianola .......... -| LL. Eno. Pomeroy..-..--------- William T, Ivey. Do ...... F. M. Milliken. Postville.....--...---- N.J. Beedy. Iowa City..-..- Heury N. Berry. Preston... N. Godes. Jesup..--.---6+ Postmaster. Primghar. J.M. Long. Jewell....-.....- Do. Randolph. Postmaster. Kellerton......-..- F.C. Smith, Reinbeck .--. -. | William E. Fallas, Lake Mills..-...--. -| Postmaster. Rockford .. .-| C.F. Myers. Lansing ...-....- -| J, Ruth. Rock Rapids - Messrs. Pierce & Co. Le Mars ........- -| N. Redmon. Rock Valley. Postmaster. DO. « scwienss -| J. E, Vogt. Runnells..-. Do. DOOD a6 oscar eccws's -| Postmaster. Ruthven. 2 Do. | Lewis. . V. M. Conrad. Sac City - .| J. W. Garrison. Livermore Postmaster. Sanborn -| D.R. Phelps Logan ... J.T. Stern. Schaller - F. G. Butler Lynaville.- J.S. Kitch. Seymour. . -| M.G. Cain Macedonia. -| Postmaster. Sheffield -.- -| W.S. Bowen M¢Gregor ..-..-...---- A. F. Hofer. Shellsburgh -| Alex. Runyon Do: seesasss seve OQ. A. Kenyon. Shelby...... -| R. D. Prouty. Macksburgh.......---- John D. Love. Sheldon... C.S. M. Laury. Maly egw 2 sacxee psincene R. L. Gidley. Sibley ....-. -| A.D. Tinsley Marble Rock ..-..--..- C.E. Wood. Silver City.. -| J.C. Christy. Mapleton..........-..- W. F. Scott. Sioux Rapids -| A. P. Roberts. Mariners ssmseish since Olof. Reimen. Sloan ....... -| J.S. MeSparran. Mason City .......--..- H. Keerl, Smithland .. Postmaster. Menlo A. H. Grisell. Spencer..... i Do. Do. k. B. Shaver. Spirit Lake --| John Mosher, Melrose James Duggan. Strawberry Point.....) P. W. Keith. Millersburgh Eli Sweet. Templeton. ..... Peter Neu. Minbuin...... -....-.- D.C. Bligh. Unionville .. -| A. Hicks. Monmouth. L. W. Hubbard. Urbanna.... E. Gee. Nashna .. J.M. Gilliland. Van Horn .. Postmaster. Nevada .... E. D. Fenn. Victor ...... W.L, Eckhard, Nevinville J.J. Crawford. Villisca..... P. D. Merrick. New Providence ......| O. E. Miller. Wall Lake....-. QR. Pattison, Northborough ........- C.P. Greene. Walnut....-...- W. Hopper. Oakland 22. .ccessceees J.A.'T. Bates. Webster City. -| Charles Aldrich. Odebolt......-. -| F. BR. Bennett. Wesley ... Postmaster. Onawa... I’. P. Fisher. West Poin -| John Kempker, jr. 0. ees seeeee---| C.G. Perkins. Westside ... L. Scofiela. Orange City -.......-.. W.IL Cusady. Whittemore .- H. P. Hatch. Panora ... Postmaster. Wiota ........ A.5S, Raber. Persia . James Laing. Woodbine .....-.. L. W. White. PRITY cnweniasivdnmnsedce D.C, West. Worthington ......... Postmaster. In KANSAS the Sparrow was reported present in the autumn of 1886 at the fol- lowing places: . First . First Locality. appeared. Observer. Locality. appeared. Observer. pes eal pens Abilene.......... 1884 TH. H. Floyd, Fort Riley ...... 1886+ | John D. Parker. O-+- 1875[?]] Prof. Jno. W. Robson.|| Fort Scott ...... 1885 | J. F. Cottrell. Arvonia .. 1882 Postmaster. Frankfort ...... 1880 | Postmaster. Baker ... 1883 Do. ulton.......... 188L+ | D.C. Johuston. Baldwin City ....) 1885 Do. Garnott...-..... 1882 | J.S. McCartney. Beattie .......... 1851 Do. DO essen. 1885 M.A. Page. Blaine .. 1878t Do. Greeley......-.. 1886 | Postmaster. Bronson . . 1884 A. Ford. Grenola ........ 1883 | Thos. B. Hatcher. Burlingame 1871 J. Mayberry. Havensville ... 1833t | L. W. Dennen, Burlington. 1883 Patrick W. Floyd. Hiawatha ..... 1880 | H.C. Baker. Cedar Point 1884 Wilham M. Doughty.|| Highland -... 1834 | Wesley revett. Chanute .... 18386 8. H. Scott. Hillsboro ....... 1885 | John G, Hill. Cherryvale . 1884 Postmaster. ola...-. 1885 | Altes H. Campbell. Circleville .. , 1882 M. H. Roller. Larkin 1883 | P.C.Sweaney. Colony...-...--. 1884 Postmaster, Lawrence: 1877 | B. F. Smith. Cottonwood Falls} 1885 W. P. Martin. ODOx 2 ck geen” xeosdeaene J.D. Ambrose. Derby diate lesaleeasie. wat Michavl Cooke, Le Roy ......... 1884 | A. V. Coffin. Doniphan. 5 18801 | Postmaster, Louisburgh .... 1884 | R.A. Wright. Effingham 1884 J. A.Cohoon. McPherson .... 1883+ | Warren Knaus. El Dorado 1883 Postmaster. | Manhattan .... 1F82t | Dr. Chas. P. Blachly. Elmdale 1832t | James R, Jeffrey. 7 DOs caasen nase 1880 | Prof. D, . Lantz. Emporia... . 1883f } Rev. Henry Mackay.| Marion ... 1884 | Charles Hardcastle. Enterprise...... 1s75¢ | Prof.J.W.Robson. || Melvern __..... 1880 | R. D. Criss. Eureka.......--. 1884 A.W. Hart. ' Morantown .... 1885 | P, J. McGlashan. Fall River ......- 1881 William McBrown. |; Morganville ... 1885 | Postmaster. Fontana........ 1886 M. J. Campbell, | Morrill ......... 1884+ | A. Cottrell, | About, DISTRIBUTION BY STATES. 209 . First . First Locality. appeared. Observer. Locality. appeared. Ohserver. Neosho Falls ... 1882¢ | H. D. Dickson. Robiuson ....... 1883f | James T. Pomero: Netawaka 1886 | John H. Johnson. Severance ...... 1882 E. Heemey. s Olathe ..... 1683 | Ei. P. Diehl. Solomon City ... 1875[?] | Prof. Juno. W.Robson. DO vevexscare |eceassczvz Postmaster. [?] Spring Hill ..... 1883 5S. W. Young. Omio ...... 1885 | Dr.S, P. Morse. Stafford......... 1886 G.R, Crazen. Oneida........-. 188L | Postmaster, [2] Strong..........] 1883 J, L. Cochran. Osage Mission.. 1885 | John KR. Brunt. Tonganoxio.... 1886 J.S. Grist. Oskaloosa 1880 | A.J. Buck. Topeka.. 3 1874 | F. W. Giles. D 1881 | M.L. Critchfield. Toronto 1885 J.B. Stockton. 1885 - Doyle. Vinland 1882 Joseph Jiiff. 1885+ | Dr. W.S. Newlon. Westmoreland..| 1883 J.B. Pierce. 1880 | H.S. Day. Wetmore ....... 1879t | D.C. Rising. 1886 | F.W. Fry Wichita ........ 1885 D. A. Mitchell. 1882 | Dr. AVR. Dodtay, ; Williamsburgh . 1883 Postmaster. tAbont. It was reported not present at the following places in Kansas: Locality. Observer. Locality. Observer. Alamota .....-.--5---.- M.S. Ketch. DIMCONMG 5 2c ecsiasiecs:é sxieies J.B. Goff. Alma..... Matt Thomson. Litchfield... -| W.B. Dennison. Altamont -| Postmaster. Lyons .......-- -| George W. Clark. Altoona... -| M. Moore. Do..------ -| W. T. Nicholas. Ashland -| M. Milton Bailey. es Theodore Boggs. Atwood. -| Postmaster. = ~~ || _ Do.....--. -| B.S. Bonney. Barclay David B. Embree. Wanmate .| E. P. Bancroft. Barnes. Postmaster. Mapleton ...- -| E. P. Higby. Benning B. W. Flournoy. Marquette. .| J. A. Foster. Beloit.......- .| I, A. Vaylor. Postmaster. Benton W.IL, yaoi, jr. W. B. Anderson. a eatarersiaiory Postmaster. .| J. F. Gooch. Blue Suonud ssf Do. Thomas F, Cook. Caldwell......... O-Beeson. Joho B, Ennis. Cawker City... anes. ve Mound Valley - -| Postmaster. Cedarville ..... a) SE. WWE Mulberry Grove. Ada L, Miller. Cheever.......- .| Prof. ‘Fe phe W. Robson. Norton ....-..- Walter R. Cannon. Clay Centre...... Dodge City .... Dorrance ...... Downs .......- Elk Falls ....-.. Eudora ....-.. Farnsworth...... Fredonia [1887] . Garden Plain .. Garfield Hays City -...- Hepler.....---- Hunnewell..... E.C, Wilson. I, M. Reemer. B.J. Rankin. D.S. Gardiner. -| George Fain. T.C. Darling. George H. Haleman. George B. Brown. .| J. 8. Gilleest. M. W. Elder. E. A. Wasser. Noah Welch. .| H.P. Bain. .| C. E. Howe. -| Joseph HK. Wilson. .| J. T. Didlake. .| J. O. Brewster. E. M. Yoden. A. T. Munroe. -| Herman Colson. Postmaster. S. W. Taylor. J. W. Winn. ‘| CG. E. Monell. S.S. Dickinson. Henry Booth. "| TJ. Gilbert. A.¥F. Johnson. Oak Valley .-| George R. Sater, Opolis ....- -| Postmaster. Osborne ....- Leroy T. Weeks. Pittsburgh Postmaster. Plainville... 0. Potterville. -| W.G. Short. Pratt .-.. -| Postmaster. Prescott . Do. Reece....-- Rush Centre. Russell ..-. Solomon City* . South Haven . 2 Do. -| ELF. Mullay. .-| F.E. Jerome. -| William Walker. -| D. J. Moore. Postmaster. .| L. E. Reese. .| D. W. Wilson. ..| M. Musgrove. Sterling...-.. ee qe a Schlichter. Towanda.... ene Uniontown oore Vining....-.. : een Wa Keeney. . .| George M. Ufford. Washington . Postmaster. Waterville. George H. Titcomb Wathena .. -| Postmaster. Weir ..-..- .-| J. Morgan, jr. Westphalia .. .-| Postmaster. White Rock A.B, Warner. White Cloud ..-.| Sarauel Flinn, Winfield.-...........- George C. Pembaugh. 8404—Bull. 1 * Reported present by another observer. 210 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. In KENTUCKY the Sparrow was reported present in the autumn of 1886 at the following places: 7 Fi ; First . Locality. bed: Observer. Locality. appeared. Observer. Adairville .......|.--.------ A.M. Mosely. Hopkinsville ... 1881t | John W. McPherson. Albany .- 1884 | W.L.Stouf. Inez ...--- ech 1884 | N. W. Crum. Auburn 1878t | J.O. Perkins. Irvine .-.- 1883 | June B. Park. Augusta 1880+ | J. H. Boude. Jamestown - 1882 | Postmaster. Bagdad 1879t | E. P. Denton. La Grange.....- 1879 | J.R. Clark. Barboursville. .. 1880 | Thomas H, Amis. Lancaster....... 1877+ | W.H. Wherritt. Bardwel ......-. 1885 | John W. Tusk. Lexington .. 1868+ | Dr. Robert Peter Bedford... 1883 | Leonard G. Peak. Liberty ......... 1884 | Postmaster. Bloomfield . 1868+ | John Allau Terrell. London ..... 1882 | R.M.Jackson. Booneville ..--.. 1883 | Hon. Green Breeding./| Louisa ... 3 1876 | Mrs. C. C. Sullivan. Bowling Green 1883] | W. Cook. Lonisville....... 1874 | J.B. Nall. [near]. Madisonville. ... 1880 | J. F. Dempsey. Bowling Green... 1878 | Postmaster. Marion ......... 1882 | J.G. Rochester. Brownsville -... 1884 | Henry E.Smith. Maysville....-.. 1878¢ | A.C. Respess. Burkesville...... 1880+ | W.F. Alexander. Morganfield ....]..-------- B.B. Hughes. Burlington aie 1880t.| Postmaster. Murray....-.--- 1880t | W.T. Scott. Cadiz .-.--. 1883 | G. Smith. New Haven .... 1874t | Dr. H, D. Rodman. arrollton 1881 | Postmaster. New Liberty.... 1880} | John Curtis. Casky 3 1886 | Frank B. Hancock. Newport....-...|---------- P. B. Spence. Catleviabucgh - 1879t | J.C, Rardin. Niskolasvilie. ae 1878 | Postmaster. Clinton - 1884 | W.C. Porter. Do ..cncnsnce|scoeee snes De Witt C. Shely. Columbu: 1883 | F. H. Gardner. Paditeal 2 cs-c0-| sessexccs W.C. Clark. Crescent 1880} | ‘Lhomas S. Kennedy. || Paintsville... 1884 | Postmaster. Danville 1874 | James R. Marrs. Pikeville - 1884 | F.C. Hatcher. Dawson 1882 | W.D. Halloman, Providene 1881 | J. A. Rudy. Elizabethtown...|..--...--. Postmaster. Richmond .,.... 1879t | Stephen Dv. Parrish. Tlkton....-.-.-.. 1880+ | E. W. Weathers. Sandy Hook .... 1885 | L. Haney Eminence 1882t | Postmaster. Sebreo .--.--... 18st | John A. \y Hlingham. Eubank .- 1886 | John B. Lewis. Shelbyville -.... 1878t | Dr. Ormsby Gray. Falmouth 1880+ | Mrs, M. A. Clark. Shepherdsville .~ 1883 | C.C. Lee. Flemingsburgh .. 1881 | H.C. Ashton. Simpsonville .... 1879 | R.H. George. F¥rankfort.......-|....-.---- C. i. Bowman. Smitbland ..-... 180 | A.J. Bebout. Franklin. : 1882t | IT. M. GoodKnight. Smith’s Grove... 1882 | Postmaster. Fulton.....-...-. 1883 | II. F. Taylor. Somersot.-.-.-.- 188!t | John Inman. Germantown .... 1880 | J. A. Walton. South Carrollton 1881 | J.O. Everly. Ghent .-.-. ---. 1878+ Georne ts. Bowie. Stanford ......-. 1873 | Thomas Richards. Grayson -- 1877 | A.F. Hill. Taylorsville ... 1878} | Ruth C. Burton. Greensburgh 1881 | W.J.T ‘aylor. Tompkinsville. . 1885 | Postmaster. Greenville ..-...- 1880 | C. W.Short. Trenton ..-.-.-. 1882t | L. II. Arnold. Hardinsburgh ...|...-.----- J.R. Johnson. Vanceburgh .--. 1879t | J. Sparks. Hartforl.......-- 1880 | A.B. Baird. ‘West Liberty... 1884 William M. Kendall. Hawesville .. 1879t | D. L. Adair. Williamstown .. 1876+ | Postwaster. Hickman ........ 1877 | L.O. Pindar. t About. It was reported not present at the following places in Kentucky : Locality. Observer. Locality. Observer. Backusburgh ....-.--.. Henry C. Wade. ‘Edmonton .......---.- J.P. Van Zant. Bandapa....... W.L. Bridgewater. Jackson .- --| W.D. Card welt. Blandyille W, I. Watson. Salyersville... .-.| 8. B. Hager. jeer J.P. Miller. Young's Springs...-... William H. Caragan. Crocus....--.--.+ In LOUISIANA the Sparrow was reported present in the autumn of 1886 at the following places: First First Locality. appeared. Observer. Locality. appeared. Observer. Barataria .....-.- 1883t | William B. Berthoud.|| Napoleonville .. 1884 | Dr. Charles Meaville. Bayou Goula..-..)......---- W.C. Percy, jr. New Orleans.... 1874¢ | W. W. Edwards. Do. iacass 1882+ | P.L. Viallon. Plaqueminoe..... 1880 | Charles E. Dupuy. Black Hawk 1884 | W.C. Percy, jr. Pointe Coupee.. 1885 | Postmaster. Donaldsonville. . 1881 | L.E. Bentley. Port Hudson... 1882 Do. DO: ssscsmoras |paeeee eee Charles E. Nesmith. || Saint Joseph... 1886 | A. Bondusant, ms a wisie'sic bee es Se anor a 1885 | Postmaster. ahnville osep . Carew. OLCOME « .neces|sccecacces J.A.Bar . Lafourche Cross- 1886 | Postmaster. sd ing. { About DISTRIBUTION BY STATES. 211 It was reported not present at the following places in Louisiana: Locality. Amite City ........-... Arcadia -.. Arcola. . Baldwin Coushatta Delhi Dennis Mills...-....... English Lookout Farmersville. Frierson’s . Harrisonburgh Observer. Locality. Observer. Postmaster. LaFayette.-...-.....- Postmaster. J.C. Brice. Lake Providence ...-. J.G. Oldfield. J.M. Hills. 0 F.H.G. Taylor. Charles A. Bibbins. -| J. William Brown. Postmaster, -| P.M. Mumford. .| J. H. Cabeen. 8. P. Henry. A.B. Etienne. P.L. Guidry. ‘| AVL. Grow. Joseph Blandig. J.R. McGoldrick, R. H. Dollerhide. Thomas F. Anderson. D.L. Green. -| I. Shelsten. J. i, Munson. Jobn A. O’Niell, C.J. Frierson. -| John H. Carter. D. W. Harris. ‘| P. Ulmer. ---| Lee Kiblinger. -| Postmaster. Do. William G. Spilker. Lamourie Bridge -.... Postmaster, Leesville -...006s0.005 J.O. Wintree, Manifest .......-.--.- Qt. B. Hodges. MANY asco ciesieecisicintse J.B. Vandagaer. Marksville. H, Dupuy. MiG etwes sis sinsd sicein sree J.C. T. Chaffe. Morgan City.......... H. M. Mayo. Monroe .....-----.---- I, Garrett. Mound .........-.-..- C. H. Lucas, Natchitoches ......... E, Suddath. Newellton ...........- Louis Buckner. Pattersonviile ... Postmaster. Port Eades....-.. -| W.L, Wright. Port Vincent D.C. Leftwich. Rayne .----- -| Alphonse Duclos. Robeline. James M. H. McCook, RuSt0n.s cece sect acs Postmaster. Saint Martinville..... Albert Bienvenu. Shreveport -.....-..-. George D. Alexander. Sparta sce cncccesecee: H. F. Scheen. Tallulah .......-.-...- O. P. Hebert. Tigervillo......-.-...- Postmaster. Water Proof..-.-....- Myles Bonney. Winnsborough ....... 3. Wylie. In MAINE the Sparrow was reported present in the autumn of 1886 at the follow- ing places: ei ny Locality. ae arate a Observer. Locality. aa use a Observer. DUNGO? anadea: sack ezaeae anes F.P. Btiges. North Livermore 1883 | George H. Berry. Bath xcsiewd csesves)eccseweses George E. Newman. || Ogunquit ....... 1882t | Daniel W. Perkins. Belfast 1883 | George E. Brackett. || Orono ... 1881 | Prof. C. H. Fernald. Brewer. 1884t | Manly Hardy. Portland. 1858 | Nathan C. Brown. Calais... 1883t | George A. Boardman. Do... ----.----| Charles B, Faller. China....... 1884 | Dr.G. A. Martin. Do. 1876+ | C. P. Mattoch. Damariscotta 1883. | E. W. Dunbar. Do...-------- 1858 | Everett Smith. Dexter ..... --------| J.D. Cochrane. Presque Isle..-. John Stewart. Fairfield... 1876 | Jas.O. Whittemore. || Readfield ......- H.O. Nickerson. Farmington 1880t | E. E. Richards. Saccarappa..... Arthur H. Norton. Houlton 2-262 500] seneawsee John Stewart. South Windham |. .| C.K. Allen. Lewiston . 1882 | W.R. Wright. Waterborough.. .| C. W. Costellow. +About. It was reported not present at the following places in Maine: Locality. Observer. Locality. Observer. East Surry .......-+-+- Samuel Warson. Skowhegan ...... ---.-| A.B. Smiley. Hudson...... ae wekiewie) ded Dele ae 212 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. In MARYLAND the Sparrow was reported present in the autumn of 1886 at tho following places: . First ’ First Locality. appeared. Observer. Locality, appeared, Observer. Annapolis ......-|. -.| F.K. Steele. Mechauicstown.| - 1877+ | E. lL. Boblitz. DBaltimore......-- Otto Lugger. Middletown .... 1878 | E.M. Bowlus. Boonsborongh -.. Robert Lamar. New Windsor .. 1876+ | J. F. Buttington, Burkittsville ... William C. Karn. Oakland ....-... 1875t | P. Hamill. Clear Spring. .-- L, Peterinan, Salisbury .....-. 1880 | E. Stanley Toadvin. Cumberland .,... A, Willison. Sandy Spring... 18807 | Henry C. iallowell. Emmitsburg S.N. McNair. DO sec act eens 1879¢ | H. H. Miller. Frostburgh....- C.H. Walker. Sharpsburgh.... 1878+ | Henry M. Johnson. Grantsville m George P. Thisile. Smithsburgh ... 1876+ | Manoah Metz, Hagerstown ...- W.T. Swartz. Taneytown ..... 1876} | J. A, Briechner. Hancock ...-... 5. C. Crown. Union Bridge. .. 1877+ | Edward W. Leeds. Lonaconing...... Patrick Carroll. Westminster ... 1876+ | Joseph B. Boyle. Manchestor...... Adam Shower. Williamsport... 1870 | S.R. Wolf. tAbont. In MASSACHUSETTS the Sparrow was reported present in the autumn of 1886 at the following places: Fj rj Locality. aigneere Observer. Locality. aoe a. Observer. Amherst. . Hubert L. Clark. Newton High- |.......... James F.C. Hyde. Boston.... Joseph M. Wade. jands. Brookline. N. A. Francis. New Worcester. 1874+ | Theo. G. Ball, DOzsee.s Gordon Plummer. Norfolk ........ 1883+ | L. C. Keith, Cambridge . William Brewster. North Adams... 1880 | Nelson Dupuy. DO vicsusen: Dr. H. A. Hagen. Northampton ... 1875t | L.C. Ferry. Cottage City... ¥F, P. Vincent. ' Rehoboth...... 1879 | F. H. Carpenter. Cuttyhunk Alonzo Daggett. Siasconset “ 1880¢ | P.M. Almy. Dracut ........-- Asa Clement. Somerset fz 1874 | Elisha Slade. East Templeton - Charles E, Ingalls. Spencer... m 1875t | Clarence L. Cate. Edgartown Henry A. Pease. Springfield ...../....-.....| J. W. Adams. Falmouth... F.J.C. Swift. Do 1866+ | George A. Solly. Fitchburg -. Prof. ¥. E. L, Beal. Do.. 1876} | Dr. P. L. B. Stickney, Holyoke.... Thomas Chalmers. Taunton 1878} | Charles H. Andros. Do...- William ¥. Lamb. Do 1878 | John C. Cahoon. Do. YP. H. Metcalf. Tyngsborough..|......---. C. W. Swallow. Lynn... Waldo ‘Thompson. Vineyard Haven 1884t | John F. Robinson. Do.. John B. Tolman, Westford ....... 1883f | L. W. Wheeler. Medford 5 John Ayres, West Roxbury... 1876+ | C. A. Hewins. Middleborough .. 1875t | 1. A. Bowen. West Spring- 1880] | J.N. Bagg. Nantucket..-.... 1882} | J. F. Murphey. field. Newton....- : 18771 | J. W. Pearson. Woburn ..-..... 1875¢ | E. H. Richards, Wood's Holl... . 1884 | J. HL. Kidder. t About. It was reported not present at the following places in Massachusetts: Locality. Observer. Locality. Observer. Gay Head Wm. A. Vanderhoop. Spencer [country] ....| Il. H. Kingsbury. Halifax ... ..| G. A, Parkor. West Tisbury .--..... C. W. Nickerson. Royalston Miss M. 1. Paine. DISTRIBUTION BY STATES. 213 F In MICHIGAN the Sparrow was reported present in the autumn of 1886 at the following places: First First t About. Loeality. appeared. Observer. Locality. appeared, Observer. docicea meee 1884 | Postmaster. Ithaca .......... 1882 | TH. Morrison. Kopedicneal Col- 1885 | A.J.Cook. Jackson et 1880+ | William K. Gibson ege. Do ...do .. 1876 | P. B. Loomis. DOvewieniepsewe] sacicsicgias Professor of botany Do ...do.... 1874+ | Grove H. Wolcott. and forestry. Jonesville ...... 1884 Coryell. Martin Haven. + Kalamazoo...... 1876+ | Dr. Morris Gibbs. Rev. D. D, Chapin. Do .... 1878t | Frank Little. John H. Parish. Kent City 1882 | Henry H. Wylie. T. D. Ely Kingsley’... 1885 | A.G. Edwards. ¥.C. Andrus Lansing cesses eseeee ae: Jason E. Nichols. William Boulton. Lapeer.......--- 1879t | Fred S. Odle. J. B. Steere. || Lenawee Junc- 1871} | M. Graves. J.¥F. Culp, tion. Bell Irwin. Lickley Corners. 1885 | A. H. Caiver. Do J.T. Rorick. Locke ..-.-...-- 1882 | Dr, U. A. Atkins. Baldwin (1888)...|.......-.. Robert J. Matthews. || MeMillan.......]..--.-.... D.L. West. Bay City ........ 1879 | F. W. Grinnell. Manistee (1888).|.......... Robert Johnson. Bear Lako ......- 1883t | John N. Brodie. Manistique ..... 1884 | W.H. Hill and Cor. Bellaire (1888) ...|...-...-.. A.5S. Abbott. win Adkins. * Benzonia .....--- 1885+ | Edson Packard. Se shataes Parsiasicis 2. W. W. Dent. Berrien Springs . 1883 | Fremont D. Nichols. || = Do......----- 1885t | Frank E. Wood. Big Rapids ...... 1878? | J.T. Escott. Marahall widiosioras 1880 | Samucl S. Lacey. Boyne City ...... 1883 | Walter Ware and || Martin.......... 188 | George Redpath. Jas. L. Campbell. MEDI a certiste cetera 1882 . Myers. Boyne Falls...... 1885 | Monroe Dickinson. Mears 1883 George Wyckoff. Buchanan .....--. 1871t | J.L. Richards. Menominee 1882 | J, W. Bird. Burdick ville. 1884 | A.S. Fritz. Merrill .. 1883 Daaiientan Burlington ...... 1883 | Postmaster. Midland . 188+ | H.L, Fairchild. Caledonia Sta- 1884 | Kate Konkle. Do. a 1878(?)| Postmaster. tion. Millet .- 1884 | L. E. Crane. Cassopolis ......- L. H. Glover. Monroe...-..... 1873t | James C. Critchett. Centreville J. A. Russell. Morenci ..-..-.- 1878 | Henry S. Wyman. Charlotte .... C.S. Barrett. Mount Clemens. 1883 | John B. Leonardson. Cheboygan .- C. A, Gallagher. Muskegon (1888) |..... .--.| Martin Waalkes. Clare ....- ‘ A.C. Aldrich. Nashville....... 1876 | James M, Pilbeam, Coldwater .....-- David B. Dennis. New Haven ....|..---..--- John Leonardson, Concord ....-.--- David E. Haskins. North Adams... 1881 | O.C. Smith. Corunna......--- Dr.C. T. Armstrong. |} North Branch...]...-...... R.A. McDougall. Devwroit (1888).--.}.......... Ralph Phelps, je. , Northville .....- 1880 | Dean F. Griswold. DOEE cegecessy 1885 | Frank Sommer. * Nunica ......... 1881 | J. J. Wiseman. Eaton Rapids.... 1gslt | S.R, Faller. OMIT a ccmoeterctere 1885 | J. H. Delknap. Elk Rapids ...-.. 1880 | James E, Rankin Oscoda.....-.--. 1879 | FIC, King. Escanaba....---- 1876 | 'T. Killian. Otisville ........ 1880+ | Postmaster. Evart..-... .--.- 1882 | W.L. Stoddard. Owosso ......--. 1876 | A. Lee Williams. Farmington .....|..-.--..-. Frank D. Clark. Paw Paw.....-. 1874 | Postmaster. Farwell... 1885 | Postmaster. Perry ...... é 1881 Do. Fife Lak 1883 Do. Petersburg] 1877 | Jerome Trombley. ‘Frankfort - 1881+ | Charles Burmeister. }' ney > 1878 | Postmaster. Doisceseecias: 1882 | Wm. G. Voorheis. Pittsfortliss ce ceenliaseeencein Do. Gaines Station. .. 1876 | N.P. Seeland. Plainwell .....-. 1874t | A.C, Roberts. Galien .-....-.--. 1882 | G. A. Blakeslee. Plymouth....... 1876 | W.J. Burrow. Gladwin ....-.--- 1884 | Postmaster. Portland........ 5 F. M. Cutcheon. Grand Haven.... 1871t Do. Reading ..-...-. H. ¥. Doty. Grand Rapids....| - 188; | James Cox. . Reese..-... John J. Gies. Olssaiainl-he ain'eiece Charles W. Garfield. || Richmond i. YT. Hunt. Grass Lake Frank O. Hellier. Rogers City 1885¢ | Hermann Hoeft, Grayling. -..- J.O. Hadley. (1888). Greenville J.E. Yaylor. Saginaw ......-. 1881t.| F.S. Smith. Harbor Springs. .- 1882 | Will E. Hampton. Saint Clair...... 1876t | ‘I’. D.Barron. Harrison .-.- -.. 188£ | William W. Green. Saint John’s |.......... Jamés H, Conn. DOz sadieieqiea| aes sya ad Postmaster. (1888). Harrisville 18380 Do. Saline..........- 1880 | Norman A. Wood. Hatt ccosmacescs tis] oe sese awe E.T. Mugford. Sand Hill .......}.-,..- --..| Wm. d. Muldragh. Do.. 1882 | E. D, Richmond, Sandusky ....... 1883 | Thomas Doyle. Hartford 1879t | Edward Finley. Sastdlueky Lea applica de Chris. Murphy. Hastings.. 1876 | John Bessmer. Saranac . 1879 | M.S. Lord. Ilillman .- 1883 | Postmaster. Saugatuck . 188) | Postmaster. Hillsdale . 1874 | Ira B. Card. Sault de 1883 | William S. Shaw. Holland. 1882 | William Verbeek. Mario. : ; Homer . 02% ¢exs 1878 | C. F. Collins, Schoolcraft ..... 1877 | P. D. Miller. Hopkins’ Sta- 1883 | Postmaster. Shelby..-.. Z 1880 | Geo. W. Woodward. tion. Sherwood. 2 1884¢ | Postmaster. Hudson 1875 | A. H. Boies. Sparta .... 1880 | KH. Bradford. Huron 1885 | Andrew Shaw. Springport...-..]...---.--- J. B. Conklin. Imlay City 1883 | E. J. Landers. Stanton.... 1881t | Postmaster. Ithaca ......-.--- 1878 | 0. F. Jackson. Tawas City 1882 Do, 214 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. : First Pao : First i Locality. aon sarea Observer. Locality. | appeared. Observer. Ramon 879 . A. Wright and C.|| Watrousville ... 1€82 | E. B. Hayes. as iy a : A. eee Wayland 1882 | John Graves. Thomson ........ 1876|?)} K. B. Wallace. West Bay City.- 1881 | Postmaster. Thornville....... 1882 | Dr. John, Caulkins.|| West Windsor -. 1884 | Mary E. Tuttle. Traverse City. - 1878 | H. D. Campbell. White Cloud.... 1883 | R.S. Trask. Wea ecegececiens 1881 | Samuel P. St. John, Whittemore ‘ 1883 | Frank Duplanty. Vassar.......-... 1876+ | Levi H. Emerson. Wixom ..... Postmaster. Watervliet..-.... 1882 | W.E. Walden. Ypsilanti William Lambie. t About.” It was reported not present at the following places in Michigan: Locality. Observer. Locality. Observer. Atlantic Mine .,.......| Postmaster. Michigamme ......... Postmaster. Baldwin ............... Andrew Ozmun, Munising*.... -| W.A. Cox. Calta 6 tcc siaisienicictseein wie A. ‘I. Streeter. Newberry .-- T. J. Stewart. Camden ...-....-.....- J.B. Alward. Ontonagon.. -| Asa A. Parker. Crystal Falls .......... Postmaster. Quinnesec .. Postmaster. Hancock....-.....-.--- James B. Looney, Republic ... -| John Maguire. Houghton ............. E.R. Penbentry. Ripley ...---.- -| Frank E. Wood. Iron Mountain......... Postmaster. Rives Junction . John Heffeman. Lake City ............. F, 0. Gaffney. Saint Tgnaco.. .| R. W. Hornbach. Lake Linden. Postmastor. Saint James .......... James R. Gibson. THANS6 i asec iecicate soci John Q. McKernan. : * Reported present in 1887. In MINNESOTA the Sparrow was reported present in the autumn of 1886 at the following places: Locality. ae Observer. Locality. igs. Observer. Austin ...-...... 1886 | H. O. Bayard. Redwood Falls . 1881t | J. L. Thompson. 0. . 1885 |'G.L. Case. Rochester .. 1886 | Samuel De Wolf. Chatfield .- 1884 | John R. Jones. DO ic csinsoreiate sie 1886 | W.D. Hurlbut. Elk River (188 1886 | Vernon Bailey. Saint Paul...... 1876 | Dr, Thos. 8. Roberts. Lanesborough 1886 | Dr. J. C. Hvoslef. Wabasha ....-... 1886 | J. H. Evans. Minneapolis 1876 | Dr. P. L. Uatch. Waseca.-........ 1886 | D. McLaughlin. Do..... 1876 | Dr. Thos. S. Roberts. || Winona......... 18867 | Prof. J.M. “Holsinger. Monticello ....... 1882 | William Tubbs. DO: 225 cesses 1886 | Postmaster. t About. It was reportea not present at the following places in Minnesota:. Locality, Observer. Locality. Observer. Albert Lea.......-..... R. B. Abbott. Cloquet.......-.-.2-.-. Hamilton Curry, noka.. ---| J. A. Foote. Detroit City .--. -| S.N. Horneck. Aitkin... .| E. F. Barrett. Duluth ....... Jobn Flynn. Atwater .. -| Mareus Joiinson, Elk River*.. H. P. Burrell. Audubon . ---| George Wendel. Tixcelsior :.... Dr. James Rt. Walker. Beaver Falls. ---| J. Loon Wieland. Fairmont . oe A.L. Ward. - Belle Plaine -| E. E. Chatfield. Far mington dios Hamilton WT. Judson. Benson ..... -| John D. Lyons. Fort Snelling ia Victor Roberson. Bird Island ... F.L. Puffer. Glenwood....... Thomas Schweiger. Blue Earth City . J. UU. Sprout. Glyndon........ J. W. Rodgers. Breckenridge -. -| H. Champion. Granite Falls ... -| C, A. Bennett. DO sseeseis -| George I. Cook. Hallock . William Thempson. Brownsville A. L. Darling. Hanline .. E. B, Higgins. Buffalo ... -| J.C. Nugent. Hastings Rev. George B. Pratt. Carver.... -| Gharlos Johnson. Helena ... -| George Beekman. Centre City. .| Postmaster. Henderson.... Adam Buck. Chagkarecxcaccccice acc George F, Taber. Houston ........-..... S. B. MecIutire. * Reported present by 7 DISTRIBUTION BY STATES. 215 Locality. Observer. Locality. Observer. Howard . Mark Fosket.. OS860 sesees sevens ace. William Krueger. Tona ...... -| Martin W. Donnell. Owatonna ..-......-.. L. L. Wheelock. Jackson -| John Feildes. OxfOrd cwsucdeccsuncce Stephen Hewson. Jovdan -| Michael Beck. Perham s.scceseacceses Henry Kemper. Kasson . -| George B. Arnold, Pipestone .---.| D.E. Sweet. Kimberly... ----| M. F. Showell, Prost ON eiwescccewsse xcs Thomas Hall. La Crescent............ John §. Harris. Princeton.....-....... Newell A. Ross. Do.ezee2 Thomas Minshall. Richfield -.......-..-- J.N. Richardson. Lake City. -| David O. Irwin. Hast aed saexws eekeKe P. McKeon. DOs. saewede “ ae H.Sclover. =|} _—s— Do.........--.------ H. P. Robie. Lake Crystal .......--. W. Kelly. Rushiord astare-aiaregeaialaia D. F. Murphy. Lake Park......---.--. C. Borge Saint Charles -| Jobn Pickert. Lakeville . - French. Saint Cloud Postmaster. Le Sueur r “M. Farmer. Saint Paul*.. .| D. L. Kieble. -| E.R. Smith. Saint Peter’s.......... Charles A. Jolson. field...-..----.... A.J. Reyill. Sauk Centre .......... Charles F. Hendryx. Long Lake. B.Y. Christlieb. Sauk Rapids.........-| Julia A. A. Wood. Luverne .. -| C. 0. Hawes. Shakopeo.........---- Charles Bornarth. Madelia . ----+-+.| A. H. Benton. Stillwater .-. ......-. E.G. Butts. Mankato........_. -| James Cannon. Taylor's Falls .-. .| N. W. Humphrey. Marine Mills .... - | Charles 5 ae eerenen LOWED? ses ea cissinc .| John Anderson. Marshall. ....-. -. | Squire D. How. Dylon sacicccsa.s .| J. A. Bigham. Mendota........... ..| LT. Fee. Verndale ...... E. i. Parker. Merriam Junction.....| Henry Dols. Warren.......- .| A. PR. McIntire. Minnetonka ..-.....-. D. M. Burwell. Washburn......- -- | Frederick Miller, Montevideo........ EH. L, Kempe. Well Sinccze sje ciecios: .| J. W. Polleys. Moorhead.......... .| Ee. Fay. White Bear Lake.....; Daniel Getty. MOTa. osisciccsscmionia .| Stanton D. Seavey. Willmar .......-- .| 0. Selvig, New Ulm....-..-- Francis Baasen. wie lerersiain ., S. M. Espey. Norcross. - . Postmaster. = || ___Do...... 8. B. Stutman. North Sta Jobn Schrooten. Winnebass 5 .| A. B. Davis. Oak Dale Joseph Streiff. Worthington L B, Bennett. OV 19202 semssecnceens Daniel Haire. Zumbrota. .-.--.--.--- C. B. Anderson. *Reported present by another observer. In MISSISSIPPI the Sparrow was reported present in the autumn of 1886 at the following places: . First . First Locality. appeared. Observer. Locality. appeared Observer. Aberdeen........ 1884+ | M. H. Gillespie, Hernando ...... 18721 | D.M. Slocumb. D224: 20% 1ge3 | A. A. Wall. Holly Springs -. 1882+ | John §. Finlay, Booneville ....--.. 1881+ | RK. E. Marshall. Takaisiscaces sa vies 1884 | A. I. Scruggs. Cofteevilie. 1884 | J. F. Kelly, Natchez ........ 1886 | R. Holmes. Columbus 1883t | Dayton Hale. Ripley... 1884 | E. W. Simpson. Do... 1884+ | D. C. Hodo. Senatobia 1881t | C.P. Varner. Corinth.. 1884 | Postmaster. Starkville weeeeeee-| W.B. Stark. DO ses sasjeseis te swascrcsct Dr. RawlingsYoung. |} ‘Tupelo .... : 1h ¥. M. Goar. Friar’s Point .... 1878t | F. D. Robinson. West Point...-.. 188 J. H. Brinker. Grenada........+ 1881 | R. N. Hall. Winona ....... 1s83t D. S. Young. + About. 216 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. It was reported not present at the following places in Mississippi: Locality. Observer. locality. Observer. Agricultural College ..| W. B. Stark. Magnolia .| E. Safford. MSE: vsecescccesc vase T. W. L. Askew. Mississippi City.. C. Phelps. Baldwyn ....-..-.-.--- T. B. Stubbs. Monticello...... W. F. McInnis. Bay Saint Louis...-.-.- Ella ¥. Toor. Morton ......- -| L. R. Moore. Belen .............----- F. M. Hamflet. Moss Point... A. Blumer. Bollinger’ 3 Mills (1885).| Jos. H. Grant. DG sceesiesc % C.H. Wood. Bolton’s Depot .....--- M. ae “as Muldon......... -| J.C, Cunningham, Brookhaven ........--- V.L. Tyler. Pass Christian. - Howard P. Beeman. Canton: se ccscsessscces G. W. Thomas. Pontotoc...... Samuel Miller. Carrollton .....-...---- M. E. Love. Poplarville ... -| R.L, Ratlift. Clintonscasosscewsscs T. G. Rice. Port Gibson .- -| Mrs. O, A. Hastings. Columbia Duncansby Edwards... Enterprise. Forest ...- Gloster .... Hattiesburgh Jackson .. Johnsonvi Jonestown. Kosciusko . Leakesville Thaddeus Boemer. W. I. Westcott. R. H. Smith. M. E. Byrne. Hi Eastland. -| T. L. Hoff. 1). M. Carter. Wirt Adam. John R, Baird. .| C. Barnes. It. Boyd. -| Daniel McLeod. -| Lehman Colin. C.S. Kellogg. T.J. Stokes. Quitman Raleigh. ...... Rodney ..-..- Rolling Fork. . Rosedale Summit......... eee = Woodville E. E. West. George W. Currie. Gideon Mabbett. S. W. Langford. T. RR, McGuin. R. P. Godbold. W. M. Bracey. H. J. Sarrett. William Groome. IF. M. Webster. fs O. K. Williams. .-| Kate Bostwick. C. M. Edmonson. W. A. Elder. In MISSOURI the Sparrow was reported present in the autumn of 1886 at the fol- lowing places: 5 . a Locality. iene d. Observer. Locality. Peon a. Observer. Albany....,..-.. 1883 | F.M. Setzer. Jefferson City -- 1873t | Willian G. McCarty. Aurora Springs... 1885+ | M. D. Wright. Kansas City... 1883 | George M. Shelley. BUNS o 0 oe seca. | sseacoscws M. T. Russell. Kearney ‘ 1885¢ | P. D. Anderson. Breckenridge. 1886 | J.T. Alexander. Kirksvill 1883 | George 'T. Spencer. Brookfield 18831 | C. W. Freeman, La Belle. 1882t | R.A. . Bagby. Brunswick 1881t | J.8. Wallace. Lexingto 1886 | Dr. J. B. Alexander. Burlington 1886 | S.J. Butcher. Louisiana ..... 1877f | ‘Lhomas W. Lock. Onuln oa 1886 | Harvey Clark. Macon City...- 1885 | If. A. Dessert. 1882+ | Henry Speer. Marshfield...-. 1886 | Oliver Wells, 1880 Henry A. Astholz. i 1883 | J.P. Craig. 1881t | 8.8. Harris. 1876 | John Saunders. Gareollten 1834+ | M. R. Gittings. Montgomery Cty 1883t | Irvin P. Powell. Central ... 1878+ | H. M. Snow. Mt. Carmel .....].......... Mrs. M. Musick. Chamois.. 188 | B. L. Hull. Nevada......... 1884 | Henry Shepley. Charleston. 1882 | G. W. Martin. New Haven..... 1880+ | C.'T. Murphy. Chillicothe 1876 | B.B. Smith. New London.... 1884¢ | J. D. B. Freeman. Clinton ... 1885 | S.D. Garth. Oregon ......-.. 1882+ | William Kaucher. Columbia . 1882+ } Eli Hodge. Palmyra 1876 | KE. A. McLeod. Craig... 1884+ | J. H. Williams. Paris ...- 1882t | James 8. McGee. Denver . 1885 | Willis Marrs. Perryville ...... 1881t | Joe R. DeLassus. Do Soto. 18841 | James W. Clarke. Poplar Bluff ... 1886+ | Jesse Reynolds. Dixon . 1884 | W. W. Howard. Potosi ..-....... 1884 | John Teasdale. Elsberry 1885 | J. W. Bibb. Queen City . 1883t | J. Rk. Brown. Fairmont... 1885 | Henry J. Hewitt. Rich Hill. Si 1885t | Lee Beall. Farmington 1885 | Willard Roriden. i) 1884 | B.S. Herbert. Fayette... 18851 | C.J. Walden. Ste. Genevieve . 1883+ | Augustine Menard. Fulton.... 1883t | J. E, Watson. Saint Joseph ... John C, Evans. Glenwood 1885 | Thomas Peury. Saint Louis . Estiil Mcllenry. Hartville . 1880+ | Androw J. Farmer. || Sedalia ... -..{ B.A. Sampson. Hermann. 1874 | Gustav Ettimuellor. || So. Saint Lou V. Spindler, Holden ..- 1883t | John D, Crisp. ‘Trenton .. W.O. Garvin. Independen 1881} | William Groesbeak. |} Weston .. 7 Edw. J. Breen. Ironton..... ; 1884} | John F. 1. Edwards. || Westport. ...... L. A. Goodman. Jefferson City -.. 1883 | W. EK. Coleman. West St. Louis . 1876 | John Carroll. | About. It was reported not present at the following places in Missouri: DISTRIBUTION BY STATES. 217 Locality. -Observer. Locality. Observer. Advance...... wictenielnee | David C. Flynn. Granby....---..--.6-- George A. Sweet. Appleton City......... James Hodkins. Green "Caatle ‘ -| H. Ty ones, Ash Grove ......------ Henry R. Hall. Greenridge ... .| James 8. Ream. Austin .........------- William Shields. Indian Springs - -| RW. Williams. Ava... M.C, Reynolds. Jamesport.....- .| C.E. Oreutt. Bethany G.L. Phillips. Lamar...... John H. Douglas. Bolivar . C. W. Furman. Lebanon. . .| R.J. Wickersham. Buffalo ....2<50+ .| John George. Linn Cree -| C. P. Churchill. Cabool........ George F. Pettigrew. Lincoln... Fred Brill. Carthage ..... G. Blakney. Malden .. . W. H. Shelton. Do ...... Z, T. Russell. Malta Bend. A.G. Bailey. Cassville ..-.. .| TD. Steele. Marionville. R. B. Gillette. Clarksburgh. . .| A.M. Moles. Maysville... .| Henry E. Glazier. Coffeysburgh ... J.R. Cunningham. Moundville - -| L. H. Orndortf. College Mound . B. D. Singleton. New Madrid. .| Charles A. Loforge. Cuba .....--.- A.U. Farrow. Purdy sie ssecevescevees Wash. E. Smith. Dadeville. .| Joseph W. Tohim. Richinond ......--.--- S. F. Bassett. Doniphan..........-.-- J. A. Ferguson. Postmaster. Fl Dorado Springs..... Jobn W. Selby. D.S. Holman. POrsythiscccssins sede H. C. Everett. W. H. Pipkin. Fredericktown .| A. A. Deguire. Unionville......-...-. Alex. E}son. Galena .-.. .| S.A. Carr. Versailles ......--.--- James B. Spurlock, Glenwood .| H..D, B. Cutler. West Plaing ...-.-.--- Samuel Risley. Golden City ... .-...-- J. Poore. *Reported present by another observer. In MONTANA, in the autumn of 1886, the Sparrow was known to be present at but one point. Mr. J. R. Widmyer states that it appeared at Glendive in 1885, It was reported not present, in the autumn of 1886, at the following places in Montana: * Locality. Observer. Locality. Observer. Augusta......-----e-- P. A. Manix. : Maiden ...-.-.-------- William Maurer. Billings. - T. Whitney. Miles City ..- .| John McAusland. Bozeman .. h. P. Menefee. Missoula. -... .| Joseph 8. Booth. Butte City. W. Egbert Smith. Park City .-- .| Alice A. St, John. Dillon .......-.-- .| BP. E. Poindexter. Phillipsburgh . .| John W. Dawson. Fort Assinaboine.. R. L. McCulloh. Radersburgh .-| E. M Batchelder. -| Theodor Borup. Sheridan .... -| R.P. Bateman. .| J. H. McKnight. ‘Townsend . .| William Wood. .| E.O, Hulszir. Virginia ... Mary Deimling. .| Charles D. Curtis. Walkerville . .---| Daniel O’Grady. William Gibbs. White Sulphu 1 J.J. Hennessy. FB. W. Wright. In NEBRASKA the Sparrow was reported present in the autumn of 1886 at tho following places: : First : First . Locality. appeared. Observer. Locality. appeared. Observer. Beatrice... .---.- 1882t | Samuel E. Rigg. Lincoln... 1835¢ | Albert Watkins. Bennet .- 1883 | Chas. W. Heffley. Louisville .| ‘Thomas W. Shryock. Blair .. 1885 | W.H. Eller. Nebraska City Thomas Morton. Blue Hill .--...-.|----- --- | Edgar Hilton. Omaha.....-...- Charles Ix. Coutant. Brownville 2 1882 | R. ‘I’. Rainey. Palmyra. T. W. Foster. Central City...-. 1886 | John C. Logue. Papillion ..- F J.P. Spearman. Grand Island . --. 1833 | C. L. Howell. Plattsmouth.... 18741 | J.N. Wiso. Hardy....------: 1886 | William M. Peebler. || Sterling .-.----- 1881 | Charles C. Wilson. Hastings -- 3 1885 | G.J. Evans. Talmage..-..--- 1884 | H. Bord. Humboldt 1884t | J. F, Walsh. Tecumseh ...... 1882 | C.M. Wilson. Lincoln.. 1885 | Prof. C. E. Bessey. t About. 218 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. It was reported not present at the following places in Nebraska: Locality. Observer. Locality. , Observer, Ainsworth.....-.----+- i B. Ripply. Kearney..-..----.---+ E, R. Watson. Albion..-.--..-------+- H. Rice. Lee Park ....--- J.L.H. Knight. Alma... G. W. Stewart. Linwood (1885) . -| W.J. Kingsbury. Arapahoe Thomas B. McPherson. Long Pine...-....- .| C.R. Glover Atkinson ...{ Willard A, Wheeler. Loup City ...--... Cyrus M. Walworth. Aurora .... .| Jobn Tweedy. Madison.......-.- .| Dr. F. A. Long. Bazile Mills - .| G. W. Harper. ipden .......--- .-| W. 7. McGinnis. Bradshaw . --- | Eugeno Shallenberger. .| J.L. MePheely. Broken Bow. I. 1, Merchant. .| W.C. Estes. Carleton zcncce neces W.t.Shawha ~—_—si|| Nemaha City...-- R.J.Skeen. Ceutral City* Clay Center - Do.... Clearwate Columbus.. Cozad... Crete .... Culbertson Dakota David City Fairbury ..- Falls City - Fullerton. Geneva Do.... Hartington Holdrege S. L. Wiser. ‘| Mrs. S. Cruickshank. Harry B. Strong. Marcus N. Palmer. W.N. Hensley. -| Samuel W. Schooley. T. A.C. Beard. B. Cloven. Henry Herweg. ¥F. 1. Wilson. Will. W. Watson. W.R. Crook. E. G. Cook. W. H. Cooksey. V.C. Shiekley. J.P. JSenal. T. D. Trovis. Yor ric Adam Furguson. :| James Miller. A.C. Shallenberger. Ben Stetson. .| I. Conner. J. W, Radford. A.S. Marsh. C.F. Forbes. ..| J. EF, Woods. .| L. J. Traynor. .| Jobn 5S. Kittle. William J. Breeman. L. W. Gilchrist. M. Dearborn. .| R.F. Keoko. ¥.L. Whedon. * Reported present by another observer. In NEVADA, in the autumn of 1886, the Sparrow was not known to be present at any point. It was reported not present at the following places: Locality. Observer. Locality. Observer. Belmont ....----------. J. A. Pall. BUrek @tenenseesssaneny William J. Smith. Carson City ..- G.G. White. Genoa ...... W. L, Cox. Cherry Creck.....- -| Daniel R. Collins. Hawthorne . -| FA. Angell. Dayton cn ccicccnace -| John Lothrop. Paradiso Valley, | J.B. Caso. HI EOsasesaevizwnsec- seine C,H. Sproule. PlochOwscoics sciase sine se John Shier. In NEW HAMPSHIRE the Sparrow was reported present in the autumn of 1886 at the following places: . First : First Locality. appeared. Observer. Locality. eapenced: Obeerver. Franklin Falls .. 1879t | George Stolworthy. |} Lisbon (1884) ... 188lt | Dr. C. LB ton, Hanover Arthur Fairbanks. Milford. ...-.... 1876+ | James P. Molzer. Laneaster -....-.[.--.....6- I. W. Quimby. Portsmouth ('84) 1877} | Sarah H, Foster. t About. DISTRIBUTION BY STATES. 219 In NEW JERSEY the Sparrow was reported present in the autumn of 1886 at the following places: . First : Fir Locality. Sppearad. Observer. Locality. aed, Observer. Blawenburgh.... 1883 | David C. Voorhees. || Mount Holl Henry I. Budd Bridgeton ....... 1868 | Charles E. Bellows. || New Proniionae 1866} | H. F. Tiormell, Caldwell.... 1870t | Marcus 8. Crane. Orange Lloyd McK. Garri-on Chatham teceaet 1868+ | George M. Swaim. Do... a .| Sereno BE. Toda. E. Orange (1884) - 1877t | H. B. Bailey. Passaic Bridge . TV. M. Carryl. Flemington...... J. L. Connst. Pennington. .-.. 1881 | H. W. Westwood. Freehold .-...... D. D. Denise. Ridgewood 1872 | Henry Hales. Hackensack Weldon F. Fosdick. || Tuckerton. 73+ | 8. Jillson. DOiscitearas Henry Stewart. Trenton ........ 1870t | Prof. A.C. Apgar. Haddonfield 1870,?]) Samuel N, Rhoads. Woodstown --.. 1874 | James D- Lausen. Merchantville ... 1876+ | Edward Burrough. t About. In NEW MEXICO, in the autumn of 1586, the Sparrow was not known to be -present at any point. It was reported not present at the following places: Locality. Observer. Locality. Observer. Blossburgh ........---- A, Cox. TAG OH guvisd camswansaw R. K. Vandiver. Chloride (1885) . G. Douglas Robertson. Santi PE: cncc008 seceex A. Seligman. Elizabethtown. .| J. ¥*. Carrington. Silver City .| O. L. Scott. Fort Union.........--. Ed. D. Woodbury. Socorro .. .| I. EB. Leonard. Fort Wingate .......-. Dr. R. W. Shufeldt. Springer....-..-.---.. A.J. Howell. Las Vegas.........---- T. Labodie. In NEW YORK the Sparrow was reported present in the autumn of 1886 ‘at the fol- lowing places: fi First gee First rg Locality. appeared. Observer. Locality. appeared. Observer. Albion. 2 s.c6eecs)|.sexesewan L. H. Beach. Lockport ....--.|..--...--) Lewis H., Hill. Alfred Centre.... -.| FS. Place. LYONS. fe sie arco | sae niece as 2 J.S, Roys Amityville ......}.......-.. Andrew Chichester. |) Mexico (1884)... 1876+ | George A. Davis. Angelica . 1883 | E.D. Barnum. New York (1884) 1864t | W. A. Conklin. Atlanticville. 1880 | Hugene A. Jackson. DO esses, ese: James B. Williams. Baldwinsville....|.......... Rev. W, M. Beau- || Northport (1884) William Crozier. champ. Old Westbury .. John D, Hicks. Bathis-wcicnsanaex 1871+ | Reuben E. Robie. Oswego (1884) .. D. D. Stone. Binghamton .... 18711 | H.J. Gaylord. Painted Post.... A. H. Wood. Boonville ...-.--.|.--..----- A.M, Church. Penn Yan ...... G. C. Snow. Do.... 18741 | Edward Snow. PHODIK. «50/0005 Benjamin F. Hess. Brooklyn .......-|.--------+ W. J. Kenyon. Pt. Washington Henry M. Burtis. Do.. 1850 | Hon. Nicolas Pike. D0 2cessscsees Percy Hicks. Buffalo . 1871+ | Dr. W. H. Bergtold. || Po’keepsic (1884) Dr. A. Hasbrouck. Cairo ...-- 18787 | O. T. Schermerhoru. || Rochester (1884) TH. Roy Gilbert. Canaseraga..-.--|.--.------ i. S. Gilbert. Rochester ...--. Henry Harrison. Charlton . 1378} | F. D, Curtis. Rochester (sub- H. M, Jennings. Clyde...--------- 1877 William McLachlan. urbs). Consiableville.. .|....--.--- 5. T. Miller. Rochester ...... P. C. Reynolds. Constantia ...-.- 1881t | Wallace D. Rhines. Schuyler’s Lake Le G. Southworth. Dobbs Ferry - 1866+ | Dr. C. B. McQuesten.!) Shelter Island .. W.W. Worthington. Dunkirk.........|-.-.0----+ D. A. A. Nichols. Sing Sing (1887) Dr. George J. Fisher, East Genoa (1884) 1875+ | T. J. Henry. Southampton -.. G. H. White. Flushing (1884).. 18741 | D.C. Beard, Sparkill .. cota sles ella rcv J.G. Bell. Fort Schuyler ...|..----... Alexander Ferreira. || Staten Island. ..|..-..----- Thomas Munroe. Fredonia ....-.-.- 1870] | UC. E. Bartram. Syracuse 18631 | E. M. Hasbrouck. GeNOVE sean cee eee|sseseesens C.S. Plumb. Tully... 1878 | J. A. Dakin. Ghent .. 1878t | George T. Powell. TCA sisieniaiaiaesiei 1861t | ‘Lhomas Birt. Heath .... 18801 | Howard Burhans Vernon Centre.. 1878 | Graham Bronson. Highland Falls 1871¢ | Dr. E. A. Mearns. Warsaw .....--- 1877 | James O. McClure. (1884). are Watertown .....|..-.----++ Herbert M. Hill. Hinsdale .......- 1882 | ©. R. Bowen. West Brighton .|.....----- C. M. Raymond. Hudson... 1880t | Charles W.Snyder. || West Farms.... 1864+ | James Angus. Ithaca. ..- ------..| A. G. Genung. Westport. ....-. 1876 | George C. Osborne. Os 22- 1883 | Prof. I. P. Roberts. Winfield........ 1876+ | O. P. Hitchings, Le Roy .----.----[---s---0e- Prof. ¥.M. Comstock.|| Yonkers (1884) .|..-------- F. 'T. Holder. Little Valley -... H.S, Huntley. t About. 220 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. It was reported not present at the following places in New York: Locality. Observer. Locality. Observer. Centre Lisle. ..-.- Gilbertsville...... A.L. Reed. J.C. Donaldson. Springwater.......... D. B. Waite. In NORTH CAROLINA the Sparrow was reported present in the autumn of 1886 at the following places: , Locality. ce a a a. Observer. Locality. are Observer. Albematle -..--.. 1883} | J. M. Bivins. NL TOtis oa cine cosas 1877t | E. W. Faucette. Asheville. .-. 1884 | J.D. Cameron. Mocksville 18811 | Jano Ei. Austin. Brevard ....-...- e6 | B.C. Lankford. Morganton .-... 1883} | J. A. Claywell. Carthage G. C. Graves. Mount Airy .... 1830 | B. Y. Graves. Cashiers. .-.....- E. J. Bennett. Mount Gilead... 1886 | 1. A. Christian. Charleston D.K. Collins. Murfreesboro... 1877 | W.B. Spencer. Clayton....-. W.J.Y. Thurston. New Berne . 1876+ | M. Manly. Clinton .... C. P. Johnson. DOF ssscenaredicascescen Jobn}). Whitford. Columbia C. E. Tatern. New Market.-.. 1882 | H. H. Beeson. Company’s Shops 1883 | M. M. Shoffner. Oxford....---- é 188it | I. A. Taylor. Concord ........- 1879 | Ma ary R. Dusenberg. || Pigeon (1887) . Dr. C. Hare Mannan, Dallas .......-..- 1883 | Mrs. S.A. Moore, Pittsborough . E.'T. Adney and Ivy Danbury. 1883t | N. A. Martin. Hill. Durham . 1875+ | J. H. Allen. Pittsborough ... 1881t | Laura E. Horne. Edenton . 1883f | L. L. Brinkley. Plymouth ..-... 1885t | J. B. Hilton. Enfield .....- 1884t | T.L. Whitaker. Polkton .... 1884 | I. B. Gaddy. oe 18831 | G. W. Lawrence. taleigh 1881+ | S$. A. Ashe. Do. ssicseeceas 1884} | J.B. Smith. Do... 1880+ | Clement 8. Brimley. Franklin. *....... 1885 | John O. Harrison. DO sexcueeese 188lt | TC. Williams. Fr: aoe naiger 18801 | H.S. Furman. Rockingham.... 1883t | P. W. Stausill. Gatesville ....-. 1884+ | William T. Cross. tocky Mount...|....,..... 5. L. Hart. Goidsborough.... 1879+ | Jobn I. Hill. Rutherfordton. . 1885t | Albert L. Grayson. Graham (1838) - eilasisicis Robert J. 'Thompsou.|| Salisbury ....... 1883t | Postmaster. Hendergon....... 1877 | Postmaster. Snow Hill .. 1882t | James T. Sugg. Nendersonville .. 1883t | J. L. Egerton. Statesville .. 1881} | W.S. Lewis. Hickory 1883+ | Postmaster. ivr icverrmineii 1880 | Mont. Robbins. Jackson ... 1882 | D. A. Jordan. Trenton ...-.... 1885t | M. C. Giddens. Jefferson ........ 1885 | J. D. Thomas. Washington .... 1883} | Maeon Bonner. Kenansville...... 1880+ | Mary A. Watson. Waynesviile... 1886 | John M. Davis. Kernersville .... 1881F | J. HW. Lindsay. Wentworth..... 1881f | Numa I’. Hancock. King's Mountain 1gsit | W. A. Mauney. a easingr one» 1881t | A. Rousseau. Kinston ........ 1879+ | W. J. Barrett. Williamston . 1834t | John R. Lanior. Lenoir . 1884 | J.N. Widby. Wilmington .... 1883. | Norwood Giles. Lexington eae aoe 1878 | John C. Hunt. Wilson -.......- 1876t | William M. Gay. t About. It was reported not present at tho following places in North Carolina: Locality. | Observer. Locality. Observer. BATON c00c8 se cacees oven C.-C. Banner. Mann's Harbor .....-. Julia A. Mann Bayborough --.-| W.H. Sawyer. Marshall V.C. Ebbs. Beaufort... .-..| David Pierce. Murphy -| J. W. King, Boone . -| D. B. Daugherty. Nashville........220.. William T° Griffin. Burgaw .. ..| A. H. Paddison: Now Market.......-.. IZ, H. Beeson. Burnsville . -| Julo A. Abernathy. Smithville ...... 222... W. k. Forgerson. Chapel Hill. W.MR. Mallett. Mine yante. scene 6 cs 8. Otho Wilson. Clarkton - --| A. K. Cromastic. AV @lGH seesteniccincc cous T. J. Welch. Fairfield . . .| RL. Young. Yadkinsville .........| N.E. Thomarron. Laurel Hil Jesso Hargrave. DISTRIBUTION BY STATES. 221 In OHIO the Sparrow was reported present in the autumn of 1886 at the follow- ing places: CY ic ap- “ oT . Locality. er Observer. Locality, te : Observer. ALTON woscexccees 1875 | Prof. E, W. Claypole. 1831 | R. W. Meily. DO gis a sesinicie's 1875 | Ferdinand Schuma- 1881+ | A. H. Wilson. cher. 1886 | 'T. W. Blackiston. Ashley .......-.- 1880+ | W. W. Stratton. 1878t | George Lantz. Augusta........ 1881¢ | A. McLean. McConnelsville - 1883 | C. H. Morris. Avondale... «--------| Charles Dury. Macksburgh. . 1885+ | O.S. Gilchriest. Bainbridge 1874+ | A.S. Jones. Madeira . 1882+ | Jos. A. Muchmore, Barry .-- 1886 | U.G. Gordon. Malta... 1884t | George H. Street. Batavia.. 1880 | Stephen Cramer. Marietta. . 1870+ | Dudley 5S. Nye. Bel Rie csemnwe) aie ocreue’ D. W. Cooper. Martin's Ferry 1882+ | James Y. Patterson. Dine cainwawecslaisecicneee W. I. Morrison. Martinsville .... 1882+ | Thomas B. Gaddis. Berea .- 1880+ ) Dan C. Stearns. Marysville..... 1880 | E. W. Porter. Bevis ..... 1871t | George A. Wyckoff. || Mechanicstown 1881¢ | E.S. Martin. Brecksville 1878} | George W. Hollis. Mentor......... 1881+ | J. M. Keck. Bridgeport. 1881 | John Cook. Middletown .... 1874+ | Lewis Lambright. Brookfield . 1880} | J. D. Clark. Milnersville .-.. 1882} | J. T. Johnson. Bucyrus .. 1878 | Shannon Clements. Menestenm- ete. fh ae SaRtES John H. Carey. Burton -.-. 1881; | P.W.Parmelee. |} — Do........- 1882+ | W. A. Fenton. Caldwell.......-.. 1881+ | D.S. Spriggs. Mount AAILY ersini 1884 | Henry Telgheder. Cambridge....-.. 1830 | W.H. . Mellyas. Mount Healthy.|..-......- Empson Reeves. Canal Dover..-.. 1881 | S.M. McLean. Mount Vernon.. 1876t | B. L. Swetland. Canton ..----.--. 1883 | J. F. Niesz. Napoleon .....-. 1876+ | J. L. Haltes. Carthage 1875 | C.S. Johnson. New Athens.... 1882 | TL. M. Sewell. Castalla ae 1878+ | F. A. Deighan. New Lisbon .... 1a80 | J. F. Benner. Chagrin Falls... 1876 | J.J. Stranahan. New Philadel- 1884+ | E. Fribley. Chester Hiil ..... 1883 | Charles Archer. phia. Chevivt...+...+. Fannie Hagen. Newton Falls ... 1s8t_ | E. W. Turner. Chillicothe William E. Gilmore. || New Winches- 1882} | Josiah Keiter. Cincinnati Wm. Hubbell Fisher. ter. Cincinnati (1888) 1869 | Dr. F. W. Langdon. NGle@S) acer eran ces 1878+ | H. H. Mason. Cincinnati ...-..)..-....--- Adolph Leue. Noble..--..-.-.- 1884 | A.D. Lowden. Hamilton County |..--...--. ¥F. G. Skinner, North Bend.... 1875 | R. H. Warder and Circleville ....... 1878 | Dr. Howard Jones. James B, Matsun. Clarington-...... 1878+ | B. H. Mallory. North Linndale. 1878} | Robert Linn. Cleveland......-. 1877 | L. M. Davies. North Royalton 1879 | Thomas C. Coatz. DO ssc ccs es 1873t | W. F. Doertenbach. || Norwalk..-.--... 1879} | 8. Gray. Doe saraieaee 1872} | 8. R. Ingersoll. Dowex zecuieiey 1880+ | George Lamkin Doicscsciascex 1869 | Dr. E. Sterling. Nottingham . 1880+ | J.J. Luikart. BVO. cesses yo 1871t | ‘I. P. Spencer. Oak Hill.......- 1882) | J. C. Alexander. Cleves 1876¢ | James Curlin. Olmsted ..---.-. 1877t | A. Osborn. Coalton 1883+ | John Brady. Oxford........- 1878 | L. N. Bonham. Coe Iidge . 1879+ | H. O. Carpenter. PAarmith. wis siercieaiais 1884 | Oliver Emerson. Collamer. .-.. 1876} | L. A. Steele. Petersburgh 1876} | J. L. Ernst. iollege TiN sincisnie ls sicine ace iainys H. A. Koch. Plainville... 1876+ | A. L. Bodine, eiicalaoiath 6 ymianai anes W.'T. Southgate. Pomeroy... 1880t | C. Ihle. Ediiinwood gol at 18817 | Chas. L. Gilbreath. || Portsmouth 1874} | 5. R. Ross. Columbus (1884) . 1872¢ | Dr. J. M. Wheaton. TPreston.... 1875 | Thomas Shroyer. Coshocton ..-..-.-. 1874 | II. D. Beach. Prout..--.- 1877f | 8. C. Prout. Dayton (1884)... 1867+ | Jobn L, H. Frank. Reading .--- 1874¢ | H.H. Varjohar. Delaware ........ 1876+ | Geo. W. Campbell. Ridgeway . 1874t | J ohn Davis. Dent....--... 1874 | William Oettinger. || Ripley...--. - 1876} | M. M. Murphy. Dover cxcan» 1871+ | N. B. Hurst. alah ‘Dlatrayillp Zunes T. W. Emerson. Dunkirk 1881t | Charles Mahon. Salem ...| Mrs. L, 8. Solberg. East Liverpool .. 1878t | Harry A. Suils. Do. James W. Suliot. East Rockport |....-..--. Henry W. Elliott. Sandusky. - John T. Mack. (1884). Sciotovillo .--... J. H. Holman. East Rockport...|..---..--.| A. Ilall. Sharon Centro..| 1884 | F.G.Cottingham. Elida .......- 1876 | S. D. Crites. Sidney (1887) -.. 1883 | Edward Russell. Euclid ....-..----}.-------- Edward D. Pelton. Solon .----.-----|-- ase saa) We We Bu arene Fayette... 1880t | Samuel Binns. Sparta...-. 1883 | J.C. Swetland. -Gallipolis 1872¢ | S$. F. Neal. Springfield .. 1882+ | James Johnson, Garrettsville 1881 | A.J. Smith. Steubenville - 1880+ | George Moore. Georgetown - 1881} | Elizabeth Roth. Strongsville - 1875+ | J. Gallup. ‘ Glendale..... 1879t | Mrs. M. Devanney. Bases nye 1881f | Dr. re aw. Glenville ....---.|.----.---- M.W.Miles. —_—i|} Urbama...-..-. 1880t | S. L. P. ne ‘i Greenville . 1884 | J.N. Lowry. Wadsworth (887) 1874t | Dr. J. a Beni or. Hamilton -- 1868 | George Harbron. Wakeman ...-.. 188it | W. ee all. Harrison..... 1874t | D.C. Jones. Wapakoneta -. 1g82t | D. ve avs oy Hillsborough 18831 | Edward L. Warson. || Warren....-- A 1869 ae p80 . Tronton....-. 1877¢ | B. F. Ellsberry. Warsaw .-.- 1880t | Levi ce ) Ass 0 Jefferson -. 1879f | A.C. White. Wauseon 1884 ee aBeGGM. Kempton .. 1885 | 8, W. Kemp. Waverly.-...---|-----2--7) H Ree: Kenton .... 1885 | N.R. Piper. Wellston .......| 1882t | Minor +. hon and Kingston .. 18781 | Benj. P. Asbury. West Berlin ..-. 1883 Charles ey aw a Lebanon: 1884+ | Martin A. Jameson. J. ie orogens 1884 | Henry Fisher. Weston...----- 1884 | J.O. te Leetonia..... 1879t | C.N. Schmick. West Union .... 1883t | T. W. Ellison. tAbout. y 222 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. . First ap- . First ap- Lo-ality. eur ed Observer. Locality. Seer Observer. Weymouth ...-. 18807 | Dr. Frank Young. Wintersville.... 1879 | Rev. I’, I. Swaney. Willow ..--.---- 1881 | Ethie UC. Kingsbury.|) Winton Place ..|---------- if. R. Crowl. Wilmington . 1876 | William Clevenger. || Woodsfield -.... 1878t | George P. Dorr. DO. aca swen|seeseer ess J. M. Haynes. Do...-. 1879+ | Jas. RK. Morris. DOs 2c.cnaccni| Seeesse Les Nathan M. Linton. Wyowming.. 1874¢ | C. V. Stephenson. Wilson's Mills.. 1883 | D.S. Gilmore, Young Hickory. 18st | Jas. M. Hutcheson. Winchester... .-. 1880 | J. Osburn. Youngsville eo 1884} | U. A. Silcott. t About. It was reported not present at the following places in Ohio: Locality. Observer. Locality. Observer. Ashtabula ......------- Dan. J. Sherman. | Windsor Mills........ Postmaster. In OREGON, in the autumn of 1886, the Sparrow was not known to be present at any point. It was reported not present at the following places: Locality. Observer. Locality. Observer. Awity .......-.........| Thomas J. Jellison. Jacksonville.......-.- Max Miiller. Arlington. .| F. T. Harlburt. La Grande...--..---.- J. U.Shambaugh. Astoria... John C. Bell. Lake View ........--. by. W. Calvin. Aumsville .-| FS. Mattoson. Linkvillo .-.-..... William A. Wright. Baker City .-..--. .| C. L. Palmer. McMinuville...... .| J. F. Wisecarver, Beaverton (1885) . A. W. Anthony. Oregon City .....- -| J. M. Bacon. Canyon City... .| E. Hall. Pendleton ........ -| Frank B. Clopton. Cedar Mill.. William B. Malleis. Portland......-... -| C, W. Roby. Corvallis . N.R. Barber. Prineville .......- -| Jas. IF. Moore. Dallas .... .| James D. Smith. Roseburgh....-..- B. Douden. Empire City. -| J. B Gilbert. Salem..---..-.---- -| W. H. Odell. Eugene Cit: I. W. Osburn, Saint Helen..... F. A. Moore. Hoppuer.. C.G. Sloan. Tillamook ...... --| M, B. Feamside, Hillsboro Mary A. Brown. In PENNSYLVANIA the Sparrow was reported present in the autumn of 1886 at the following places: Observer. Locality. at, First Locality. appeared. Albion.-......... 1880t Allegheny ....... 1877 Altoona 1878t Apollo... 1876+ Atglen... 1876 Garnhart’s Mills . i879t Beatty.--.-.---- 1881t Beaver Falls..... 1871+ Belle Vernon ....}.......-- Blairsville ....... 18771 Bloomsburgh 1877 Tira’ord sists Doce Bristol Brockwayville ... 1882t | Brookville ... 1878 Brownsville. 1877t 1878; ! Do Chambersburgh. . 1872¢ J. A. Robison. John Swan. T. B. Patton. Labanah Townsen. William D. Doan. P. A. Rattigan. Sarah A.and George H, Adams. 8.5. McFerran. James Hagerty. | Isabella Campbell. George A. Clark. Jas. A. Teulon. C. B. Whitehead. Dr. J, De Bennoeville Abbott. B. T. Chapin. Laselle R. Erdice. J. Holmes Patton. A.R. Montgomery. W. P. Roessing. "| Charles W. Barkman. G. W. Daugherty. Dayison Greenawalt. Clarion ......-.. Clearfield ....... Collegeville Columbia Conneautville. .. Coudersport .... Danville ......-- Delmont... Du Bois..--.. Duncannon Elk Lick Emlentown Emporium Enon Walley Erio. Fayette © iY Foxburgh Eepekin ‘4 tAbout. East Bethlehem ! Ebensburgh ... | First appeared. Observer. 1877t | Miller Beatty. 1876t | A.B, Weaver. revere | (esata eratet siete C. Augustus Ritten- house. 1874+ ) C. F. Young. 1879t | William A. Hammon. 1880t | M.S, Thompson. Thomas Chalfant. J.D. Paily. J.P. Taylor. Jos. M. Shatto. 188) | Emma C. Adams. 1871} | Jas. G. Hasson, 1882+ | Silas A. Wagner. 1880¢ | H. A. Hamilton. 1874 | J.M. Judd. 1875t | John O. Caskey. 1871t | IT. Dwight Ingersoll. 1874+ | H.C. Shannon. 1880+ | J. M. Barker. 1882 | John G. Hager. Bail la shatara cinta D. D. Grant. Jobn C. Linville. Thomas Mechan. DISTRIBUTION BY STATES, 223 . First ‘4 i Locality. lappeared. Observer. Locality. pnd Observer. Germantown .... 1873t | Witmer Stone. Northumberland 1872t | J.C. Forsyth. DOseueriewe: : Wm. Rotch Wister. || Osceola Mills. .-. 1877t | Jacob Ritzman. Gettysburgh Benner, Parker's Landing 1875t | P. Bracken. Glen Rock ....... L. W. Shafer. Philadelphia sae aerate seedy J. Perey Moore. Greencastle...... MsPPrather lll. Dinan eseaces| news sees F. R. Welsh. Greensborough... 1881t | A.V, Boughner. Phillipebaeni a 1881} | John Gowland, Greensburgh. 1874+ | W.C. Loor. Pittsburgh ...... 1871t | J. B. Larkin. Hanover .... * 1872t | William Heltzel. Pleasantville .-.. 188) | Geo. L, Haworth. Hare's Valley. a 1884} | Samuel B. Greene. Pottstown. ..--.. 1870t | John H. Steele. ele Wt os 1876¢ | James M. Lingafelt. || Punxsutawney.- 188vt | H.C. Bair. ares 8 xisieaiase 9 1881t | M. A. Young. Radnor... .-.--- 1878t | W. W. Montgomery. Hwutuecen ameae 1878t | Margaret A. “Shure Renfrew .....--- 183; | ¥. H. Brown. ATPWitl s2s3u0 dyc00% 1872¢ | S.D. Lauffer. Reynoldsville . .. test | W.C. Schultze. Jamestown....... 1878} | M. 1. Gardner. Ridgway ....--.- 1881i | J, H. Hagerty. Jobnstown....... 1878t | Herman Baumed. Rockwood. ....-. 1883 | Harrison Snyder. Kittaning ........ 1876+ | E. A, Brodhead. Rouseville....... 1876t ares A. Lyford. Lancaster........ 1870f | Dr.5.S. Rathvon. Spegerstown, +2 1878 BE. Hunter La Porte......... 1882t | Walter Spencer. Saltsburgh . 1878 ean Laird. Latrobe ......-.-. 1889 | John A. Showalter. Scottdale.....--- 1880 | J. P. Owens. Lewisburgh Dr. George G. Groff. || Selin’s Grove .. 1876 | George R. Hendricks. Lewistown..-.... R. W. Palton. Sharonascccevess| secsacexs C. W. Ray. Ligonier -.... C. F. Marker. Shippensbur oh. 1868 | J. A.C. McCune. Lock Haven William W. Rankin. || Smethport ...... 1g81 | M.A. Sprague. Me Conne lasers 1876¢ | J.S. Shade. Somerset. .- 1879 | J. KK, Coffroth. Mclonald.. 1880 | P. Hoey. O ciaiats 1876 | J.H. Fritz. McKeesport. -+seeee-| J. B. Shale. South Bet : Robert W. Barrell. Mansfield -......- 1879t | N. A. Elliot. Steelton....-.... W.#H. H. Sieg. Mansfield Valley. 1882t | Dr. R. L. Walker. Stroudsburgh ... Darius Dreker. Marysville ....-..- 1874t | W.S. Gault. Taylorstown .... 1682 | John Knox. Meadville.....-..|.......--- E. W. McArthur. Tidioute ... 2 1883 | William R. Dawson. Meyersdale. 1874t | M. A. Rutter. Tionesta . 1880t | Samuel H. Haslet. Balad bane 1868} | 1.G. Barber. Titusville 1871 | M.N. Allen. Middletown . 1876+ | Eva Ross Wiestling. || Towanda. 1876+ | EZ, A. Parsons. Mifflintown .....-. 1878t | Charles B. Crawford. Troy sae « 1875+ | A. 1K, Linderman. Milford. oo 0o- = 20 1874t | C. W. Dimmick. Tyrone... 18731 | P. A. Reed. Monongahela C’y 1880+ | James H. Moore. Uniontown ......|..-....--- M.D. Baker. Mount Pleasant. - 1879+ | John D. McCaleb. Ursina ...-.- 1881t | L. J. Benford. Muncy ..-.......-. 18744 | J. H. Fulmer, Wampum . 18821 | Charles C. Cox. New Bedford... 18811 | Martin Jackson. Watren .....---- 1876+ | Postmaster. New Bethlehem. . 18774 | James E. Williams. Washington..... 1874 | Jas. Brady. New Brighton... . 18801 | W.G. Braden. Waynesborough 1878t | E. B. Engle. | New Castle....... 1881 | William T. Butz. Waynesburgh... 1871 | Jaa. S. Jennings. DG cnc ceie ay oe 1873 | William Gordon. West Chester -..|.....--.-- Dr. B. H. Warren. New Lexington. - 1875t |! Dr. H. D, Moore. West Newton... 1884t | A.M. Dick. Tempest (1884) .- 1872t | E.L. Knight. Williamsport --- 1876t | W. PF. Logan. Newville ......--. 1874+ | John M. Woodburn. |; Willow Street..-|...--- -- Dr. I. H. Mayer. New numa: 1882. | Hugh Wilson. Wrightsville .. . 18671 | Jacob H. Freet. North East....... 1880+ | Isaac Hortan. MOE sos ceececenlllvedeee:sisca James Kell and I. L. DO iexiseaesczs 1878t | Harry E. McNichol, Fisher. | About. It was reported not present at the following places in Pennsylvania: Locality. Observer. Locality. Observer. Dushore ...-...-.----- Milledgeville .......... i. A. Strong. I. Wilson Shaw. Thorndale John H. Steele. ~ 224 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. In RHODE ISLAND the Sparrow was reported present in the autumn of 1886 at the following places: . First A First Locality. appeared. Observer. Locality. appeared. Observer. Central Falls... |...--..--. William H. Lewis. Peace Dale ..... 1858 | R.G. Hazard,,2d. Hill’s Grove.... |..-------- Fred, TI. Jencks. '| Providence -..... 1866 | Fred. T. Jencks, Newport......-- 1875} | Chas, H. Lawton and WO sccvcaiessitir [esaxinnanc W. V. Osterhout. John J. Peckham. || Westerly ....... 1874 | B. F. Maxson. 1881 | John M. Swan, jr. DO iisice: o scrs| meses sees Byron J. Peckham, .....{ William H, Lewis. {| West Kingston. 1882} | Jobn G, Clarke. [1853] Hi Whitney Blake, 3d. t About. In SOUTH CAROLINA the Sparrow was reported present in the autumn of 1886 at the following places: . rj y, Fj Locality. | Piers dL. Observer. Locality. Feiarh Observer. Aiken ....-.-.--- 1880 | James E. Crosland. Greenville Coun- Anderson C.H .. 18811 | Charles W. Webb. tYsaciesieeeccns 1884 | Dr, M.A. Hunter. Bamberg......-.-|...-+++--: D. F. Hooton. James Island... 1882 | W.I. Hinson. Bennettsville .-.. 1886] | T. L. Crosland. Jonesville .. ..- 1884 | R.A. Whitlock. Camden ..-.----. 1883 | D.C. Kirkley. Lancaster C.F . 1884+ | Howell J. Gregory. Charleston (1884) |...- .-. | Dr.G, E. Manigault. || Laurens C. HH... 1883t | H. W, Anderson. Cheraw...--..--- 1884} | M. W. Duvall. Meriwether..... 1881t | J. W. Johnson. Chester,C.H.... 1872 | J. K. Henry. Mount Pleasant. 1885 | J, R. Thomlinson. le wis < 1873. | J.N. Youngbleod. Newberry C. H. 1876} | D. O. Herbert. Columbia .-..---- 1869+ | W. H. Gibbes. Rock Hill....... 1883+ | Buena V. Wood. Darlington C. H.. 1883t | B.C. Law. Seneca..---.... 1883t | Clara K. Livingston. Edgefield C.H... 1881t | W.H. Brunson. Sumter C,H....].......--. D.J, Auld. Gaffvey.----.--.- 1881} | N.C. Snead. Wiunsbotough - 1881+ | D, Egleston. Greenville -...... 1876f | 8.8. Crittenden. Greenville Coun- LYE spats wreaigiaca 1886 | Joseph Cooper. t About. It was roported not present at the following places in South Carolina: Locality. Observer. | Locality. Observer. AU KODE a ceiccciiccieniss S. C. Satterthwait. Manning ............. 8. J. Bowman. CONWAY: osisacsee essa James H. Porter. Marion C. H -| M. Gue Dubois. Frogmore.. --.| Walter Hoxie. Port Royal.... -| RE. Jenkins. geure town - - at wae er eeeberee 'e -| Edward M. Jones. — ampton .. --..| John B. Binnicker. averle ills.......) W.St.I,M . Kingstree ....-...--..- John A, Whittemore. E pane * Reported present by another observer, In TENNESSEE the following places: DISTRIBUTION BY STATES. 225 Sparrow was reported present, in the autumn of 1886, at the : First . First Locality. appeared. Observer. Locality. appeared. Observer. Alamo........... 1884+ | R. G. Harris. Livingston...... 1883¢ | John Hart, jr. Andersonville ... 1883t | J.1K. P. Wallaco. Loudon ....-...- 1880¢ | J. T. Simpson. Ashland City.... 1886 | W. W.Sanders. Lynchburgh .... 1884 | J.N. Taylor. Athens .......... 1878t | John Q. Strange. McMinnville ... 1883 | R. Kennedy. Brownsville ...-. 1879t | John Clinton. Madison (1887)..]---------. Dr. C, Hart Merriam. Camden........-. 1884 | W.A. Steele, jr. Madisonville... 1882 | EB. W. Cozatt. Carthago -. 1881 | Callio Merony. Manchester..... 1885 | S.N. Burger. Celina. wscceecs 1885t | D. W.Cullom. Maynardville ... 1881 | A.L, Leinart. Centreville .-.... 1885 | J. H. Russell. Memphis -. : 1871 | J, M. Fowlkes. Chattanooga. 1879+ | George W. Martin. Morristown. .... 1877 | 8. W. Shields. Clarksvillo .. 1831. | M.B. Johnson. Mountain City... 1883 | S.D. Jackson. Cleveland........ 1881 | Postmaster. Murfreesboro. -. 1882t | Frank White. Clifton.......2-.- 1885 | W.Y. Montague. Nashville....... 1878 | Mrs. Anna B. Cheat- Clinton .......-. 1876 | R.S. Kincaid. ham, Cookville ....... 1884 | Jas. M. Hinds, DO secceeaeex 1878t | Judge John C, Fer- Covington ....... 1882 | Jas. Byars. Tiss. DO sieciesece as 1882t | W.M. Hall. Do....--.... 1878+ | A.J. McWhirter. Dandridge ...... 1881+ | H.C. Routh. Do.. ‘ 1877 | A.H.Sharp. Dayton -..-...-- 1882+ | W.T. Broyles. Newport. 5 1886 | George P. Mines. Decatur ......-. 1883+ | I. C. Arrants. Ooltewah 5 1882t | Z.S. Watkins. Decaturville..... 1886+ | J. H. Stout. Paris ...... # 1883t | Dr. Jobn T. Irion. Dickson ......--. 188i | Engeno Kelsey. Pikeville 1882t | Will A. Brown. Dover......---.-. 1882 | W.P. Bruton. Pulaski 1882t | H.Clay McLaurine. Ducktown.......|------.--. I. J.Stamper. Do.. 1883 | J.B. Stacy. Dyersburgh...... 1885 | M.V.Borum. POLY coe anicce 188t | W.H. Braden. Elizabethtown... 1882+ {| W.M. Shell, jr. Rhea Springs... 1885 | J, A. Abernathy. TET in esas siecie sete 1883+ | N.O. Thomas. Ripley... ...... 1885 | H.T. Hanks. Fayetteville . 1881¢ | Wm. B. Douthat. Rogersville 1882t | Samuel P. Powel. Franklin. -. 1883+ ; Thomas E. Haynes. || Savannah. 1886 | D. T. Street. Gallatin ... 1862 | A. A. Lewis. Sevierville 1881¢ | Pleasant Stafford. Greeneville 1884+ | ‘TJ. Lane. Shelbyvill 18817 | Eugene Blakemore. Hartsville ...-... 1882t | John D. Stalker. Sneedville . 1884t | G. W. Margraves. Humboldt -......)---------- J. HH. Koffman, Somerville .....- 1876¢ | C. L. Dickinson. Huntingdon .. .. 1680 | H.C. Brewer. SouthPittsburgh 1885¢ | JennioR. Livingston. Jacksborough ... 1883 | J. Henderson Reid. Sparta .........- 1885 | W.L, Dibrell. Jackson ......-.. 1883 | R.R. Dashiell. Tate Springs -.-. 1885t | Thomas Tomlinson. Do... Slices dedeciaie Prof. E. H. Randle. Taylorsville |.--...---- Dr. C. Hart Merriam. Jamestown ...-.-]--- --. .- | 8. V. Bowden. (1887). Jonesborough ... 1881+ | KF. W. Earnest. Tazewell ....-.- 1883} | R. F. Carr. Kingston ........ 1881 | W.H. McNutt. Do.... 1879 | Thomas P. Graham. Knoxville........ 1874¢ | J.M. King. Tiptonville .-..-. 1881 | John D. Arnett. La Fayetto ....-. 1883+ | &.G. Cartwright. Tree Hill (1885).}....-..-..| E. T, Wine. Lawrenceburgh.. 18@5 | W.T. Nixon. Everett Bell. DO. .xseniccrsie row, and during that time I have been a close observer of its habits. J am emphat- ically of opinion that as an insect destroyer he is a failure. (January 23, 1888.) PENNSYLVANIA.—Chambersburgh (country). Davison Greenawalt: I never saw it catch anything but a stray grasshopper or two. (September 5, 1886. Present about fourteen years.) 298 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. Lancaster. De. S. 8. Rathvon. Its benefit to the farmer and horticulturist has been merely nominal. Two or three Sparrows have been occasionally observed in conflict about the possession of a cicada, a locust, oralargelarva. Doubtless it feeds - its young on soft insects, but I have not noticed a Sparrow destroying an insect in ten years. I once saw two of them contending about the possession of an earthworm. Although, living in a crowded city, I may not be able to say much specifically as to what insects the English Sparrow destroys, I can bear unqualified testimony as to what it will not or did not destroy. Three or four years ago all the elm trees in this city were seriously infested by the élm-leaf beetle (Galeruca, xanthomelena), several large trees being within 100 yards of my business station. There were millions of the insects—larva, pupa, and imago—on the leaves, the branches, the trunks, and on the pavements under the trees, and I visited them often. Midway between my location and these trees was the dead wall of a large three-story house entirely cov- ered by a vigorous ‘‘truinpet vine,” amid the foliage of which hundreds of Sparrows. roosted, nested, and reared their broods, and many of the birds were flying forth and returning, from ‘early morn to dewy eve,” but I never saw one of them visit the in- fested trees or appropriate a single insect in any of its forms. At the same time I saw scores of them in the streets, picking up whatever they could find, and especially disintegrating and exploring the feces of horses, almost immediately atter dropping. Twenty yards from where I am now daily occupied (on another premise) stands a large cherry tree. Marly in the season I noticed a small mass of web, about the size ofa common tea-cup, upon a single branch, and I admonished the proprietor to re- move it, as it was spun by aspecies of ‘‘ web-worm.” He paid no attention to it, and now fully one-half the tree is covered and the leaves skeletonized ; and this too, not- withstanding not 20 yards distant is the gable of a three-story building covered with another trumpet vine, harboring acolony of an hundred Sparrowsor more. They fly straight to and from their rookery, but seldom alight or continue long on the cherry tree. Again, on my premises is growing a wild cucurbitaceous plant, on which I dis- covered a small colony of ‘‘ lady-birds” (Epilachna borealis), and as the plant is value- less I permitted them to increase merely to ascertain their destructive possibilities. Although the vine (Zchinocystes lobatus) is a most vigorous grower, the insects have nearly eaten it up. This vine was also infested by thousands of Lecanium hemispheri- cum (a species of Coccide), but the Sparrows did not disturb them. About ten feet from the plant is a large Wistaria chinensis, harboring from ten to twenty or more English Sparrows, but they never touched one of the insects to my knowledge, al- though there has been no period since the 15th of July lost that abundance of the larva, pups, and mature insects were not present. Now, all these insects are of such a texture as to be edible to even young birds, but the Sparrows have ‘‘ severely let them alone.” Allow me, in conclusion, to say that I have not now, nor have I ever had, any faith in the English Sparrow as essentially a destroyer of insects, simply becanse it is a Jinch. At the same time I wonld not wantonly traduce the character of the bird. (October 8, 1886. Present sixteen years or more.) Mansfield Valley (suburb of Pittsburgh). Dr. R. L. Walker: I notice the Spar. rows every morning picking up the moths and other insects which get their wings singed by the natural-gas torch iu my garden. This is the only insect-eating I have ever known them todo, When the currant-worm became such a pest I put up a num- ber of boxes fur the Sparrows, thinking they would clean ont the worms; but the experiment was a failure, for although the boxes were occupied, I never saw a Sparrow tonch even a single worm. Itore down the boxes and dug up the currant bushes, and by that weans got rid of the worms. I wish I could get rid of the Sparrows as easily. (July, 1887, Present about five years, ) New Lecington. Dr, H. D. Moore: I have cxamined a great many stomachs, and in only a very few have I found any worms or insects. They eat such of the larve of EVIDENCE.—RELATION TO INSECTS. 299 the common house fly as they find in horse and cow manure. I have never observed them searching for insects. (September 13, 1886. Present about eleven years.) Philadelphia. A. L. Elwyn: Flies, mosquitoes, ete., it eats in great numbers. I have noticed the Sparrows on iny pear trees with great care. In the blossoming sea- son they may often be seen plunging their bills deep down into the flowers. I believe they do this to get at some insect or worm, and am satisfied that the trees were pre- served and bore largely through these little birds. (October 11, 1885.) Pottstown. John H. Steele: I have very seldom seen it eat insects. Ina very few instances [have known it to take grubs of moths and butterflies, when it could find no fruit. (August 19, 1886. Present about sixteen years.) South Bethlehem. Robert W. Barrell: I have seen it destroy the seventeen-year locust to quite a large extent, but never saw it feed on any other insect. (September 16, 1285.) West Chester. Dr. B. H. Warren: He is emphatically a seed-cater. In the case of one hundred dissections, vegetable material was greatly in excess of insects as a mat- ter of diet. Out of tifty dissections made during March, April, May, and Jnne, forty- seven showed ccreal and vegetable food, while one stomach contained a single coleop- terous insecé. (January, 1587.) Riuope IsLanp.—Hill’s Grove. Fred T. Jencks: I have seen it feeding upon canker- worms, thongh very seldom. (November 6, 1886.) Newport. Charles H. Lawton and John J. Peckham: It feeds upon insects, spi- ders, and tree lice to some extent. (November 4, 1886. Present abont eleven years.) Peace Dale. R.G. Hazzard, second: The bird is omnivorous, but feeds its young chiefly on insect larvie. (May 26, 1884. Present about twenty-six years. ) Westerly (suburb). B.F. Maxon: After oats are harvested it feeds some on young grasshoppers. (March, 1887. Present abont thirteen years. ) Soutm CaRoLina.—Charlesion, Dr. G. E. Manigault: It eats both seeds and in- sects (flies and grasshoppers), but feeds its young chiefly on the grain from horse droppings. (August 24, 1884.) Janes Island. W.I. Hinson: We expected great benefits froin its attacks on the cotton worm, but it does not seem to disturb it. It does not feed upon insects, ex- cept on the caterpillars on trees around buildings. (November 2, 188. Present four years. ) TENNESSEE.—Lawrenceburgh. W.T. Nixon: I have observed the old birds feeding their young on white grubs which proved to be maggots from a dead animal. (Feb- ruary 21, 1887. Present about two years.) Utan.—Provo City. Jas. G. Keuney: It was expected that it would be destruc- tive to the codling moth, butit is not. (November 15, 1886. Present about six years.) VERMONT.—Lunenbugh. Dr. Hiram A. Cutting: It feeds upon both seeds and in- sects, eating the cabbage-worm and the larvie of various flies. It feeds its young on cabbage-worms and other insect larvie, and on seeds. It has taken all the cab- bage-worms from my cabbage field. The botsin horses have become almost unknown, and it is the prevailing opinion that the Sparrow eats the larve as they come from the horses. (August 19, 1884. Present four years.) Saint Johnsbury. Rev. Henry Fairbanks: It is chiefly a seed-eater. I have watched it a great deal without seeing it take insects. (February &, 1884. Present cight or ten years.) West Pawlet. Dr. Frank H. Braymer: It is a seed-eater, and I think it cats very few insects, worms, etc. It eats afew small green worms and small grasshoppers, and carries them to its young. (lebruary 15, 1884. Present nine or ten years.) Vincinta.—New Market. George M. Neese: Last summer the Sparrows went in large flocks to the fields aud destroyed a great many of the grasshoppers that were here in millions devastating every green thing that lay in their path, (December 30, 1885. Presont about cleven years.) 300 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. Richmond. Col. Randolph Harrison: My belief is that they do not consume in- sects to any great extent, though they may destroy larvie. I have seen caterpillars in elm trees in vast numbers, and the Sparrows, as I believe, did not touch them. I saw one with alive butterfly in his mouth—the only instance of its insect-eating I have known. (August 20, 1886.) West VirGinia.—Buckhannon. Dr. J. R. Mathers: It has been of marked benefit in destroying the eggs of the tent caterpillar and eating the green cabbage-worm. (Au- gust 19, 1886. Present about five years.) Hickory. J.H.Shank: I have recently learned that they are very destructive to the cabbage-worm, the larva of Pieris rapw. (November 22, 1886.) Leon. G.W. Knapp: The Sparrow does not eat caterpillars, for there have been some on my grape-vines and pear trees not 20 yards from Sparrows’ nests. (Sep- tember 21, 1887.) WISCONSIN. —Vilwaukee. Walter B. Hull: It feeds upon insects when no grain is to be had. J have seen it feed on grasshoppers, but not often, and can not say what insects it eats. It seldom eats animal food. (August 23,1886. Present about six years.) Milwaukee. Charles Keeler: It generally feeds upon caterpillars when they are plenty. It destroys canker-worms somewhat, but before the Sparrow was introduced no complaints were made about canker-worms. Spiders are alsoeaten. (August 21, 1886. Present about fifteen years.) Stoughton. Z.L. Welman: It has been of marked benefit in the destruction of grasshoppers and the like, and has been seen feeding upon a species of katydid when this insect was abundant in the shade trees. (December, 1886. Present about ten years, ) CANADA. ONTARIO.—Belleville. Prof. James T. Bell: It benefits the farmer and horticulturist w little by eating insects. 1 have noticed it feeding its young with small green caterpillars on the apple trees behind my house. It eats the insects it finds on the streets, Ihave noticed it feeding on Harpalus vagans and other Carabidae, catching ichenumon flies and lace wings on the wing, and attempting to catch butter- flies. Angust 17, 1886.) In justice to the little rascal T must state that Mr. Richard Elvins, a rather ex- tensive market gardener of this city, informs me that some four years ago his cabbages were badly infested with the caterpillars of the white cabhage buttertly, and he was afraid that he should lose the larger part of his crop. Oneday, however, a company of Sparrows swooped down upon the plants and cleared the inseets completely off them, so that he cut a remunerative crop in due season. (September 2, 188.) Belleville. William N. Ponton: As regards insects, I assert most postivaly that when the Sparrow can get grain it will not touch anything else. (September 27, 1834.) Hamillon, Thomas McIlwraith: I have seen them take moths, caterpillars, and spiders, aud they also feed their young on them. (March 10, 1884. Present about ten years. ) Listowel, William L. Kells: We have seen it catching crickets, grasshoppers, and May bugs, and carrying green caterpillars to its young. (June 23, 1884, and August 23, 1886. ) Ottawa. H. B. Small: I have seen it carrying the codling moth to its young and it also takes them worms and grubs, (May 5, 1884. Present about fourteen years.) Oiluwa, W.L. Scott: Idissected a young Sparrow in August and found him simply gorged with grasshoppers, Large flocks of these birds, principally youug ones, leave the town for the conntry in the early autumn, and I Bae no donbt they feed largely on grasshoppers. The decrease of this insect, which used to be a terrible pest on the Government Square and other lawns about the city, but which during the last few years has almost cntirely disappeared, has been attributed, aud probably with some truth, to the increasiug abundance of the Sparrows. I have seen the Sparrows chase EVIDENCE.—PUBLISHED TESTIMONY. 301 the cabbage butterfly in a most determined manner, though I am notsureI have ever seen them catch any of them. (January 26, 1886.) Strathroy. LL. H. Smith: I have watched old birds for hours carrying grasshoppers to their young ones. These are the only insects I can name, butI have seen them hunting for insects on my lawn, but do not know what kiuds. (October 4, 1886. Present about twelve years. ) Toronto. Dr. William Brodie: With us the Sparrows, in the fall season any way, feed largely 0a grasshoppers. Of forty three specimens, shot outside city limits, be- tweep August 20 and September 13, 1886, the gizzards of twenty-seven contained grasshoppers, Caloptenus femur-rubrum, and Q&dipoda carolina, which is surely a very good record for the Sparrow. (November 15, 187.) (See also Dr. Brodie’s reports ou the food of the Sparrow, pages 311-314, 327-329, of this Bulletin. ] Nova Scorra.—FKentville Iwas told by Mr. Elihu Woodworth, now of Sackville, New Brunswick, formerly of Kentville, Nova Scotia, that when the Sparrow first ap- peared iv Kentville, in 1881, cauker-worms were abundant anid everywhere increas- ing, and the Sparrows never rested until they had utterly exterminated them. (T. A. H. Mason, Sackville, New Brunswick. August 24, 1886.) Two Rivers. B.B. Barnhill: It feeds on insects from the leaves of trees, and de- stroys the little green worm such as is seen on currant and gooseberry bushes, (Au- gust 20, 1886.) SECTION SECOND—PUBLISHED TESTIMONY. OUTLINE OF THE HISTORY OF THE SPARROW QUESTION. The preparation of a list of books and lesser publications relating to the Sparrow does not fall within the province of the present Bulletin, but it may be well briefly to outline the history of the “Sparrow ques- tion” in other countries as well as in America. The history of the Sparrow begins with the history of man, and there is every reason to believe that this bird was well known to people of whom we have no written history; certainly frequent mention of it is made in the histories of the earliest civilizations of Europe. The Spar- row is mentioned repeatedly by Aristotle, and by almost every European writer on natural history who succeeded him. Ata meeting of the Boston Society of Natural History, held April 17, 1867, Dr. Charles Pickering called attention to the recent introduc- tion into the United States of the Houss Sparrow of Europe, stating that as it threatened great evil preventive measures should be speedily adopted. The official report of this meeting contains the following: Proofs of its destructive habits were cited from standard authors, showing that the bird had been the acknowledged enemy of mankind for more than five thousand years. When writing was invented the Sparrow was selected for the hieroglyphic charac- ter signifying enemy. Sonnini, in the Dictionaire d’Histoire Naturelle, published in 1817, says: “Sparrows are impudent parasites, living only in society with man, and dividing with him his grain, his fruit, and hishome; they attack the first fruit that ripens, the 302 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. grain as it approaches maturity, and even that which has been stored in gran aries. Some writers have wrongly supposed that the insects destroyed by them compensated for their ravages on grain. Eighty-two grains of wheat were counted in the craw of a Sparrow shot by the writer, and Rougier de la Bergerie, to whom we owe excellent memoirs on rural economy, estimates that the Sparrows of France consume annually 10,000,000 bushels of wheat.” Valmontde Bomare, in his dictionary, published in 1791, says that ‘in Brande- bourg, Prussia, in order to diminish the ravages committed by Sparrows, a price is set on thoir heads, anc the peasants are compelled by law to bring in a certain num- ber yearly. In each village there are Sparrow hunters, who sell the birds to the peas- ants to enable them to pay their tribute.” (Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist., x1, 1867, pp. 157, 158.) For more than four centuries the character of the House Sparrow has been discussed in France, Germany, and Great Britain, and from time to time, especially during the last hundred years, official investigations of greater or less magnitude have been undertaken by different states or provinces, in the hope of settling the question. Among such efforts in Kurope may be mentioned the commission appointed by the Senate of France, which, under the direction of M. Florent Prévost, finished its work in 1861; the Commission on Wild Birds Protection, appointed by the British Parliament in 1873; more recently (1885), the work of Mr. J. A. Gurney, jr., and Col. Champion Russell, entitled The House Sparrow; and the ninth annual report (1885) on Injurious Insects and - Common Farm Pests, by Miss Eleanor A. Ormerod, consulting entomol- ogist to the Royal Agricultural Society of England. Extracts from some of these works will be found in the following pages. The lesser publications on the Sparrow question in Europe are too humerous to mention, but, unfortunately, as Prof. Alfred Newton re- marks in the last edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica (art. Sparrow), No definite result thata fair judge can aceept has yet been reached. * * * Both friends and foes of the Sparrow write as violent partisans, and the truth will not be known until a series of experiments, conducted by scientifically-trained investigators, has been instituted, which, to the shame of numerous agricultural and horticultural societics, has not yet been dono. In other parts of the Old World much damage has been done by spar- rows, but frequently other species than the English Sparrow have been concerned. Thus in Algeria immense injury to grain crops has been doue by sparrows, but the species doing the most harm, if not all of it, is undoubtedly the Spanish sparrow (Passer hispaniolensis), a near rela- tive of the House Sparrow, but a bird which avoids human habitations and nests in large communities in groves, thickets, sedges, and beds of tall reeds and grass. The ravages of this species, a detailed account of which appeared in the French Bulletin de la Société @’Acclimatation (Vol. ILI, 1876, pp. 460-463, and Vol. IV, 1877, p. 62), have been attrib- uted hy American writers to the House Sparrow, but there is no evidence that the latter bird had any part in tie mischief, although it is known to exist in some of the cities and towns of Algeria. In Australia and New Zealand, however, the English Sparrow. orig- EVIDENCE.—PUBLISHED TESTIMONY. 303 inally introduced from Europe, has been of late a source of constant anxiety and apprehension. For the last decade or more the newspapers have been filled with complaints of injury and petitions for restrictive legislation, but no important works on the subject have been published. One of the latest contributions to the history of the bird in Australia is the Draft Progress Report of the Board of Investigation, appointed by the governor of South Australia in 1881, which has been quoted nearly entire in the following section of this Bulletin. (Sce page 348.) In America the condition of affairs has been similar, except that no official commissions have been appointed to investigate the subject, and most of the published material on the Sparrow belongs to what may be called fugitive literature. Only two works devoted entirely to the Spar- row have been published in the United States, onein 1878, by T. G. Gentry, entitled The House Sparrow at Home and Abroad; the other in 1879 by Dr. Elliot Coues, entitled On the Present Status of Passer domesticus in America, with Special Reference to the Western States and Territories. Both these works contain lists of papers relating to the subject, the bulletin by Dr. Coues consisting almost entirely of such a list, covering the period from 1867 to 1879, and giving the titles of one hundred and ninety papers, mainly from newspapers and other periodicals. Dr. Pickering’s warning against the Sparrow, uttered in 1867, has been alluded to already; but, although the first, this was not the only expression of apprehension. In a paper published in the American Naturalist for August, 1872, Mr. H. J. Bruce describes the habits of the Indian House Sparrow (Passer indicus), and after stating that Dr. Jer- don pronounces this bird one of the greatest pests of India, alludes to the introduction into the United States of the nearly allied European House Sparrow (P. domesticus) in the following words: I confess that I look with some apprehension upon these efforts, which I believe to be ill-advised and inexpedient. The European House Sparrow does not differ essentially in its habits from its Indian ally, and, so far as I can learn, it is very generally re- garded as a nuisance wherever it abounds. In some parts of England a lounty is placed upon its head, and considerable sums of money are paid for its destruction. * * * * * * * If the Sparrow is to be introduced into America to devour the larve of insects, it should be remembered that it is for the most part a feeder on grain, seeds, and buds, and that it only makes a business of devouring grubs during its breeding season. * * * Jtrust that those who have to do in this matter will act advisedly, lest they should introduce that which will oventually become as great a nuisance in its way as the curculio and the canker-worm, (American Naturalist, VI, 1872, pp. 468-470.) In 1874 Dr. Tf. M. Brewer, of Boston, Mass., took up arms in defense of the Sparrow by replying to an article by Dr. Coues in the American Naturalist, reflecting on the bird, and during the four or five years fol- lowing a lively controversy was carried on in this journal and the news- papers, by these two naturalists, re-enforced from time to time by various others. In 1878 the Nuttall Ornithological Club, of Cambridge, Mass., de- 304 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. voted one of its meetings to the consideration of the Sparrow question, and the conclusions, which were widely published in the newspapers, led to still further discussion. : Meanwhile the farmers of the country were becoming interested in the matter; numerous articles of more or less value appeared in the ag- ricultural press, and occasional essays and installments of evidence of more than usual value were presented before scicutific societies and published in their proceedings. Finally, in September, 1883, a committee was appointed by the Amer- ican Ornithologists’ Union to investigate the charges against the Spar- row. A circular was prepared and distributed, and much valuable information was collected. A report based on this information was submitted to the council of the American Ornithologists’ Union at a meeting held in Washington, D. C., April 21, 1885, and was afterward published in Forest and Stream (XXV, August 6, 1885, pp. 24, 25), and is now reprinted in this Bulletin (page 315). Subsequently, all the evidence collected by the committee of the Or- nithologists’ Union was turned over to the Departinent of Agriculture, as already stated, and has been used iu the preparation of the present Bulletin. TESTIMONY RELATING MAINLY TO THE SPARROW IN AMERICA, {American Naturalist, Vol. XV, pp. 392, 393.] THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN ILLINOIS. » * * Phe thorough examination of the food and food habits of the English Spar- row, which is certain to result from the intense and universal interest the little stranger has awakened, will give us a mass of valuable facts for comparison with those accumulated in Europe, where the debate concerning the good and evil of its life has been vigorous and long-continued. We shall thus be able to trace much more fully and exactly than has ever yet been done the effects of widely changed con- ditions upon the alimentary regimen of a bird. Now that the stage of more or less ignorant and passionate discussions and personal vituperation seems nearly to have passed, contributions of fact will probably not be unwelcome. Tadd a few notes on the food of twenty-five birds shot in and around Aurora, I1l., in September of two suecessive years, 1879 and 1880. The elements of the food at this time were quite few and simple, consisting almost wholly of fragments of grain picked up on the strects and of the seeds of afew of the commonest grasses. Ata time when 30 per cent. of the food of the robin, 20 per cent. of that of the cathird, and 90 per cent. of that of the bluebird consisted of insects, no insects were found in the stomachs of these birds, except traces of three grasshoppers, making perhaps 6 per cent. of thefood. Fragments of corn, wheat, and oats amounted to about 40 per cent., and the seeds of grasses to as much more. The common pigeon grass (Setaria viridis) was much the most abundant species; but S. glauca and Pani- cum sanguineum occurred quite frequently, and three or four species of Panicum and Lragrostis, which I did not determine, were also present in small quantity. One bird had eaten many licmp seeds, five had taken a very few seeds of ‘* smartweed” (Poly- gonum), and two had eaten little else than ‘the seeds of the common garden sunflower. (S. A. Forbes, Normal, 11.) EVIDENCE.—FROM AMERICAN PUBLICATIONS. 305 {American Naturalist, Vol. XVI, p, 1009, December, 1882. ] HABITS OF THE ENGLISH SPARROW. The following interesting note has been received from Dr. A. K. Fisher, of Sing Sing, N. Y.: ‘* Knowing your great fondness for Passer domesticus, I send you a brief account of one of the various ways in which he imposes upon his superiors. The following was re- lated to me by a friend, who was an eye-witness : «You well know that when robins are feeding their young they will often collect a number of worms, forming a large billful, before making a trip to the nest. Well, the Sparrow noticed this, too, and when the robin would alight to pick upsomething more, he would dash down beside the robin aad snatch whatever might be in his mouth, then fly a few feet off. The robin would hop after him, when he would make another short flight until the robin would give up and go and hunt for something more.’ “‘My friend saw the Sparrow do this five or six times one afternoon.” (Elliott Coues, Washington, D. C.) [Science, Vol. VII, p. 80, January 22, 1886.} THE ENGLISIL SPARROW. A European ornithological journal recently contained the following testimony in regard to the Sparrow (Pyrgita domestica), from the peu of Dr. Schleh, professor of agriculture at the college of agriculture, Herford, Germany. Dr. Schleh has paid a great deal of attention to this matter, and believes the Sparrow a pest on the Conti- nent, voluminous evidence of which he is said to have brought forward in his small treatise entitled ‘* Der Nutze und Schaden des Sperliags (P. domesticus) im Haushalte der Natur.” . By examining the crops of a great number of nestling Sparrows sent to him from different parts of the country, he found that young Sparrows, while in the nest and for a week after having left it, subsist entirely on insects, grubs, etc. Two weeks after leaving the nest their food still consists of 43 per cent. of animal food; a week later of 31 per cent., and after that age of only 19 per cent. of animal ingredients. But as soon as they become independent of their parents they prefer seeds, and sub- sist almost entirely on grain, fruit, and the budsof trees, Dr. Schleh, however, men- tions some interesting instances regarding some specimens which seemed to have a peculiar taste for the seeds of weeds which often become a great plague to the agri- culturist. In one crop he found the considerable number of three hundred and twenty-one whole seeds of Stellaria media (Vill.), in another forty-three seeds of Atri- plex patulum (L.), in a third sixty-six seeds of Setaria verticillata. Some individuals also have a special liking for certain insects. Thus he found in one crop ninety specimens of Haltica affinis (Gyll.), four other Sparrows had eaten almost nothing else but a certain kind of beetle, Anisoplia fructicola (F'.). (Ernest Ingersoll.) (Forest and Stream, Vol. VIII, p, 165.] As an encouragement to importers of birds, Iclaim to have imported Sparrows into America at Portland, Me., in 1854, and I had to import them three times at Quebec be- fore they took root. The two first importations were secret. Tothe latter I gave the utmost publicity, avd the last course was the successful one. * * * IT imagineno live Yankee would wish to be now without the life and animation of the House Spar- row in his great cities. They are like gas in a town—asign of progress. I admit the bird is a little blackguard—fond of low society and full of fight, stealing, and love- making—but he is death on insects, fond of citizen life, and in every way suitable to be an inhabitant of the New World, * * * (W. Rhodes, Quebec, Canada, April7, 1877.) 8404—Bull. 1——20 306 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. (Forest and Stream, Vol. X, p. 196. April, 1878.} In regard to the Sparrow’s destroying insects and larvew, I am surprised that any one claiming to bea student of ornithology should deny that the English House Spar- row feeds on insects and caterpillars. Especially in the breeding season insects are its principal food, and when it has young almost any caterpillaris greedily sought after, except those thickly covered with hair. Spiders they are very fond of, and, during the last few warm days, every nook and corner has been explored in search of them around my two-story work shop. Inalarge dilanthus treein my yard I have a number of boxes, each having a tenant. J therefore have a large number constantly under my observation. Many species of Lepidoptera formerly plentiful in Brooklyn have very nearly disappeared, among these the one which feeds on the Ailanthus, and which nearly destroyed the foliage of that fine shade tree, has been nearly exterminated by the Sparrow. I believe the Sparrow to be a very useful little bird, and I should be very sorry to see him destroyed. 1am now speaking only of the city. If itshould become very abundant in the country it may do some damage to the grain crops, but that is the only harm it will do. In regard to its driving away native birds from the city, we never had any remain in it, excepting a few chipping sparrows, martins, and swallows, and these are all as plentiful nowas ever. Achippy built its nest last stunmer in my tree, within two feet of a Sparrow house. (John Akhurst.) [Forest and Stream, Vol. XII, page 424.] * * * Tam no friend of the noisy, dirty pests they [the Sparrows] have become in our city, but give my evidence in order to show that, probably from local habit, they do eat insects here. We have a grasshopper, quite common during the summer, frequenting open places in fields, roads, and streets, fully two inches in length, of a dirty brown color, and when at rest unattractive-looking, but having the under wings a rich black, bordered with a wide margin of bright yellow, very conspicuous when flying. * * * This hopper has a habit of every once in awhile rising on wing three or four feet from the ground and then remaining nearly at one place (precisely like a hawk when hovering on the lookout for dinner) for 2 moment or more, making a peculiar cracking noise at the same time, and then alighting again near the place it started from, where generally there is a female to be found, if searched for. They are common in the heart of the city as well as country, and I have time and again, when watching this ‘‘ hovering,” seen a Sparrow dart from a neighboring tree or house, grab the hopper, sometimes missing it at first, but following it in its flight, and finally catching it. We are very much troubled in our house with the small ‘‘croton bug,” and also the large black roach. Their increase is enormous in our climate, and it requires con- stant war to keep them down. My kitchen opens on the back yard, without step. Under my hydrant there is a bucket of water always standing with running water for the dogs. This bucket is the central bathing and watering place for the Sparrows from, judging from their numbers, a very large circle aronnd. Once a month or more I am in the habit of thoroughly blowing a full quantity of the commercial insect powder in all cracks and crevices of kitchen, basement, outhouses, etec., to catch the young brood of roaches and rout ont the new settlers. The croton bugs easily give up, but the large black roach, with his heavy mail, dies hard, and, though in the end surely dies, will run for an hour after being well dosed before doing so. A great many of these roaches run out the kitchen door into the yard, and the Sparrows see- ing them at once go for them. There is always one or more around the bucket, and the first roach is the signal for them to get together, and they clean out the last one, even going into the kitchen after them. ‘They grab one, fly to a neighboring shed or wall, beat it to death, and either fly off with it or eat it on the spot. This isa regular occurrence whenever I rout out the roaches, * * * (Russell Robinson, Richmond, Va., May 27, 1879.) EVIDENCE.—FROM AMERICAN PUBLICATIONS. 307 [Forest and Stream, Vol. XXVIII, p. 513, July 7, 1887.] Two instances have lately come to my notice illustrating the vicious character of thé imported Sparrow, and, as I think reports of such cases tend to harden the hearts of the people against the bird, I consider it desirable that they should go on the record, My attention was called one morning to the excited actions and notes of a pair of white-breasted swallows, which were rearing a brood in a box near my door. Look- ing at the box Isaw a male English Sparrow at the entrance alternately thrusting his head inside and facing arcund to ward off the assaults of the swallows. Suspecting mischief, I shot the Sparrow, aud my suspicions were confirmed. His bill, covered. with blood and down, proved that he was deliberately murdering the young swallows. The other case is similar. Dr. Adams, of this place, reports as follows: One morning he observed English Sparrows apparently occupying a box in which he knew swallows were nesting. Investigating, he found in the nest the body of the mother swallow, with the fresh wounds on the head from the Sparrow’s bill. Now, this is simply atrocious. I would like to have some friend of this bird—and T understand there are yet a very few such—set forth a single 1tem in his favor to off- set the huge pile of indictments against this filthy, noisy, quarrelsome, and blood- thirsty foreigner. Something must be done. How long are we to stand with our hands behind us, saying, ‘‘Too bad! too bad!” Probably until it is too late, if, indeed, it is not so already. It should be ‘‘ war to the knife!” (F.C. Browne. Framing- ham, Mass., June 25.) {Forest and Stream, Vol. XXIX, p. 86.) In a paper read before the California Academy of Sciences August 1, 1987, Mr. Wal- ter E. Bryant says of the Sparrow: “ Since the introduction of this pest into our cities, many birds, hitherto common, have left for the suburbs, notably the cliff swallows, whose nests were appropriated by the Sparrows. In these cases the limited space compelled the latter to dispense with the usual amount of rubbish and carry in only a lining of feathers,” [Forest and Stream, Vol. XXIX, p. 105.] Ned W. Goodwin, of Sharpsville, Pa., says: ‘“‘T have this season seen, in a fir tree near a residence about two miles out of town, six nests of the English Sparrow. The branches of the tree, radiating from the trunk in series quite closely disposed one above another, droop downward, and, thickly fringed with long sprays of foliage as they are, afford the nests ample shelter from the weather. Each of the nests in question was situated upon the drooping portion of a branch and upon the convex upper surface of the leafage of the branch. The bird had made first a foundation mat of straw, on which it built up astructure nearly spherical in form and about oné foot in its greatest diameter, of straws quite neatly woven together. Inside this ball is the nest proper, which is thickly lined with the downy feathers of barn-yard fowls. The entrance to the nest is an ascending eylin- drical tunnel, lying along and directly above the supporting branch. Oneof the nests is on a branch the extremity of which is not more than seven feet above the ground. Drawing this branch downward I closely examined the nest. It contained six eggs. Oue nest was situated about 25 feet above the ground, the others lower down, The tree affords good shelter at a height considerably greater than 25 feet.” [orest and Stream, Vol. XXIX, p. 164,September 22, 1887.] SPARROWS DRIVEN OUT BY WORMS. Until two or three days since a brood of English Sparrows have had their roosting place in a Virginia creeper just outside the window of a room where! am writing. 308 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. This year tho web caterpillars have been unusually abundant in the neighborhood of Sing Sing. They are found crawling everywhere in the village. After they had stripped a mulberry tree that grows at the end of the piazza, they seized upon this Virginia creeper. A number of them are now denuding it, and at length have dis- closed the covered angle of the chimney where the Sparrows had their cosy roosts. Such behavior on the part of the caterpillars has been too much for the Sparrows. They have had to give way and move off. This time the Sparrows have been driven out by the worms.—A. H. G. [Rev. A. H. Gesner], Sing Sing, N. Y. [Forest and Stream, Vol. XXX, pp. 204-205, April 5, 1863.] NOTES ON THE ENGLISH SPARROW, PASSER DOMESTICUS. By Ernest E. Tuompson, of Toronto, Canada. The marvelous rapidity with which the English Sparrow has multiplied and is mul- tiplying on this continent, its evident capability of spreading still farther, and the probability of its eventually occupying the whole of agricultural America to the ex- clusion of many beneficial species of native birds, combined with the reiterated and increasing clamor of complaints against the species, have at length induced several of the State Departments of Agriculture in America, first, to accept the fact that this bird is a tremendous power in the agricultural economy of the country; second, to follow with the question, is it a power for good or for evil? It is worthy of notice that there are still many persons who deny that the Sparrow can ever make its influence felt in this country in any economic direction. For the benefit of these I will briefly refer to the depredations of the speciesin England, where not only the cities but also the villages and barn-yards are populous with Sparrows; and in the south of England the farmers are compelled to expend considerable sums aunually to keep down the hordes of these marauders, for the experience of centuries has taught the farmer that the Sparrow is an unmitigated nuisance. I myself have seen acres and acres of grain ficlds in southern England that have been so thoroughly devastated by Sparrows that they were not worth the cutting. All investigations that have ever been conducted in England have, so far as I can learn, resulted in a verdict most unequivocally damnatory of the Sparrow ; and yet, in the face of this, private persons and corporations, swayed not by facts, but by the same foolish sen- timent which prompted the introduction of the Scottish thistle to Van Dieman’s Land, have introduced and encouraged this pest in this the greatest of agricultural countries. What wonder that the English farmer stared in blauk amazement when first he heard of it, or that he failed to account for the action except on the assump- tion that America Lad been visited by a wave of temporary insanity. It has been often argued that, so far as we Canadians ara concerned, the Sparrow can never give us much trouble, as the climatic and other conditions are sufficient to prevent its increasing to the same extent as in England. But unfortunately the facts are sufficient to entirely dispel this illusion. The first time that I saw the Sparrow in Toronto was, I think, in 1874, when a single pair was observed. Since thenit has gone on increasing until now the natural sources of maintenance are taxed to the ut- most, and each successive brood as it attains maturity is compelled to migrate to some distant locality where the struggle for life is less severe. This process of multiplica- tion and migration has gone on yearly, each of our large cities being centers of supply, until now every town and nearly every village in Ontario is thoroughly stocked with Sparrows, and when this occupation is complete they will unquestionably spread over the intervening farm lands. The severity of the winter was confidently pointed out as an efficient check, but there is every evidence to prove that the Sparrow can live as far northward as wheat can be grown with success, At Bracebridge and Gravenhurst the species has long been established, and at North Bay, Lake Nipissing, which I visited in January, 1887, J found the English Sparrow io full force aud possession. EVIDENCE.—FROM AMERICAN PUBLICATIONS. 309 In response to a request for information Mr. Jobn Bourk sends the following inter- esting note: “From all I can learn the English Sparrow came here (North Bay) during the win- ter of 1885-86. I think the first of them came in grain cars from the east. The first I noticed were in a car at the station, and only two of them. They must have bred here, as they are increasing or have increased during the past summer. There has been a flock of about one hundred around our yard all winter, and, as you know, it has been extremely cold. I missed them for about two weeks in the latter part of February, but they returned the first part of March. They lived on hay-seeds and pickings from manure piles during the winter. I have not noticed what they live on ju the summer, nor where they nest. They are at Mattawa, and very numerous at Pembroke. They have been at the later place, I think, for five years. I have never known them to die from cold. They seem to be as hardy as the snow-bird.” This, together with the facts that the Sparrow is each year occupying more exclu- sively the regions between the centers and the advamce posts, and that it is dispos- sessing our native birds, should leave no doubt in any candid mind that ultimately agricultural Canada will be as completely overrun by the English Sparrow as is agricultural England at the present time; for if the other birds of England, which have been subjected to the same long severe process of specialization are unable to hold their own against the invader, much less can our native species, which have been but recently brought into contact with civilization and its attendant hardships. Since none but actual personal observations are desired in this connection, I pass over a multitude of hearsay cases, and state what I have seen of the Sparrow’s en- croachments. The only native species which I myself have seen dispossessed by the invader are the pewee (Sayornis phebe), chipping sparrow (Spizella socialis), white-breasted swallow (Tachycineta bicolor), house wren (Troglodytes aédon), robin (Merula migratoria), and bluebird (Sialia sialis). The aggression has never, so far as I have seen, taken the form of actual onslaught, except in the case of a pair of white-breasted swallows, which were forcibly dispossessed of their completed nest in apole-house. More usually the native bird is merely ‘‘ crowded out” through its inability to compete with the more highly specialized Sparrow in the struggle for existence. On the other hand, although several native species of predatory birds (as falcons, hawks, shrikes, etc. ), are reported as preying on the Sparrow, 1 have never seen any but the pigeon falcon (Fulco columba- vius) and the sparrow-hawk (J’. sparverius) actually engaged in the work of destruc- tion, and as these birds seldom enter or live about the large towns, their influence as a check is at present but trifling. From a fuller working out of the lines of argument sketched, if not Feat the facts herein stated, I think that it will be admitted that the species andes consideration will very soon mnie itself felt as an economic power in the country if it has not already done so. It then lies with us to decide, Is it a power for good or for ill? Isit boon or bane? Passing over the unanimous and strongly adverse verdict of the agricultural inter- est in Britain and in other European countries, and the overwhelming body of con- demnatory evidence of our own market gardeners and fruit growers, as well as nat- uralists, I will add my own observations. First. We have abundant and conclusive evidence that our own birds, as a whole, are eminently beneficial to agriculture, and we have further proof that these birds are retreating before the Sparrow, which of itself should be sufficient to condemn the in- vader, unless it can be shown that it is even more beneficial than the native birds, Second. But on the contrary, as above stated, in England, where the species has already attained the position it is rapidly approaching in Ontario, the havoc it makes in the grain fields is something past belief, and in the aggregate constitutes a heavy tax on the already hard-pressed farmers of that country. From my own observation the Sparrow is pre-eminently » grain eater, though, as 310 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. will be seen from the appended tabular statement, it varies its diet in the spring-time with buds, in the early summer with insects,—some of them noxious—and in the late summer with fruit and grasshoppers. The taste for grasshoppers, however, seems to be almost, if uot wholly, confined to the young fledgelings. ‘When in the nest they are fed, I believe, entirely on insect food, so that after having flown they continue tosub- sist on the same for a time, ultimately becoming as granivorous as their parents. The following list of gizzard contents is, on the whole, the most favorable to the species of any I have seen; this may be accounted for by the fact that all the birds were shot in the suburbs of Toronto, in localities at considerable distances from any grain fields, so thata miscellaneous and consequently a creditable diet was inevitable. For the identification of the gizzard contents throughout and for other assistance I am indebted to the kindness of Dr. William Brodie, of ‘Toronto. J affix also an estimate made by the above gentleman of the economic value of the gizzard dissections. It is understood that ten points are allowed for each, and when the dissection presented neithergood nor bad features it was entered as five on each side. Whenever the grain found had évidently been taken from manure it was en- tered as a good feature, for no harm was done, and viewed as a scavenger the bird was beneficial. The fact, however, that the question of appetite alone is on trial may make many, like myself, dissent from such a valuation. In many other particulars my opinions differ from those of my friend, but I make no alterations, as he alone is responsible for the two columns of “ points,’ 311 ERICAN PUBLICATIONS, FROM AMI EVIDENCE. ‘uosvas SIqa Sarpaarq | | I10q} Jo ApTIqissod og} SuyWsossns ‘suvss0 [vuxes edieee 1 ar ga oq} JO oes p oTCVyIvMEI v MOYS ‘Ivad STG} JO s 3 WoL Jo puv viojdoojog jo sjusmsvarg |--SA & | o8sr ‘es stO Le Spaiq APWOptas Yoq Ysnoyy ‘Sarpoosoid oy} pue SIT, J qoyed 4vorq} YORTA Mos 0} Suruatsoq yen | OT 0 x “> sosstis rayyo puw qJowTy Jo spaog |--Sk P | egst ‘ez STne OL 0 ® "Speeds J910]9 PUB SIVO Jo SyMOWDBLY |--SA P | CesT ‘sl ATUL g OL ; sai poate eet srrcerec-s--eraqydoopog pur ‘spnqg Sulamog ‘meas doyoig | seteeeee ogsi'g oun 9 ¥ “Butpaoz A[IV[WIS Yo os1v] v Jo ou | 0 oO **(@pLyauoay) SUIIOM-SULIUSKATT INO, eagti— Suyq ot 9 Shey ane “7 spnq pue Ulvid TyoIg “| OSSE ‘LT Supt 0 0 * SSBIS JO SAPL]G Iapue puy ‘spnq ‘szvo Oyo Avy or OE We ane ee ee eee eee aa eee hacker Bek 8}¥v0 pue spng Sei OL 0 “pUS PUL S[[EeTS-350 saptseq ‘szv0 Jo suUTeIT 093 ynoqy AtyT g Gp let eem ar ay ter epee tee eae ea ae hah pet od EF are Wels TOYOIg | 189T ‘9g -ady S g pues pur stjoys-B30 ‘ e1aydoajog eSie] & Jo MepO UeyoIg ON, |" pe | Jest ‘ez “dW S G+ | Mee egsemeiteise csi coise iscsi cies teniee Cea een Py faint eTUvS aL j--pe P | seg ‘eg -adyw ¢ S pues pu ssvlE oTqujoSoa e[qeziusooeany) |--pe & | regt‘ez adv 1 £ rrr 77 19}ZVUL O[QVIOSOA JO SSVTT ¥ pu jvO ouG |--pe P | zest ‘ez «adHZ or 9 “yoavas drvys Wisi ‘spuq so ssvut esiy, B pay yeo oug |--pe s | set 'tz ady s g ) ‘gE 'M—YOOR oles oy} Woy Te ‘sprez | 4 nt a 3 3 “arodney Jo Sy dour | re \ “SVIJ PUY TOU PLIyoMOID B JO (SUOT YOUL av Jo S1aqaenb-aoryy yNoge) =f |*-- "77" PSST ‘eg “ad 213 £408.44 Jo S}Us} M09 peulqmod ot} sjuasordad Sty, | : e VAI] ‘snygyavrwary Jo spas ‘solr1oqsepye ‘s}vo ‘wurpodoueyy jo spasg i Bae Se: 0 or : 9 Bi | eNGie emer ee Seber e ae sere Sebastes weer: oydemt 4yos Jo spuq JAMOT.T “| ogst eg -ady 9 P sosrOy JO OSNor OY} ATIMOPTAS ‘UTvIT ToYoIG puv svar} Jo sprg osst ‘82 ady 9 P| SREP IY JOABLE pu sopotjred ywoyA SALpNpoNy ‘1a77vUL e[quiesaa ze Seen Vv ASST ‘6 ‘dy ‘Joavis divgs 9 P OUIOS PUY BOTA SUIPNOUL ‘10}}VU o[qejedeA Jo ssvmM v ‘YvO OII}Te BuO L881 ‘61 ‘ady “qmau -esretma vo susts Aue Surmoys S[prey suvs10 yenxag | g po testes seen e eee JoAvAT OMTOS PUL ‘qworTA Jo sopoTaed ‘Wxo oATIMO ou Igst ‘st ‘dy ‘podojaaop Aijuy savsso penxey | 9 7 piedinmic ce geaieilee geben neictretestcie nes ei qeoTA Jo sapEAed TA ‘atues oT 298L ‘81 ‘“ad_w 9 > i ae “sduryord peor puv ‘s[[oys-sse ‘19938UI eTquIocea aa jo ssvt ¥ L881 ‘OT ‘ady . 3. g g oe een ~* POABIT JUG SUINION |" pe L | eet ‘gT adw padopeasp Sy[ng suwsr0 waxes § ¢ S ciatir eens sinitinieininicia +77 719}9RUT OTTLIOTIA WAOP-Tayo1g Jo seem W |" pe © | seer ‘gr -adw 0 Or +197} o[(VJOFOA JO SSVI [VNSN 94} pu yULTd snosdvnTses0q oMOS Jo spadg |--pe P | yest'g ad? 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L—"ALON L881 ‘OT (is ¢ < “pues OsTe ‘19}}vU O[qvIJEZeA PUB UIVIS TEHOIG Jo ssvM -Y |" pe é Ae ‘lg g : a =++ gT[aqs-S80 pue W100 UeIpUy UayoIq Jo sev YW |-"pe & | L88T ‘OT Av *AyLatpow | ec G sites eine tisisisinia ioe SR Riss Sas RRS eV SES TIS QAOQGE SB SSBUL B PUB 4BO OIIJMa GUO | pe & | .gat ‘or Avy Jo SUIS IO JWaMaTir[ao ou 4somje Surmoys soltvag ¢ ¢ “9A0Qe SB SSUTI Y PUG YeoTM JO STIVIS OI}U0 OAT, |- pe d | L8BT ‘OT Avy l}¢ G * --"QA0QE SB SSL G PUB 4VO OIIQTO OQ |" "pe g LEST ‘OT ABIL lj ¢ ¢ --pe & | agst ‘or Ae $ $ “pe d | gst ‘or Ava ‘Surtvy Jo skep Moy eB wonatas | ¢ ¢ -B9o pure ‘s9}VUT I[QVJOSOA S1qUZIUSooe1UN PUL UTIs WaHOIG Jo ssvu VY |“ pe & | zest ‘or Sep “‘jsulIes y ‘10g | ‘syremoyy “piezzid Jo syu9}10_, “x9g 34eq 4 “sqUl0g EVIDENCE.—FROM AMERICAN PUBLICATIONS. 315 [Forest and Stream, Vol. XXV, No. 2, pp. 24, 25. August 6, 1885.] THE ENGLISH SPARROW.—VERDICT OF THE AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION. At the meeting of the Council of the American Ornithologists’ Union, held in Washington, April 21, 1885, the committee appointed in September, 1883, to inquire into the question of the eligibility or ineligibility of the European House Sparrow in America, rendered its final report, which was accepted and adopted as the sense of the Union on the subject, and the committee was discharged with the unanimous thanks of the Union. The report, which was accompanied by a large quantity of valuable data, is here given : Mr. President and members of the Union: Your committee, appointed to inquire into the eligibility of the European House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) as a naturalized resident in this country, has the honor herewith to submit its report. After due consideration, your committee adopted the fullowing form of circular letter, which was framed to elicit information from all qnarters and from all interested persons: “The American Ornithologists’ Union, au organization resembling the British as- sociation of similar name, and including in its active membership the most prominent ornithologists of the United States and Canada, purposes, among other objects al- ready engaging its attention, to determine as nearly as possible the true status in America of the European House Sparrow (Passer domesticus), commonly known as the English Sparrow, in so far as the relations of this bird to mankind are concerned. The Union hopes to secure, through the solicited testimony of others, as well as the personal observations of its members, the facts necessary to settle the question of the eligibility or ineligibility of this Sparrow as a naturalized resident of this country. The question of the European House Sparrow in America is regarded as one of great economic consequence, to be determined primarily by ascertaining whether this bird be, upon the whole, directly or indirectly injurious or beneficial to agriculture and horticulture. Its economic relations depend directly and mainly upon the nature of its food; indirectly upon the effect, if any, which its presence may have on useful native birds and beneficial insects. The accompanying formula of questions is re- spectfully submitted to the attention of those who may be able and willing to record statements of positive facts and value derived from their own experience. Concise and unquestionable answers returned to the undersigned on inclosed blank, or other- wise, or communicated to any member of the committee, will be appreciated and prove of high value among the data upon which it is hoped that this vexed question may be sct at rest. The evidence thus obtained will be carefully considered by the committee in preparing its report to the Council of the Union, and a digest of the same, with recommendations, if any, will be submitted by the Council to the matare judgment of the Union at its next annual meeting. The following-named active members of the Union were, at the first congress, appointed a committee to investi- gate and report upon this subject: Dr. J. B. Holder, of New York, chairman; Mr. Eugene P. Bicknell, of New York; Mr. H. A. Purdie, of Boston, Mass.; Mr. Nathau Clifford Brown, of Portland, Me.; Mr. Montague Chamberlain, of St. John, New Brunswick; the committee having the power of increasing its membership at its dis- cretion. Dr. J. B. Hotprr, Chairman. “AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HIsToRy, Central Park, New York City, February 2, 1884. = “Data concerning the European House Sparrow, from “1. Is the Enropean House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) known in your ueighbor- hood, and, if so, about when did it appear? 2%. Is your neighborhood city, suburbs, or country? 3. Is this Sparrow abundant? 4. Is it increasing in numbers? 5. How 316 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. many broods aud young yearly to a pair? 6, Is this Sparrow protected by law? 7. Is it artiticially fed aud housed? 8. Does it molest, drive away, or diminish the numbers of native birds? 9. If so, what species? 10. Does this Sparrow injure shade, fruit, or ornamental trees? 11. Does it attack or injure garden fruits and vegetables? 12. Does it injure grain crops? 13. Is it an insect-eater or a seed-eater? 14, What insects, if any, are chiefly eaten by this Sparrow? 15, What is the princi- pal food it carries to its young? 16. What insects, if any, are carried by it to its young? 17. Does the food of the old bird vary with the seasous, and if so, in what way? 18. Does the food of its young vary, aud if so, how? 19. If any insects are eaten, are they beneficial or injurious species? 20. Does the Sparrow eat the larva of the vaporer moth (Orgyia leucostigma)? 21. Doés it eat ichneumon flies? 22. Do you determive the nature of this bird’s food and that furnished by it to its young by inference, direct observation, or dissection? 23. Have any injurious insects been exterminated or materially lessened in numbers by this Sparrow? 24. Have any in- jurious insects increased in numbers, or appeared where unknown before, in conse- quence of the destruction of other insects by this Sparrow? 25. Have these Spar- rows in your neighborhood been destroyed systematically or otherwise, and if so, by what means? 26. What bounty, if any, has been offered for their destruction? 27. What is the general sentiment or balance of public opinion respecting the Enropean House Sparrow in your locality? 28. On the whole, in your judgment, is this Spar- row an eligible or ineligible species in this country?” In order to secure a thorough presentation of the subject to those most likely to respond satisfactorily, each member of the committee assumed the duties of corre- spondence in his own section of the country, as well as in certain allotted sections of the entire United States and Canada. Copies of the letter were sent to the agricult- ural papers, to the various journals having columns devoted to zoological and rural matters, and to the press at large. The greater part, however, was directed to indi- viduals believed to possess facts pertinent to the subject. About one thousand copies were thus sent out. A large proportion of the answers received are of one import, written by persons having no definite data to communicate, but who, having experienced annoyance from the bird’s uncleanliness and unmusical notes, desire to see it exterminated. Under this head belong the numerous petitions which have reached us from several quarters, notably from Philadelphia. The subject is regarded sufficiently important by the inhabitants of that city to warrant the issue of printed forms, which, with long lists of subscribers, have been submitted to the consideration of your committee. The paucity of replies to many of our questions renders it impossible to report upon them decisively. Others, however, are fortunately very fully answered. Returns to the first question give some data of interest in relation to the time of the Sparrow’s first introduction into this country. The earliest date of importation known to us is 1858,* when Mr. Thomas A. Deblois liberated a few individuals at Port- land,Me. These disappeared shortly afterward, and were not successfully replaced until 1875, In 1858 Sparrows were liberated at Peacedale, R. I., by Mr. Joseph Peace Hazard. They were first introduced into Central Park, New York City, according to Mr. Conklin, the superintendent of the menagerie, in the year 1864. In 1860 Mr. Iugene Shieftlin turned loose twelve birds in Madison Square, New York City. In 1868 the species was first introduced into Boston Common. In 1869 a number were given the liberty of the parks of Philadelphia. Somewhat later a successful attempt was made to establish,a colony near Great Salt Lake, Utah, and about the same time the birds became resident at Indianapolis, Ind. In a period of about ten years the Sparrows reached nearly all the large towns and cities of New England and the Middle States and many of those of the Western States withont artificial assistance. It also made its appearance in suburban towns and “{This was an error. Two importations at least were known to have been made at Brooklyn, N. Y., before 1853. See page 17 of this Bulletin.—W. B. B.] EVIDENCE.—}FROM AMERICAN PUBLICATIONS. 317 even country villages. From the Southern States and the Western States beyond the Mississippi River we have received but few returns, and most of these state that the Sparrow has not been observed. In Canada it has become generally distributed over the southern sections of Quebee and Ontario (it is abundant in the city of Quebec), and in 1884 several flocks invaded New Brunswick. Few observers have definitely determined the number of broods hatched yearly by this bird and the number of young to the brood. ‘We have, however, returns from several ornithologists. Tbe maximum given by Mr. H. B. Bailey, of Orange, N. J.— six broods in one season, with from four to five young to a brood—probably indicates the extent of the bird’s fertility in this climate. The usual number of broods in the latitude of New York and south#ard appears to be four. In more northern districts three broods yearly would probably be near the average. There is an overwhelming mass of testimony to the eftect that the Sparrow molests and drives away certain of our most valued species of native birds. Many statements have been received giving accounts of conflicts provoked by the Sparrow in which it was cruelly victorious. It is affirmed that from some localities native species have been completely banished by the attacks or by the mere presence of the foreigner. We have also evidence of an opposite character declaring the Sparrow’s peaceable disposition and its association upon amicable terms with other species of birds. Most of our correspondents state that they have never known the Sparrow to com- mit depredations upon crops, but well-authenticated instances are furnished showing its ability and disposition to accomplish great destruction to grain. Mr. Stewart, of Hackensack, N. J., relates the destruction of a wide margin of wheat in the field. Hon. G. A. Bicknell, of New Albany, Ind., says: ‘‘When the grain ripens, the Spar- rows leave the city and attack the wheat fields inthe suburbs. I have seen hundreds of them at once in my fields, and they get about half the crop.” Mr. T. G. Gentry, in his exhaustive work on the Sparrow, gives similar instances. That the bird feeds upon fruits is amply attested. Our thirteenth question calls for information as to the Sparrow’s preference for food. Is it an insect-cater or a seed-eater? Every reply to this question which is based upon dissection agrees in attributing to the bird a diet almost wholly vegetable. The statement of some observers that it devours canker-worms and a variety of in- sects ig unaccompanied by reports of examinations of the stomach. The question as to the food of nestling Sparrows elicited pretty uniform testimony, animal matter in some form being said to constitute the bulk. Disseetions by a com- petent person, however, show ‘barely a trace of insect or animal food, but in lien fine gravel and vegetable fiber.” Responses to questions seventeen to twenty-one inclusive are too meager to be of value. It is claimed by several of our correspondents that the measnring-worm, so abun- dant at the time of the Sparrow’s introduction into this country, was well-nigh exter- minated by the bird, so that fora considerable period it was unobserved. Since it is a well-known fact that the worm occursin very variable numbers in different seasons, credit for its comparative extermination in this case can hardly be given to the Spar- row upon the doubtful evidence before us, The experiment has recently been tried in Philadelphia and elsewhere of substitut- ing Sparrows for pigeons in trap-shooting, but, of course, without scriously diminish- ing their numbers. In other localities the birds have been poisoned or otherwise gotten rid of to some extent by indignant citizens in defiance of laws. The balance of public opinion is strongly adverse to the Sparrows. Our returus, however, show protective laws (usually the same statute which provides for the security of other small birds) in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Obio, Michigan, the District of Columbia, and Canada. The Massachusetts law has lately been repealed, and specially exempts the English Spar- row from protection. 318 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. So wuch for the evidence. We have learned the capacity and disposition of this bird to injure grain and fruits, and that when gathered in large numbers it threatens very seriously the interests of the farmer and horticulturist. Although testimony of a certain kind indicates that its young are fed with insects, actual dissection shows that vegetable substances are mainly employed. The adult birds feed almost ex- clusively upon seeds and grains. They,drive away from their accustomed haunts, either directly or indirectly, many of our native insectivorous species. It may be added that they have proved in recent years so destructive of crops in other coun- tries as to render it necessary to enact laws looking to their extermination. In view of these facts, your committee believes that the European Sparrow (Passer domesticus) is an ineligible species in this country, and thatifWas a mistaken policy to introduce the bird. And we would respectfully recommend: (1) That sheltering or otherwise fostering the Sparrow by the public be discouraged, and that its introduction artificially into new localities and its sale for such purposes be forbidden by law. (2) That all existing laws protecting the Sparrow be repealed, and that bounties be offered for its destruction. Signed, J. B. HoOLpER, Chairman. EuGENnr P. BICKNELL. H. A. PurpDIE. NaTHAN CLIFFORD Brown. MonracGur CHAMBERLAIN. [The Michigan law protecting these birds has been repealed—Ed. F. & S.] [New York Tribune, 1883. ] We have here at the New York State Experiment Station [Geneva, N. Y.] many varieties of cereals on different parts of the grounds, planted for study and compar- ison. In 1884, upon the wheat heads attaining the milk stage, the European Spar- rows began feeding on the undeveloped grain, They would alight on the wheat or oat stalks, bend them to the ground, and ruin the heads or panicles. They almost spoiled a choice plat of experimental wheat. This year the same thing has been re- peated in a nore pronounced manner; we have had to cover some special wheat plants with mosquito netting in order to preserve the seed. Those plants uncovered were in a large degree ruined. We had twenty-six wheat plauts near a wooded ravine, As soon as the heads be- gan to fill, the Sparrows and blackbirds began their pernicious work, eating such quantities of grain that the result of the experiment will be of no value. It was im- possible to suppress them, as they worked long ere the sun appeared. Our largo wheat field was patronized by liberal flocks of blackbirds and Sparrows. I have been among the wheat fields of this vicinity and seen Sparrows either upon the fence close by or inthe wheat. Ihave conversed with many persons visiting the station, aud wherever the Sparrow is well known, and grain fields are common, I am told the Sparrow does eat the grain. Last year I dissected many Sparrows; founda few insects in some, and those as a rule the remains of ants, but hardly a stomach was there that did not contain wheat or oats. Four days ago I examined nineteen stomachs, and in all but one was found wheat. In two stomachs were apparently chitinous parts of ants. Sparrows also patronize in a liberal manner some kinds of garden sceds, especially lettuce. One large seed-grower pronounces these birds great destroyers of seeds. I have noted also in the agricultural press that Sparrows destroy the tender buds of some ornamental shrubs and trees. At the station we have seen them eating pear buds, or picking them open. (CharlesS. Plumb.) EVIDENCE.—FROM AMERICAN PUBLICATIONS. 319 [Cincinnati Daily Commercial Gazette, July 2, 1887.] * * * We have one bit of damaging evidence against the good character of the Sparrow, which we have not seen mentioned in print anywhere else, in all the array of evidence against him. Last year we cut a small field of heavy wheat in which afew hundred Sparrows had camped. Not only around the border, but all through the middle of the field, where the wheat was heaviest, it was broken down and tangled, so that fully one fourth of the crop was lost. As soon as the wheat kernel had formed the vandalism began. Here is the damaging point. A close inspection revealed the astounding fact that the ground was literally covered with mashed kernels of wheat to the extent of sev- eral bushels tu the acre. While the kernel is yet soft they will not swallow it whole. With their short, powerful beaks they casily press out the milky substance, let the rest drop, and go to the next. Let this point be noted for what itis worth. I trust the prosecuting attorney will dwell upon it, and that the judge will mention it in his charge to the jury before they retire to deliberate upon a verdict soon to be ren- dered for or against the English Sparrow. (A. D. Binkerd, M. D., Cochran, Ind., Juue 12.) {Albany (N. Y.) Express, Friday, October 7, 1887.] 7 ex Sparrows are also noted once more on the stands of the game dealers, and retail, for chicken pies, at 30 cents per dozen. Joseph Clark, the well-known State- street fruiterer, yesterday took in 3,000 of the little birds, paying $1 per hundred for them to the youthful hunters, who have once more resumed the slaughter of the in- nocents on the outskirts of the city, more especially up in the west end. [New York Times, July 20, 1887.] Sparrows are being properly appreciated. Hundreds of them are now caught by enterprising people for sale to certain restaurants where reed birds are in demand. A German woman on Third avenue has three traps set every day, and she catches probably seventy-five a week. They are cooked and served to her boarders the same as reed birds and are declared quite as great a delicacy. This German woman bastes them, leaving the little wooden skewer in the bird when served. They are cooked with a bit of bacon. Sho tempts them with oats, and after the catch they are fed awhile with boiled oaten meal. She sprinkles oaten meal in the back yard also, and thereby fattens the free birds. The females are the choice meat. The males can be told by the circle of white feathers at the neck. The females are as plain as Quaker- esses. So soon as it becomes known that the Sparrow is a table bird their number will rapidly grow less. People don’t like to experiment, but when it is discovered that the Sparrow has been declared good by those upon whom they have been tried, no boarding-house meal will be deemed in good form unless a dish of fat Sparrows adorns it. - Sparrow pie is a delicacy fit to set before a king. {Cincinnati Weckly Commercial, April 19, 1882.] H. E. B., of Plymouth, Mich., in the Country Gentleman, narrates his test of the Sparrow as an insect cater. He was in pursuit of the codling moth, which had been carried into the cellar with the winter supply of apples. He knew the habits of the codling moth and expected them to come out of his apple barrels and seek hiding places. Accordingly he laid two boards together, convenient for the broods to conceal between and spin the cocoons. As expected, the boards were stuck together with the cocoons, and in the spring he carried thei out and spread the boards and cocoons in sight of the pestiferous Sparrows and hens, hoping to sce the much praised insect- ivorous bird destroy the cocoons with alacrity. We let him tell his own story: I was greatly mortified to see the Sparrows run over the cocoons in search of wheat screenings thrown out to call them down. 320 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. My sorrow was.soon turned to joy to behold a pair of bluebirds come down, as it were out of heaven, and alight on the nearest bird-honse, doubtless occupied by them last scason, but which had been appropriated by the Sparrows this winter. No sooner had they alighted than their bright eyesdiscovered the cocoons on the boards and they darted down to secure the prize. Disgusted with the Sparrows I took a step-ladder and commenced to clean out the Sparrow’s nest in the bluebirds’ house. I found in the strings that composed their nest two curculios, three snapping-bugs, one bee-miller, one old female codling moth, and two recently hatched moths. Examining the strings, I found webbings of worms and burnt edges of cloth, and ascertained that they had pulled the strings out of an old smudge left near a bee-hive under an apple tree. This led me to examine the boards placed for the bee-stands (the bee-hives had been carried to the cellar in the fall). On the boards exposed to the Sparrows all winter were numerous cocoons. (Cultivator and Country Gentleman (Albany, N. Y.), July 29, 1886.] * * * The universal testimony of scientists and others, as against these birds, ought to satisfy the skeptics that this is a bird detrimental to the farmers’ interest. For three seasons they have assaulted our experimental plats to their material dam- age. This year we found it necessary to employ a boy to work from 4 a. m. till nearly dark, keeping the Sparrows ata distance. I have found them to be destroyers of grain, injurious to fruit, and early in spring very damaging to fruit buds. Ontside near the window by which I write is a plum tree, where often in the spriug, as buds were starting, I saw the Sparrows pick out the entire bud center. But, in addition to my own testimony, comes much damaging evidence from farmers in the vicinity, whose wheat-fields are suffering, Something must be done. Every year the evil be- comes worse and worse, and even to-day great damage is done by the English Spar- rows. (C.8. Plumb, Geneva,N. Y.) ~ (Rural World (St. Louis, Mo.), 1886.] Tho introduction of the Sparrow into America, says the well-known English natu- ralist, Rev. J. G. Wood, “has been distinctly disastrous, as I have personally seen, and if the bird were exterminated it would be better for the country. Still more dis- astrous has been its introduction into Australia and New Zealand, especially in the latter country, where it has abandoned insect-eating altogether, and become a de- vourer of fruits and grain, eating grapes and figs by the ton.” And we are quite sat- isfied that the sooncr a policy of destruction is inaugurated the better for all con- cerned on this side of the Atlantic. (Prairio Farmer (Chicago, Ill.), December 25, 1886.] At the recent annual meeting of the Indiana State Horticultural Society, some one mentioned the English Sparrow, and a discussion was precipitated. Mr. Warder, of North Bend, Ohio, had found them both fruit and grain eaters. They lad been very destinebive to his grapes. They seldom eat insects, but will feed them to the young birds in the nest. Professor Troop, of Purdue University, said that a member of the senior class of that institution had killed one or more Sparrows daily during a cousiderable portion of the past summer, and examined the contents of their stom- achs. In only one bird had he found the remains of an insect. J. C. Ratliff, of Wayne County, had seen flocks of several hundred alight on his wheat-ficld, five miles from any town or city, and eat and waste the grain from large areas. They beat the ripened grain from the stalk with their wings. They were still more de- structive to grain in shock. Mr, Folger said that they had entirely driven away 200 martins that formerly sheltered in his barn. Mr. Ohmer formerly had plenty of song- birds on his place. Now there was only the Sparrow aul robin. The time had come when something must be done, Mr, Webster had recently made an extended visit EVIDENCE.-—FROM AMERICAN PUBLICATIONS. 321 through the agricultural sections of Europe, and found that Sparrows were every- where regarded as a nuisance. In Germany he saw boys carrying hundreds of them, strung on sticks, They were taken to the village authorities, and the boys received a half cent for each one killed. They were paying for their destruction everywhere. They were becoming very destructive in his locality. Hehad found their ravages on his green peas particularly annoying. After further discussion in similar strain, and some words in their defense by President Johnson and one other member, J. C. Ste- venus, of Wayne County, introduced a resolution declaring them a nuisance, and urg- ing extermination, which was passed with but one dissenting voice. (The Scientific Farmer, Vol. IV, pp. 35, 36. 1879.] In the February number of the Scientific Farmer for 1878 I had occasion to speak of the sparrow war which was then raging, and which had then been in progress for some time. At present the controversy still continues, and has continued at inter- valsever since. Much has been written upon the subject on both sides by able men; yet the matter appears to stand just about where it was when the first gun was fired, or, in other words, when the first article appeared, denouncing the Sparrows as not only injurious to agricultural interest, but also proclaiming that they were enemies to our native birds. The latter-named accusation has been made oftener than any other, and it has been repeatedly stated that the rightful inhabitants of the trees and shrubbery of our parks are being rapidly driven away by the unprovoked attacks of the pugnacious Sparrows. Altbough this may be a fact, as accumulated testimony indicates, yetI do not consider that it is the essential point of dispute; for, practi- cally, it can make but little difference if our native birds are driven away, provided the Sparrows take their places and devour an equal quantity of insects. This impor- tant matter up to date has, however, been but slightly touched upon, for no one has made an extended examination of the contents of the stomachs of the Sparrows, at least in the vicinity of Boston. As this is absolutely the only method by which we can ascertain satisfactorily just what the birds do eat, this investigation must be made before any one can give a decided opinion upon the subject, that will conclusively settle a matter which has been so long agitated. Ido not mean to be understood to say that the ornithologists who have written upon this subject do not consider it necessary to examine the contents of the stomachs of the Sparrows, for they all see that.it must be done sooner or later; but hitherto no one has done it to any extent. In my article for February, last year, I ventured to suggest that the legislature of our State appoint proper persons to do this work ; but as this has not been done, and as I have heard it intimated that this examination is impracticable, I concluded to try and see how it would work. Assisted by some young friends, I procured a number of English Sparrows each day last autumn, and made a careful examination of their stomachs. These birds were killed along the streets from the Watertown arsenal to Winter street, Boston, and therefore I judged that they were fair representatives of the typical, and now famous, Sparrows of the “Hub.” Through the kindness of my friends, the birds were given to me fresh, and thus I could tell exactly what they had in their crops and stomachs. Let me here state, in order to show that my work has been done accurately, that I have long made a specialty of ascertaining the contents of the stomachs of various birds, having now by me notes of the dissections of over five thousand specimens. It has been stated that it is impossible to detect the presence of any insects, especially of the softer larvie, after they have been swallowed and partly digested; this is not a fact, how- ever, and avy one who has examined the interior of even a strictly-insectivorous bird, and in summer, will bear me out in this statement. The wing coverts of beetles, and the harder portions of all other insects, never di- gest, and thus are always to be seen; while by washing the half-digested mass in water, the skins of the larvie may be found, even after they have been swallowed for some tine, and are always plainly perceptible when first eaten, In every case ex- 8404—Bull, 1—-—21 322 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. amined where there was the slightest obscurity as to what had been eaten by the Sparrows, I washed tho contents of the stomachs in water, and in all cases used w lens in determining what they were. In fact, I exercised all the care possible, and am perfectly satisfied that nothing of importance, least of all an insect or anything pertaining to an insect, could have escaped my observation. : To show exactly what each bird had eaten, I copy directly from my note-book, giving the dissections as I made them, with the date. I also give the age of the individual, and, as explanatory, will remark that by ‘ young”? I mean birds that were hatched that year, and by “nestlings,” birds which were not fully grown; adult being, of course, perfectly mature birds. My record commences with Septem- ber 17 [1878]. No.| Date. Ago. Contents of stomach. 1878. 1 Seeds and small stones. 2 Seeds, woody fibers, and bits of grass. 3 Small, dark-colored seeds. 4 Grass-seeds and large, double, tough-skinned seeds. 5 Remains of dark-colored seeds, woody fibers. and small stones. 6 ‘| Small stones predominating, with some dark-colored seeds and a few lighter- colored seeds. 7 19 | .. do....| Oats, woody fibers, and small stones. 8 20 Dark-colored seeds, small stones, and woody fibers. 9 20]. ..| Green seeds, dark-colored seeds, and small stones. 10 20 .| Seeds, small stones, woody fibers, and the remain of oats. 11 20 Dark-colored secds, woody fibers, oats, and small stones. 12 20 Woody fibers, seeds, and small stones. 13 20 é Do. 14 20 .| Seeds, small stones, and oats. 15 20 To. 16 20 é Do. 17 26 Small stones, seeds, and woody fivers. 18 26 : Do. 19 26 ..| Oats, seeds, and woody fibers. 20 26 |....do.-..| Seeds, stones, woody fibers, and egg shells. Belt 26 | Nestling.| Stomach very soft; woody fiber, leaves, and small pieces of brick. 22 26 |....do.-..| Seeds, small stones, small picces of brick, bits of porcelain, and the remains of a kernel of corn. 23 26 |....do..-.| Black seeds in quantities, and small stones. 24 27 | Young...| Seeds, stones, and oats. 25 27 |....do..-.| Remains of corn and small stones. 26 | Oct. 1|....do....] Seeds, stones, and woody fibers. 27 1 |...-do ....| Black seeds and small stones, but by far the greater portion of the contents of this stomach consists of woody fibers, which I now ascertain to be macerated bits of hay from horse manure. 28 1 |....do....| Black seods, small stones, but- mainly bits of hay {rom horse manure, 29 2 | Adult....| Black seeds, with a considerable quantity of small stones. 30 | 2 | Young...| Seeds, small stones, and bits of hay. 31 3 |....do ...| Woody fibers, small stones, and oats. 82 3 | Adult....| Oats, small stones, and seeds. 33 8 | Youug...| Corn, oats, and bits of hay. 34 3 |....do....| Oats, sceds, and bits of grass. 35 8} Adult... Do. 36 3 | Young...| Bits of green leaves, stones, and seeds. 37 3 .| Oats, seeds, and small stones. 38 3 Seeds and small stones. 39 4 Green seeds, oats, black seeds, and bits of grass. 40 4 Corn, seeds, and stones. 41 4 Black seeds and stones. 42 4|....do... | Bits of hay, pieces of crockery, and small stones. 43 4| Young...) Oats, seeds, and stones. x 44 4| Adult....| Bits of hay, oats, and small stones. 45 4|....do.--.| Seeds, stones, and corn. 46 4| Young...| Oats, bits of hay, and small stones. 47 4] Adult....] Seeds and small stones. 48 4 Do. 49 4 Small seeds and sraall yellow stones. 50 4 Seeds, bits of hay, and small stones. 5L 4 Black seedsand small stones. 52 10 Seeds and small stones. 53 10 Sceds, small stones, and bits of hay. 54 10 Seeds, small stones, and oats. 55 10 0. 56 10 Seeds, bits of hay, and oats, EVIDENCE.—FROM AMERICAN PUBLICATIONS. 323 As seen, on October 10 I discontinued my observations. The entire absence of insect food is noticeable; yet this did notin the least surprise me, for although I did expect to tind a few insects when I first commenced, I ceased to expect them after I saw how thoroughly granivorous these birds were. * T have found that as a rule our sparrows, finches, and grossbeaks (and I now speak of these species as they occur in Massachusetts) eat but few insects. Thus out of two hundred and eighty-four individuals, taken at all seasons, which I have exain- ined, embracing seventeen species, but eighty-one had taken insects; and if we ex- clude the rose-breasted grossbeak and the savanna sparrow, which are much more insectivorous than any others, I find that only about six per cent. of those examined had eaten insects, and these were taken mainly in spring, summer, and autumn; rarely in winter. Some species never eat insects when they can get seeds, and their ana- tomical structure is eminently fitted for gathering and digesting these latter-named articles of diet. Thestructure of the English Sparrow is very similar to that of some of our strictly granivorous birds. Thus the gullet is dilated into a crop, a character seldom seen in insectivorous birds. The proventriculus is small, but the stomach has very thick and muscular walls, and is lined with a strong, somewhat rugose mem- brane. The duodenum is long and incloses a large pancreas, which secretes a fluid that assists to digest the oily matter from seeds. This kind of food is rudely gathered, and in many instances crushed by the strong bill. The ceeca are small. All this shows clearly that we have to deal with a granivorous bird which may possibly at some seasous eat insects, but certainly not in the autumn, asI have endeavored to show. At first thought it may appear that I have chosen a time which was unfavorable to the English Sparrows, as seeds are very abundaut in the autumn; but neither are in- sects scarce then, and I chose this time as being one in which the birds would exhibit their preference; and they certainly have shown no inclination to take insects. If, however, we turn to some of our native species of sparrows which often take insects (and I will, at the suggestion of my friend, Mr. J. A. Allen, select the song sparrow), we shall find that they eat some insects all through the autumn, although seeds of course form the greater portion of their food. Yet the few insects taken shuw that they occasionally preter them. To my mind it is clear that the Euglish Sparrows are pampered too much. They have access to all the grain that they want, and will then eat nothing else. To make an exceedingly long story shorter, let us have proof that they do or do not eat insects, aud then the natter will be decided beyond a doubt; and again I would venture to rec- ommend most urgently that the legislature of Massachusetts authorize some one to make a series of dissections of the English Sparrow throughout the entire year, for in uo other way can the matter bedecided. Ido not consider my proofs as conclusive, but as far as they have gone they are certainly convincing, andIam inclined to look upon the Sparrows as utterly unworthy of protection ; yet I am still open to convic- tion in their favor, and if any one will show me one—I ask not ten nor even three, but only one—English Sparrow from Boston that has voluntarily eaten an insect of any sort or kind I will at once modify my opinion respecting them. (C.J. Maynard.) (Farmer's Home Journal, Louisville, Ky., October 2, 1886.] Bowling Green, Ky., September 25, 1886.—The English Sparrow has heretofore been very destructive upon grains and fruits in and near the towns of this part of the State, but scems to have been this season three or four times as bad as ever, because, probably, of increase of number. He is gradually making his way into the country districts. In the city this year all fruits suffered greatly, and with some of us the grapes not protected with bags or otherwise were all taken, and whenever the weather made a hole in the bag covering a variety of grape that, when ripe, was black or red he has torn off the bags. The rascal has strong jaws and great energy, and will work industriously until he has made shreds of a bag that he once attacks. Jt seems that 324 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. the quality of the bags themselves is not as good as formerly, and on all the later colored grapes the long exposure of them made more holes than usual. All unpro- tected Clintons, Nortons, Herbemonts, Catawbas, indeed all colored grapes, went as soon as they began to color well, and even of those that were bagged more than half were taken, the latter by reason of the opening made by the weather in the bags, and consequent knowledge to the Sparrow of what was inside. My own loss in this way was not less than five hundred bags. Some of our grape-growers affirm that having once found out that the bags had grapes in them the Sparrow did not confine his at- tacks to the injured ones, but destroyed the perfect bags as well. Passing on horseback in summer on the outskirts of the city and looking across a va- cant square in which oats had been grown and were then in the shock, in the direction of the sun, I noticed a white cloud around the head of the shocks like an anreole. I rode around to the rear of the square and found that it was the reflection on the oat chaff thrown out by innumerable Sparrows perched on the shocks and devouring the grain. It was clear to me then that the farmer would ultimately suffer greatly unless a remedy is found against the increase of the Sparrow. At the meeting of the Warren County Horticutural Society this matter has been discussed much recently, and many schemes have been suggested to accomplish this. Generally such experiments as have been made seem to demonstrate that some form of poison given with food is about the most promising. Opposite my residence, and across the street, is the rear of a squarc occupied as a lumber-yard, ‘and next the fence is a shed 100 feet long and 12 feet wide. I thought this offered a good opportunity to try the effect of poison on these pests, as it would be secure from fowls and animals. Accordingly I prepared a mixture of meal and flour, plentifully sprinkled with strychnine, and put it on the roof. I saw no dead birds and no evidence of its effect until citizens a square away began to talk about the fatality among the Sparrows, numbers of them being found dead. Closer observations showed that after taking the food, and when its first twinges were felt, they sprang into the air and went with rapid flight until they fell dead. Very many were killed, as they greedily devoured all the food given. I did not repeat the experiment, as I was away from home much thereafter, but am mad enough now over the losses among my grapes to organize a regular campaign of this sort, and mavy are like minded with mysclf. The orioles are very bad, but they are very beau- tiful, and unlike the poor and the Sparrows, we have them not ‘always with us.” Close observation makes onc believe that the robins do comparatively little harm, as they seldom if ever puncture the grapes, as they take and swallow a whole berry ata time, and I think three Concords is the maximum fora meal. ([{Judge] W. L. Du- laney.) [Bulletin No. 10, Division of Entomology, U. S. Department of Agriculture.) OUR SHADE TREES AND TILEMIR INSECT DEFOLIATORS. ©. V. RILEY. (p. 31.) The fact that the caterpillar [of the white-marked tussock moth { makes no effort to conceal itself shows that it enjoys immunity from enemies, and notably from birds. In fact, the American Yellow-billed Cuckoo, the Baltimore Oriole, and the Robin are the only birds which have been observed to feed upon the larvee. . (p. 62.) All four of these insects [1, elm-leaf beetle, Galeruca; 2, bag-worm, Thy- ridopteryx; 3, tussock moth, Orgyia; 4, web-worm, Hyphantria] have a certain im- munity from tho attacks of birds—No. 1 by virtue of an offensive odor, No. 2 by the protection of its bag, Nos. 3 and 4 by the protection afforded by the hairs of the cater- pillars, which are also mixed into their cocoons. A few native birds we have seen occasionally feed upon Nos. 3 and 4; but the English Sparrow, to which, being emphati- cally a city bird, we should look for help, has never been known to attack any of them. In fact, we noticed and announced many years ago that in some of the north- ern cities (as Boston and Philadelphia) the increase of the Orgyia was indirectly a ” EVIDENCE.—FROM AMERICAN PUBLICATIONS. 325 result of the increase of the English Sparrow, which feeds in the breeding season upon smooth worms, less harmful to our trees, and thus gives better opportunity for the rejected Orgyia to increase, a result still further promoted by the habit of driv- ing away the native birds, which the English Sparrow is known to have. The same reasoning will hold true in respect of the Web-worm; and, putting all sentiment aside, we may safely aver that this bird is an impediment rather than &n aid in pre- serving our trees from their worst insect defoliators. There is every reason to believe that the Bag-worm is carried, when young, from tree to tree upon the claws and legs of the bird, and its dissemination is thus aided and its destruction rendered more difficult; while the yellow suspended cocoons of the Meteorus hyphantriv (the most important of the parasites of the Web-worm) are sought by the Sparrow, probably being mistaken for grains of wheat. While our feathered friends, owing to the Sparrow’s pugnacity, are now things of the past, and can only be seen in the spring when they pass through the cities in their migrations to more peaceable nesting places, yet something might be done to encourage their stay. Nesting places might be provided for them not alone by bird boxes, which, good in themselves, are at once occupied by the English Sparrow; they must be afforded safer and natural quarters. [Essay read September 4, 1879, before the West Chester (Pa.) Microscopical Society, by the secretary, Dr. B. H. Warren.] These birds since their introduction in our county (Chester) have elicited consider- able interest and comment. In answer to the common interrogatory: Are the Spar- rows injurious or beneficial to the agriculturist? the following facts are submitted, as observed by the writer since the transition of the little foreigners. The autopsies of seventy-five Sparrows, made in 1878, revealed in seventy-three grain and vegetable material solely. Each of.the othertwo had in its stomach, which was distended with wheat, a coleopterous insect (beetle). By this series of examina- tions it will be seen that only two seventy-fifths of the birds dissected had any insect food, and that in a minimum proportion. The vegetable material referred to was buds and blossoms of the grape-vine, the plum, pear, peach, and haw trees ; also some little grass and a few of the earlier annual plants. For wheat they have a great predilection, as receptacles of sixty odd contained only thatcereal. Oats, corn, rye, clover, timothy, and other seeds variously enter into their biil of fare. As some have claimed that said Sparrow is granivorous only in winter, when in order to sustain existence he is obliged to live ona grain diet, I have, during the months of March, April, May, and June of the present year, examined fifty speci- mens, of which number forty-seven showed cereal and vegetable food, and one con- tained a single coleopterous insect in conjunction with an abundance of wheat The food receptacles of the two remaining birds were void of any nutritious matter. In reference to their distribution, I think it can safely be said they are in by far the greater part of the towns and villages of our county. In West Chester, and a radius of five or eight miles, they are found in numbers. Sparrows in the late summer, fall, and winter congregate in large parties. Prior to the gathering in of the crops, these birds doa vast deal of damage to the grains. The sweet or. sugar corn, so valued on account of its esculent properties, like- wise satisfies these gormandizing omnivores. They will visit a corn-field, alight on the ears, tear open the top of the husk, and luxuriate on the half-formed niilley grain. The remaining portions of the ears are left partially nude and necessarily subject to the ravages of insects and atmospheric changes, which frequently result in their complete destruction. Althongh considerable damage is done to corn in the way above described, yet the destruction done wheat crops is far inexcess. Of course the quantity of grain eaten by each is very small, still the amount sufficient to supply a flock of 500 or 1,000 326 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. birdsisnotinconsiderable. But, gentlemen, bear in mind, if you please, that the grain devoured is but a tithe of that wasted. For instance, a Sparrow lights on a stalk, or possibly will grasp twoor more stalks in its claws; the perch, although quite strong enough to sustain the bird’s weight, will oscillate from the weight of the foreign body. Such an unsteady resting place compels the bird, in order to sustain its position, to almost continually flap its wings. This, in connection with the violent mandibular action, occasions many pellets of grain for every one eaten to be showered on the ground. In closing this article, I would earnestly solicit, for the extermination of these “white elephants,” the co-operation of the farmer, because to him it is of great practical utility that they be destroyed. To the practical non-closet naturalist, the potent need for their immediate eradication is positive. We ask alllovers of birds— and who among us do not admire, nay love, the native songsters—to lend their aid, and speedily, too, that some means may be devised for the blotting out of this un- looked-for bane. {Essay read March 18, 1880, by Dr. B. H. aren oe the West Chester (Pa.) Microscopical ociety. This much talked of and written about bird { again call your attention to, even at the risk of tiring the patience of some of my hearers. Among our members there are not a few who consider the Sparrow a curse to the community an.l a bird which, if it ever did do good, has ‘‘ long since outlived its usefulness.” Some years ago, by a well-disposed, estimable, and well-known resident of this place, six or seven Sparrows were obtained and conveyed to our borough, which at that time was the abode of many native song and insectivorous birds, Their arrival was heralded with joy by our citizens (except a few knowing ones who shook their heads and observed, ‘‘ You’ll be sorry for this ina few years”), some of whom forthwith erected a commodius box in the court-house yard for their protection against inclem- ent weather, mischievous boys, and prowling cats. The little ‘* pets” (as they were then called) were confined in this convenience and regularly fed and watered by their doting admirers for about ten days, when they were liberated. At irregular intervals after this, for a peried of nearly two months, they returned to the box for food and shelter. Gradually, however, the visitations became fewer and fewer, until finally they ceased. These pioneer Sparrows for sev- eral months displayed marked timidity as well as an eagerness to keep secluded. They roosted in the evergreen trees in the court-yard. One or two years rolled on without much authentic information being obtained relative to them. By way of ex- planation it may be stated that the word ‘‘authentic” before information is used, not but that it is true many reports, both newspaper and verbal, were current in regard to the ‘‘ new birds,” but the writer is also aware that our migrants and natives, other than the most common and well-known species, such as the wren, catbird, robin, etc., from the size of a sparrow-hawk (F. sparverius) to that of a kinglet (Regulus satrapa or calendula), were denominated by the uninitiated yet loquacious observer, ‘‘ En- glish Sparrow.” After the lapse of the time above specified they were frequently seen in small parties about the borough. Immediately, to meet the needs of these insectivorous (?) birds, several of our kind-hearted towns-people built boxes for their benefit. They were soon followed by others, until many of the shade and fruit trees of West Chester were ornamented or disfigured by costly bird-box architecture or rusty tin fruit-cans, pans, and stove-pipes. These efforts of our citizens, whether rich or poor, high or low, were lauded by the press, and so assiduously were the occupants of said domiciles guarded by night as well as by day that the ubiqnitous small boy was put to his utmost to secure the coveted ahd at that time marketable egg. The prolific Sparrows, as residents for four years, began to shuw, even to certain of their supporters, that they were not as useful as it was said they would be. EVIDENCE.—FROM AMERICAN PUBLICATIONS. 327 By degrees it became painfully patent to the fruit-grower, the gardener, and the florist, as well as the practical ornithologist, that the much-cared-for and overrated Sparrows were affecting seriously their respective interests. The pear, plum, and peach trees, and also the grape-vines, were rifled of their buds. The grapes, strawberries, and, I have been told, raspberries and blackberries, were taken. The tender herbs, grasses, and coleuses were plucked and devoured ; and last, but by no means the least, the close-observing lovers of native birds proper were forced to note a steady diminution, not only yearly but monthly, in the formerly plentiful denizeus of our town, such as the wren, blue-bird, vireo, and ‘chippy ” (8. socialis) ; even transitory visitors, as certain of the warblers, etc., seemed to avoid West Ches- ter, and now, at the proper seasons, when the migrants as well as residents enter this place, they are pursued and driven out by the hosts of ‘ usurpers.” Our townsman, John F. Ingram, well and favorably known to all, and a gentleman who, it is universally admitted, ‘thinks twice before he speaks,” was one of the first to call my attention to the destructive propensities, uncleanly habits, and pug- nacious disposition of the Sparrow. He also had noticed the material lessening in visitations of the insect-eating birds. Like observations of other well-known parties, and disparaging newspaper reports, linked with a desire to learn the true state of affairs, led to a series of dissections by the writer. The result of this work, it will be remembered by some, was given in detail by me before this society, hence I deein it not necessary to here dwell upon the minuti of anatomical labors; but will state that in upwards of a hundred stom- achs lately examined the show of vegetable materials was very greatly in excess of the insect diet. . It is needless, however, to dwell longer upon the merits or demerits of these birds. Suffice it to say that repeated interviews with many of our leading citizens and res- idents throughout the country prove conclusively that popular sentiment is against them because of their injurious traits. Now, the one question is, how shall we get rid of them ? [From papers read before the Biological Section of the Canadian Institute by W. Brodie.] THE EUROPEAN SPARROW, PASSER DOMESTICUS. The food of birds has, of late years, bccome a very important subject of investiga- tion from an economic as well as a scientific stand-point. Many old and tenaciously held opinions have been quite overthrown. It has been shown that birds of prey are nearly all beneficial, many of them emi- nently so. It has also been shown that many birds which were formerly considered entirely beneficial are injurious in some particulars. The rapid increase of the recently introduced European Sparrow, its adaptability to climatic conditions in Ontario, its food, itsdriving away of native species, and the general disturbance of bird life in consequence, are subjects which have attracted the attention of ornithologists and elicited some discussion without a very definite settlement of the most important points. ‘This bird may now be said to extend over the whole of Ontario, even over very sparsely settled sections. During this last summer it has spread from Nipissing along the line of the C. P. R. to the north of Lake Superior, and we need not be surprised to hear that it has survived the forty degrees below zero of Winnipeg. It is generally admitted that it has drivenaway a few native species from cities, towns, and country villages—species which were taking perhaps rather sparingly to our bustling centers, such as the chip- ping Sparrow (Spizella socialis), bluebird (Sialia sialis), house wren (Lroglodytes aédon), yellow warbler (Dendroica wstiva), cliff swallow (Petrochelidon lunifrons), tree swal- low ( Tachycineta bicolor), and afew others. The following extracts from memoranda covering a period of six years, are submitted with a view of contributing something to what we know of the food habits of this bird. 328 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. I fancy the grasshopper-eating habit has been acquired since its advent into Ontario. I am not aware of its ever having been noticed before either in Europe or in the United States. The first record of this habit was by Mr. Bucke, of Ottawa, in 1881, the next by Mrs. Maria Gardner, a lady of this city, in 1884. The dissections and examinations of stomachs were made with great care, mostly on recently killed birds. My thanks are due to many who rendered valuable assistance in these researches. In the spring of 1879, Mr. R. Baigent, artist, of this city, reported Sparrows as eat- ing gooseberry buds in his garden. This, if I mistake not, was published at the time in one of the city dailies. May 7, 1881.—One specimen collected in city; contents of stomach, broken down vegetable matter, buds of trees. May 7, 1881.—One specimen collected in York Township; contents of stomach, coleoptera, carabida, seeds of red clover. April 10, 1882.—Five specimens cullected in city; contents of stomach, pickings from horse manure, buds of trees. March 24, 18%2.—Sparrows eating maple buds on Berkeley street. March 25, 1882.—Sparrows eating maple buds all through city. April 7, 1884.— Sparrows destroying fruiting buds of maple and elm. April 7, 1884.—One specimen collected in York Township by Mr. Williams; con- tents of stomach, fruiting buds of trees. August 20, 1884.—Sparrows pursuing, killing, and eating grasshoppers on Ontario street. By Mrs. Maria Gardner. September 1, 1884.—For some days a small flock of Sparrows frequented a dense growth of ‘‘ pig weed” (Chenopodium album), growing near to wy work-room window. In order to determine what they were doing, Icarefully closed the shutters, leaving a small ocular. When the birds came readily within a distance of about a yard, with a glass of about ten diameters I quite clearly saw they were eating aphides [plant- lice] with great relish, as though they were treating themselves to a delicious drink, These visits were frequently repeated, affording me many opportunities for observa- tion. September 20, 1884.—Twenty specimens collected in York Township by Mr. W. Squires; contents of stomachs, very sharp sand, broken grains of oats, in one, six whole; elderberries, seeds of amaranthus, larve of geometrid moth three-quarters of an inch long, three larvie in one crop, coleoptera, October 31, 1885.—From March 1 to this date two hundred and thirty-seven stom- achs have been examined; one hundred and four, or about forty-three per cent., con- tained insects of several orders. Of eighty-five stemachs examined from September 1 to September 30, the season of young birds and also the season of migration from the city, sixty-three, or about seventy-four per cent., contained grasshoppers. March 15, 1886.—Sparrows destroying elm buds on Ontario street. By Mrs. Maria Gardner. March 20, 1886.—Sparrows ene fruiting buds of maple and elm trees on Berkeley street. March 28, 1886.—Sparrows dectnosing maple buds on Berkeley street. March 29, 1886.—Sparrows euting maple buds on Ontario street. By Mrs. Maria Gardner. April 5, 1886.—Sparrows eating elm buds, April 12, 1886.—Sparrows eating maple buds on Ontario strect. By Mrs. Maria Gardner. April 21.—Sparrows eating maple buds on Elizabeth street and Queen’s Park. By Mr. W. Parks. EVIDENCE.—FROM AMERICAN PUBLICATIONS. 329 August 15, 1886.—Sparrows pursuing “flying grasshoppers,” @. carolina, on Church street. By Mrs. Maria Gardner. August 20, 1886.—Three specimens collected in York Township by Mr. Jas. Milne; stomachs contained road pickings, broken oats, fragments of grasshoppers. August 25, 1886.—Seven specimens, young, collected on Dou Flats, north of Win- chester street bridge; contents of stomachs, road pickings, broken oats, seeds of Polygonum aviculare; grasshoppers in all. August 27, 1836.—Five specimens collected by Mr. W. Squires, east of city; con- tents of stomachs, very sharp sand; in all broken-down vegetable matter; in one, head and femora of C. femur-rubrum. August 29, 1886.—Four specimens, all young, collected by Mr. °C. Armstrong in Rosedale; contents of stomachs in all broken-down vegetable matter and portions of C. femur-rubrum. September 3, 1886.—Nine specimens collected on Don Flats, near paper mill; three stomachs contained fragments of grasshoppers, two contained pupe of a dipter, one contained three small lepidopterous larve. September 13, 1886.—Fifteen specimens collected in York Township; all contained the usual broken-down vegetable matter, nine contained portions of grasshoppers, one contained portions of femora of @. carolina. Of the forty-three specimens collected from August 20 to September 13, twenty- seven, or nearly sixty-three per cent., had been eating grasshoprers. May 27, 1887.—A young Sparrow about a week old fell out of nest and was killed ; stomach contained fragments of eggshell, two spiders, one small moth denuded of wings; the head and antennex were fairly well preserved. July 17.—Saw two Sparrows pursuing C. carolina on Berkeley street. When the grasshopper alighted the Sparrows pounced on him, but he eluded them by darting up on wing, the Sparrows sitting still watching his down-coming. Four unsuccess- fulattacks were made. On the fifth mount he got into some shrubbery and escaped. July 19.—Mrs. Maria Gardner handed me a mutilated @. carolina over which two Sparrows were contending in the normal school grounds; the head, both elytra, one wing, and three legs were gone and the thorax was badly crushed. July 20, 1887.—About noon saw a Sparrow breaking legs and wings of C. femur- rubrum in front of 325 Parliament street. July 20, 1887.—Saw a Sparrow catch and denude of wings and legs a C. femur- rubrum on Berkeley street, and then fly away with it, apparently to nest. August 5, 1887.—Caught four specimens of C. bivittatus on Don Flats, liberated them on a patch of Polygonum aviculare, Berkeley street, much frequented by Sparrows. They were immediately attacked by about a dozen Sparrows, and within fifteen min- utes three were killed, torn to pieces, and devoured. August 11, 1887.—Two specimens collected by Mr. W. Squires, in the east of the city ; contents of stomachs in both, road pickings and broken oats; in one, three pupe of a dipter. August 31.—Five specimens collected by Mr. D. Cox outside city limits; three stomachs contained spiders and fragments of coleoptera; one, head and femora of C. femur-rubrum. September 12, 1887.—Two specimens collected in city ; contents of stomach, small pieces of egg-shell, road pickings, broken oats. September 20, 1887.—Fonr specimens collected on Don Flats, near paper mill; stomachs all contained small lepidopterous larve and fragments of grasshoppers. Of the three hundred and seven specimens collected from May 7, 1881, to Septem- ber 20, 1887, the stomachs of one hundred and thirty-two, or nearly forty-three per cent., contained insects of several orders, and eighty-five, or nearly twenty-seven per cent., contained grasshoppers of two species, C. femur-rubrum and CZ. carolina. These two, with C. bivittatus, on which I fed them on August 5, 1887, make three species on which the Sparrows feed in the neighborhood of Toronto. 330 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. TESTIMONY RELATING MAINLY TO THE SPARROW IN EUROPE. FROM THE KVIDENCE SUBMITTED TO TIIE SELECT COMMITTEE ON [BRITISH] WILD BIRDS PROTECTION. 1873. (Mr. Champion Russell, residence near Romford. ]} [Page 12.] I will give you a history of the course of his life the whole of the year round in the country. We will begin on the Ist of January. He lives in the farm- yards, along the roads, yards of any kind near tbe houses. He gets his food there ; when the stacks have been threshed, in he goes. As soon as the barley and oats are sown he leaves the farm-yards and houses, and you see very few there. If you shoot him in the fields you find his crop full of oats and barley, unless he can get wheat ; then from that time until after the seed corn has grown, which would be about the end of April (it depends on the season), through May and June, when he can get the least corn,* then he destroys insects; the old ones eat scarcely any even at this time, but they feed their young more or less with them. Then when the green peas are in pod, that is about the first thing he takes in the fields. At this time of the year you may go miles across the country without seeing a Sparrow in the fields at all, except near houses and roads. I never see a Sparrow elsewhere until the peas are in pod. The next is the oats and barley, when they begin to get milky, and the next thing is the wheat. They get more and more in the fields in flocks, and there they stop, living principally in the fields, and many of them sleeping out in the hedges, until all the waste corn on the ground has grown in October. Then they come in clouds round the stacks, and then they go back to their old occupation, picking up what they can among the fowls and pigs and on the roads. The chief mischief they do is eating the green wheat in the ear when the corn just begins to form and there is very little init. An intelligent farmer told me lately that he sometimes loses £15 or £20 a year on a field, and that he would give £20 a year to keep them out; he lives near a village. This is done particularly in the first half of July, when the.grain is imperfect ; the juice runs out of their mouths when shot; you would think they had been drinking milk. Some farmers in Norfolk sow a little strip of oats between the farm-yard and the wheat-field that they may attack them first. But the great objection which I have to the Sparrows is, that they are by their increasing numbers exterminating the mar- tins. They have a habit of dispossessing the martins of their nests, and in our part of the country the martins have almost disappeared; consequently, we are subject to a plague of flies and insects; the Sparrows are the best allies of flying insects. I see an attempt to dispossess the martins on an average about twice a week when Iam at home; and once or twice I have seen it two or three times ina day. The martins’ nests are under the eaves. The cock Sparrow comes first and settles on the eaves, and dodges about; the martins make feeble attempts to drive them away, but they are usually perfectly heipless ; the Sparrow dodges backward and forward per- haps for an hour; at last he gets in, and once into the nest the cock stops in and keeps the martins ont with his sharp bill, while the hen brings some hay. The Spar- row once in full possession the martins never meddle. They spend the whole of the summer in building fresh nests for the Sparrows. I never knew that they dispossessed any other bird. I never knew any other bird dispossess the martins. The Sparrows come in clouds round the stacks when they can get no more out of the fields, and they then take to the same mode of life that we began with, except that they have a turn at the wheat in the tields when it is sowed about November. The stacks being threshed out in the fields has made a difference to them; they used to thresh them out in the farm-yard, where they had a struggle with the pigs and fowls. Close to my gate at home, though not on my own land, a stack was *[It should be remembered that the word corn is used in England to denote small grain of almost any kind; Indian corn is invariably called maize.—W. B. B.J V EVIDENCE.—FROM EUROPEAN PUBLICATIONS. 331 threshed out in April or March; it has furnished clouds of Sparrows with food ever since; people have been moving the straw occasionally, which gives them fresh ground to feed upon; these things encourage Sparrows; besides which, I believe there are more horses in the country and more oats given them, and that is a never- failing resource; they will never starve, winter or summer, so long as horses have uncrushed oats. They give their young ones insects. I have saved the food of many hundreds of Sparrows, and got it bottled [producing two bottles], that I may know precisely what kinds of insects they eat. I shouldakso like to know what species the martins eat. I want the assistance of an expert entomologist here, but I can state generally that out of three hundred and eighty-eight young Sparrows examined last year, of all ages, from a great variety of places, chiefly from farms, but also from private houses, wheat and green peas were found in them in considerable quantities; the insects were of two clesses—caterpillars and coleopterous insects—but I found very few in- sects that I knew well; I found one earwig, one grasshopper, a few hard-winged beetles, but mostly soft beetles (I suspect they come out of the manure), and cater- pillars in very variable quantities; the yery small young ones, up to three or four days old, generally have caterpillars and little else, unless they have green peas. When they get to the size of ‘‘ large callow,” you will often find that they are full of wheat ; the gizzard soon becomes hardened, and there is a great quantity of even ripe wheat. Sometimes you find hardly any caterpillars, but a kind of black stuff. There are different-sized insects of the beetle class, but soft. I find a great quantity of cole- opterous insects also in the droppings under the martins’ nests; not the same species probably, but the same class of insects. One catches them on the wing, whereas the others catch them on the ground. Oue of these bottles holds the contents of the stomachs of eighty-two young Sparrows taken recently, and this one of fifty-four old Sparrows obtained last April; of more than one hundred examined at different times in that month, only one contained an insect; that one, two or three. Ihave not yet found an insect in a Sparrow in autumn or winter. They can hardly do much good to the farmer, for they do not frequent the fields to eat the insects unless they are close to a house or road. You can see them destroy an acre of wheat sometimes, but I am not aware of any counterbalancing advantage in the ground close to the roads and the houses over places half a mile from a road or house where you never see a Sparrow except about harvest time. The food differs very much, according to locality and according to the opportu- nities. A farmer sent me a lot of young Sparrows, that [ might examine the con- tents of their stomachs; they contained a good deal of wheat, a good deal of green peas, and a fair sprinkling of insects. Only four days later he sent me another lot; there was still wheat, but no peas—insects were substituted; they were caterpillars. I suppose the green peas had been grubbed up, and they bad to hunt the caterpil- lars; but it was not very conclusive, because the man had two farms a mile apart. He told me that he believed they came from both farms; but that made it a little: less pointed than it would have been. I could not get at it by inquiry; I did not get to see the boy who took them, but it looked as if they ate peas as long as they could get them, and then they got caterpillars. You will find that there are more caterpillara at the top than at the bottom of this bottle, because the contents of the youngest birds are at the top. I do not know how many days after hatching the young beginto eat wheat; when I was a boy I might have been able to tell you how many days each size of ‘callow bird represented. What I call a large callow bird generally contains a good deal of wheat. I should say three days old is the date, but it isa mere guess. As their whole growth is completed in a fortnight, it can not take many days. The, large callow birds contain more food than the full-feathered ones; the gizzard alters very curiously in shape and size, aud as they grow to full size it contracts again. As to breeding, I can not tell exactly, but my recollection of the time when I used to 332 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. look after nests is that they seldom lay before about the 23d or 25th of April. They breed all through July and August, but yon do not find many then; as they get out onto the wheat fields they seem to leave off the idea of breeding ; there are not many nests in August; that is the only chance the martins have, which saves them from utter extermination. Occasionally they raise a late brood in September, when the Sparrows are gone to ravage the wheat fields. The poor birds are reduced to great straits, and they have to wait until the latter part of October, when they are pinched up with the cold, and they go down the chimneys at night for warmth; but when they are protected they get their latest broods clear off before the end of September generally. To the best of my recollection only two nests were reared (on my place) in 1869, one close to a door, and one close to a window, where the Sparrows dared not come; all the rest were taken by the Sparrows. As, to my indignation, they had been diminishing in numbers for many years, I thought to do something to protect the martins. Ihad been away from home for a month in the year 1870, and I came home towards the end of May. Several martins’ nests were built around the pigeon- house, which is afavorite place of theirs; I found that every nest had been taken by the Sparrows. I set to work witha young friend, one or other of us watching the martins nearly all day for a fortnight; we killed about a hundred and fifty Sparrows in the fortnight around tho martins’ nests, and in spite of a great deal of difficulty, we got seven nests to fly that year. The next year I had twenty nests; last year I had forty- five, and this year I have more than fifty, I should think; I can not tell exactly how many there will be, but I expect there will be sixty, for I believe there are fifty-one now, and they have not allbuiltyet. * * * No bird, inmyopinion, does as much mischief as the Sparrow, or requires so much to be kept down, partly from the nature of his food and from the manner of getting it. The Sparrow is not only the greatest corn-eater, on the whole, of any of the small birds, at all events, but he is not kept down by a cold winterso much; he can find his food somehow all the yearround. No small bird approaches the Sparrow in destructiveness; I will not be so dogmatic as to say that the Sparrows are of no good at all, but the balance is against them, even taking a comparative estimate of what they eat; and when you are certain that they are destroying one of our most beautiful, useful, and interesting birds, the martin, that condemns them. I like the martin, and his enemies are my enemies. (June 12, 1873.) {Mr. Champion Russell, in paper handed to the committee. ] [Page 172.] Mr. Hurrell, farmer, Boreham, near Chelmsford, being questioned (July 14, 1873) about birds, says that he once measured an acre of early wheat where Sparrows had eaten it, and another adjoining acre, otherwise of same quality. The wheat was thrashed out separately, and the loss from Sparrows found to be two quarters [16 bushels]; value at the time, £6. Does not find the land less valuable for any crop where Sparrows do not frequent. Says that Sparrows take a few aphides from the peas, as well as the green peas themselves, but not enough to do perceptible good where they frequent. (I find that they sometimes give a few aphides to their young ones.—C. R.) Martins" and Sparrows. The decrease in the number of straw-thatched buildings, most likely, has some effect in making Sparrows more hard on the martins; but many-of the former take the nests of the latter in preference to any other accommodation. I have found, for instance, that they will not use the ‘Sparrow pots” if they can get at martins’ nests. *(The European martin, Hirundo urbica, must not be confounded with the Ameri- can martin, Progne subis. The former is much smaller, in size and nesting habits more nearly resembling the American cliff swallow, Petrochelidon lunifrons.—W. B.B.] EVIDENCE.—FROM EUROPEAN PUBLICATIONS. 333 The time that Sparrows prefer to take martins’ nests is when the shell is not quite finished, as they like a rather large hole to carry in their grass and feathers, of which they use much more than the martins. If not molested, martins use the same nest if they have two or more broods. If the Sparrows do not take a martin’s nest before the young ones are large, they do not meddle with it until the first brood has flown. This, then, 1s another favorite time for taking the nest. The old martins are away attending to their fresh flown young for a few days, and there is no attempt at op- position. I think I could find within w short distance one hundred houses where martins built in numbers forty years ago, but where, owing to the depredations of Sparrows and stupid people, there are none now. White, of Selbourne, wrote that ‘‘ there are few towns or large villages but what abound with house martins.” This was the case up to some forty years ago. Now, in most towns and villages, where there were hundreds of these birds, there are now nove, or only a few pairs. The principal exceptions, in my knowledge, are in moor or down country, where there is little corn, and consequently but few Sparrows. Sometimes, but not often, the martins find a place to build, which, for some reason, the Sparrows do not like. If people will neither protect the martins from the Sparrows, nor let them build uear their doors and windows for protection, we shall lose these beautiful and most useful birds; indeed, we are losing them fast. Unlike most other birds, they will not make their nests far from our dwellings; if not allowed to build there, they dis- appear. Any law to protect Sparrows, if at’ all observed, would have precisely the same effect as offering a reward for the destruction of martins. As a single instance among many of the banishment of martins by Sparrows, at the place where I was born and brought up, three wiles off, there were a great many mar- tins nests when Iwasaboy. The Sparrows persecuted them badly then, ard gradually displaced them, until, for some years past, I do not think that a brood has been raised there. It is a favorite place for martins; some always resort and feed there, though none breed within three-quarters of a mile. They constantly try to re-establish themselves there. This year two nests were begun. Both were taken by Sparrows before they were finished. A starling afterwards turned the Sparrow out of one, and eventually broke the nest down by its weight. A starling’s egg was found in the nest after it fell. To recover from the martins the other nest, which was under the eaves of the house, near a window, I offered a servant half a crown to shoot the Sparrows and pull their nest out. Thiswasdone. The martinscame back, finished their nest, and kept posses- sion forsome time. When the young ones were callow, half of the nest, with its con_ tents, was found one day on the ground. The Sparrows no doubt caused this mischief by trying to force themselves into the very small hole left by the martins as is their custom where liable to the attacks of Sparrows. The uestrested on a bar of iron, and was broken across the middle ; a thing I never knew to be done by the martins them- selves; no wet could get at the nest. I have before known a nest to be broken by Sparrows squeezing themselves in; in this way they often break down a nest entirely and then go and take another. Three years ago a blacksmith near here saw two Sparrows pull young martins out of a nest and drop them alive on the ground. He gota ladder and put the birds back in their nest; in ten minutes he found that the Sparrows had come back and thrown down the young martins again. [Page 174] I have destroyed Sparrows as closely as possible for the last four years, and cau not find the slightest disadvantage from their absence. It may be said that my neighbors supply me with enough for useful purposes. If so, this shows that 99 per cent. of their usual numbers might be destroyed without perceptibly bad effect, so rarely is one to be seen at my place, 334 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. [Page 182.] The House Sparrow stands in a class alone; it can hardly be considered awild bird; it isa parasite, living mainly on our produce. Its mode of life is such, that it requires to be kept down by man far more than any other bird. Sparrows should have no protection by law; they are bred in great numbers in towns, villages, and about almost every house and cottage. Living along the roads, they soon find their way to and swarm in farm-yards, however closely they may have been killed down there in winterand spring. Farmers, therefore, generally have the nests taken, but many escape in trees. Were this practice prevented, poisoning would be thought necessary. Much has been written in favor of the ‘‘ Sparrows and other small birds.” One con- sequence is, that many people encourage Sparrows to an extent detrimental to their neighbors’ crops aud to the martins; another consequence is, that others, finding the Sparrows destructive, and taking it for granted that all small birds are alike, destroy all they can. Then, Sparrows being far more wary and cunning, before they are thinned to any extent almost all the other birds are destroyed. Nearly all evidence in favor of Sparrows is founded on partial observation, or is vitiated by the fact that when they are killed down the other birds are extermi- nated. The destruction of Sparrows by nets, and particularly by shooting, is almost always accompanied by great slaughter of harmless and useful birds. Warblers and other soft-billed birds are much more effective destroyers of caterpillars and other insects than Sparrows. One great object of protection laws is to educate people to spare harmless birds. One of the first practical stepstoward this desirable end is to teach people that, when it is necessary to thin the Sparrows, other birdsnecd not also be destroyed, The indis- criminate zeal which would pcotect all birds alike, defeats its own object and spoils a good cause by going too far. The moral effect of any legal protection to Sparrows, even if not applied to occu- piers, would be to keep up the delusion that all small birds are alike, and thus ie en- courage the slaughter of harmless and useful birds with the Sparrows, Whatever may be thought about the utility of a modérate number of Sparrows, few practical farmers doubt that in great numbers they are very destructive ; it seems to me that there is no fear that we shall ever have too few of them; in spite of all efforts to destroy them, they seem almost everywhere to be greatly increasing in num- bers. (Mr. Henry Meyers, market gardener. ] [Page 20.] I had a Sparrow club once; I thought they were very injurious birds; we killed them until scarcely one could be found on the premises. After the Spar- rows became almost extinct we found blight of various kinds very much increase upon us, and it has done so ever since. J am glad to say Sparrows are becoming more com- mon with us now ; this year our trees are comparatively free from blight. The com- mittee will draw their own inference, but those were the facts. We have also suffered much less from insects, especially this year. To say the Sparrows do no damage would be wrong, but there is no doubt that they do a larger proportion of good than they do harm. I can not say that I have gone into details, and made post-mortem examina- tions of their stomachs, but there is something interesting in one of those bottles 1 think. (Bottles produced by last witness.) You will find the larva of one of the greatest enemies we have—the little green caterpillar that eats up the gooseberry leaves. We are large growers of gooscberries. The Sparrows will sometimes have their share, and go and. pick off the ends of the blossoms, but they do that over a very small extent of our plantation near the buildings and near the hedges. My foreman at Bedfont said, ‘‘ These Sparrows are stuffing at the gooseberries; what shall we do?” T said, “ Let thom alone ; they will go to another place soon.” We have now a very good crop of gooseberries. T think {he amount of fruit which we lose from the birds is comparatively very smallindeed, What I mean to be understood by this is, that for ten months these birds ave living very mach on what they can get, such ag EVIDENCE.—FROM EUROPEAN PUBLICATIONS. 335 seeds of weeds, self-set corn, and vermin. I have no doubt (althonghI can not prove it) that the germs of blight are consumed in winter by small birds, and if they were more common, blight would be less common. (The following points were brought out by questioning this witness]: With regard to the blight, it was an increase of blight generally. I can not say as a consequence of the destruction of the Sparrows. I only mentioned that as a coin- cidence; the green caterpillar in the gooseberries was one, and the common cater- pillar in the apple trees. I have had apple trees destroyed by them fortwo years. I have had the green fly in almost all kinds of plants; the only thing that has not suffered has been the raspberries. * * * Ihave not seen Sparrows actually eating the green caterpillars off the gooseberry trees. * * * In addition to the Sparrows I destroyed the chaffinch and any kind of seed-eating bird, but not blackbirds and thrushes. (Juue 12, 1873.) (Mr. Lewis Fytche, magistrate. ] [Page 25.] I have observed Sparrows all my life and I will at least say this, thav if you watch the Sparrow you will see one of the most beautiful sights in creation ; that is to say, a cock Sparrow, hawking at the white butterfly in the sun. He goes at it just like a hawk afteraheron. He kills tens of thousands of the eggs which produce the cabbage caterpillar; so that instead of taking the caterpillar he takes the evil in the egg. The white butterfly produces the cabbage larva which does so much harm, and I think the Sparrow is most useful in that point of view. (Juné 12, 1873.) (Lord Lilford. ] [Page 28. ] The Sparrow is mischievous in every way, and is very numerous. Of course he does good by destroying grubs and caterpillars; but I think he does de- cidedly more harm than good. (June 19, 1873.) [Prof. Alfred Newton, M.A., F.R.5.] [Page 34.] The Sparrow has spread throughout the world, accompanyivg man in his migrations; he has taken him out to the United States, the Cape of Good Hope, the [sland of Mauritius, Australia, and almost every part of the world. * * * In a few years I think some of them will find out their mistake. * * * T think cer- tainly the Sparrow will establish himself, and perhaps any bird that establishes him- self must do so more or less at the expense of some other bird. (June 19, 1873.) . |Mr. C. 0. Groome Napier, ornithologist. ] [Page 47.] I think the Sparrow and wood pigeon are the most objectionable birds we have, on account of their numbers and also because they feed so much, generally on green crops. I think the Sparrow does more harm than good. The balance is de- cidedly against him; I should condemn him. He does not feed his young entirely on insects even during the first days. Dr. Edward Crisp exhibited before the British Association at Birmingham, in 1855, a hundred stomachs of young Sparrows, and there was uot 5 percent. that contained any insect food; I examined them with a lens myself. They were the stomachs of nestlings. The food is almost always a con- siderable portion of grain; in the case of young Sparrows it is green corn generally. I know from personal observation that the Sparrow takes the place of other and better birds; I have observed that the warblers and wrens, and those little birds, have been pushed out of their proper position by the Sparrow. They have been driven away from the locality. The Sparrow supplants them in their nesting places. I have seen the Sparrow often supplant both the house martin and the swallow. Ionce hada gwallow’s nest which was usurped after there were eggs in it by a Sparrow ; the Spar- row put in some hay to make the nest rather softer. I believe the Sparrow ate the | eggs; they were found broken, at all events, and covered with hay. (June 19, 1873.) 336 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. [Mr. Alfred Ellis (living near Leicestcr).] [Pago 52.] In my neighborhood the House Sparrow is not injurious to any consider- able extent, except just when the corn begins to harden, or gets sufficiently formed to enable him to take it from the chaff, then he is very destructive; during the other part of the year he feeds largely on insects. The Sparrows in our neighborhood re- main in the fields late in the autumn, much after the gathering in of the harvest, and w long time after there is an ear of corn in the fields; they feed then in large flocks entirely on seeds, the seeds of weeds. I may state that I have seen the Sparrow in contest with the martin fur the martin’s nest. He drives the martin from his nest to some extent, particularly toward the latter part of the summer. I do not recollect an instance of where a Sparrow dispossessed a martin during the first brood of the martin, but in a large colony of martins I think I have seen as much as 25 per cent. of the nests occnpied by Sparrows in the second brood of the martins, or rather what would have been the second brood. I have not observed that other birds are driven away by the Sparrow. [Mr. Alfred Ellis, ] [Page 56.] The Sparrow is certainly powerful enough to turn out the martin, and he does it. The martin is one of the most useful birds. The Sparrow is mischievous during the time when the corn is first hardening; on the first ripening of the corn you will find the Sparrows constantly in the field up to the time of the gathering in of the harvest, perhaps in the midland counties from the first week in July to the middle or end of October. * * * I donot think the Sparrow does very much harm in the gardens; I have seen destruction caused by it in rad’sh beds and young lettuce beds. (June 26, 1873.) (Mc. R. Scot-Skirving, gentleman farmer.] [Page 63.] I would exempt the House Sparrow (from protection); nine-tenths of the House Sparrow’s food is insects, particularly caterpillars. As a farmer, I would not be frightened of the damage they do; the damage they do to farmers is much more apparent than real, because they eat corn as it ripens along the hedge-side, generally near the farmsteading; they do not scatter themselves over the fields; they will utterly destroy a quarter of an acre, perhaps, but they will never touch anything else. However, they do terrible damage to gardens; they kill off the very young veg- etables when they first come up from the ground ; they will eat up a whole crop of peas if they are allowed. I have watched them feeding their young, and I have seen them coming with green caterpillars from the bushes and trees ; when they were thonght to be doing damage they were killing caterpillars. [Rev. J. Pemberton Bartlett. Residence at Exbury, in the New Forest. ] [Page 68.] The Sparrow undoubtedly does harm in gardens; he does a certain amount of harm, but if he does harm for three montha in the year he does good for the other nine months, which counterbalances it. I have opened the crops of the young and I have watched the old birds carrying green caterpillars up to theirnests. Ihave dissected young birds enough to get a knowledge of what they are fed upon. In the breeding time they are nearly always full of insects, caterpillars, etc. The majority of their food for a certain time is insectivorous. I have sometimes found them with- out any vegetable food, and at other times there has been a mixture of green food, but the insect food always preponderates decidedly over the vegetable. With regard to the martins, certainly he does drive them away; I had al! my martins driven away three years ago by Sparrows. I have known the birds take possession of all their nests, and drive them away. This year the martins have come back again, and the Sparrows have not attacked them yet. (June 26, 1873.) EVIDENCE.—FROM EUROPEAN PUBLICATIONS. 337 [Mr. William Johns, book-scller (residence about a mile from Torquay).] [Page 73.] On June51 walked to Babbicombe Hill to wait on a lady ; Isaw a moth on a flower; I went and took the flower and turned the head down, and the moth flew away. It was nottheoneI wanted. It flew half across the garden. A bird (Sparrow) came from the hedge, caught it, and took it to its nest. I went to the nest, and there were five of the top wings of the same moth. It was the large brown cabbage moth, one of the greatest enemies of the cabbage plant. (June 26, 1873.) (Mr. Henry Stevenson, gentieman.] [Page 89.] I have repeatedly seen the Sparrow taking possession of the martins’ nests on the sides of my own house, and I have frequently shot them with a small- bulleted pistol to turn them out. JI have never known them to interfere with the swallows’ nests, but the Sparrows are in the habit of using old martins’ nests in the winter, relining them, and I suppose they think they have a vested right in them the next spring. Ifthe martins build fresh nests they turn them out of those also. [Page 91.] Isuppose I have sometimes seen ten or twelve pairs of Sparrows at a time all collecting insects from the grass and from the borders for their young, which are under the tiles and other parts of the houses; they are doing an immense good at that time, but as soon as those young birds have flown and taken themselves to the fields, then they certainly do a great deal of injury to the farmers. The earlier broods are not fed on grain. Laterin the season, when the corn begins to be soft in the ear, I think the probability is that the old ones feed the young on soft, pulpy grain. I have not dissected any Sparrow nestlings. Speaking only asa gardener, J should not destroy the Sparrow. I think they dome a very great amount of good. (July 3, 1873.) {Mr. George Swaysland, taxidermist (residence at Brighton).] [Page 104.] The Sparrow does a great amount of good; he never feeds his young on corn at all; you see him in all the footpaths in the cornfield; he is not in the corn; he feeds his young on insects. I never knew him to feed his later brood on milky grain; I have killed and examined thousands of them—nestling Sparrows; I have generally found grubs in their stomachs, or those little beetles that run across the footpaths. As soon as the old bird leaves the young Sparrow then he goes to the corn; but they bring their young ones up on insects until they are able to fly about and to look out for themselves. Those things have been my study all my life. I know whether birds increase or decrease, and what they feed upon; it has been my hobby; I have been more in the fields, and I can say it without any boasting, I have lost more time, as some people would say, in the fields, than any other man in Great Britain. (July 10, 1873.) [Mr, John Cordeaus, gentleman farmer (residence in North Lincolnshire), ] [Page 110.] My opinion is that the good the Sparrow does far counterbalances the evil. The time of year when the Sparrow commits the most destruction is when the young milky grain is in the plant. Two or three years ago I opened the crops of thirty-five young Sparrows of various ages, which J took indiscriminately from the nests around my own house, and on an average I found in their crops two parts soft grain and one part insects; so that even at this season they feed partly on insects. Some of them were only a few hours out of the shell, but others were fully fiedged ; they were every size and ago. I uever destroy Sparrows except in taking their nests, and I do that because I think the Sparrows increase enormously, and I think they drive out other birds. Sparrows about a garden discourage the warblers and other birds. 1 find when there are a great number of Sparrows, one species turns the other out. Itis by competition for food. * * * I have never seen a case of actual per- secution, but being a strong and pushing species the Sparrow would naturally eat the food of weaker and less combative birds. (July 10, 1873.) 8409—Bull. 1 22 338 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. [Mr. John Cordeaux in paper handed in to the committee. } [Page 178.] House Sparrow (Passer domesticus).—Sparrows feed their young in April, May, and June almost exclusively on insects; in July, insects and soft grain. “The stomachs of thirty-five young Sparrows, taken to-day from nests about my house, give the following result: One part insects to two parts soft grain, The young were of all sizes, from a day old to others sufficiently fledged to fly short distances; some had the stomach filled almost entirely with insects, and others with grain alone ; generally, however, there was an admixture in the above proportions. The grain was not confined to the oldest birds, as the stomachs of two baby Sparrows, from appear- ances hatched but a few hours, contained nothing bnt grain. One little bird had its gizzard filled with a large moth, which unfolded was half the size of its body. Where grain was present there was also a proportiouate supply of small stones to assist di- gestion. Those gizzards containing the largest proportion of grain had invariably the most stones. The insect remains were principally those of various coleoptera and many small caterpillars and grubs.” (J. Cordeaux, in “ Zoologist” for 1870, p. 2287.) The Sparrow also feeds on the aphides and the weevil of the bean plant; in the an- tumn and winter, ou grains of wheat, oats, and barley ; also various secds. [Mr. William Cratie Angus, picture dealer (residence in Glasgow, but notes relate to Aberdeen- shire).]} [Page 117.] Sparrows by the end of June or beginning of July congregate into large flocks, and I have known fields of barley and corn flattened by them, actually broken down by the weight of Sparrows; they are very destructive to newly-sprouted peas ; I have known whole rows of peas cropped off by Sparrows. * * * When they have bent down the corn it has been on the edge of the field generally, not always. The earliest part of a field is not necessarily the edge of it. They generally go to the ear- liest part of it, but, when disturbed, prefer the middle to the edge of it. Ihave shot (firing both barrels) as many as seventy Sparrows feeding in the middle of a field. Whether they feed in the middle or on the edge of the field depends, I think, on the ripeness of the crop and the amount of annoyance they would be snbjected to at the edge. I think that wherever any species becomes very numerous, by force of numbers it dispossesses other species. Where Sparrows are very numerous in gar- dens you wil! find that other birds are not so plentiful. (July 10, 1873.) (Rev. John George Wood, F. L. S.] [Page 131.] Ihave not done very much with the Sparrow, but I have seen him in the very early morning doing nothing but eating insects or larviv, picking them out of the grass, the daddy-long-legs especially, which is one of the most dangerous insects we have. It never struck me that the Sparrow displaced other birds. I think there is no competition for food. (July 17, 1873.) (Mr. James Pertwee, gentleman farmer, residence in Essex. ] [Page 149.] Ican hardly describe the harm tho Sparrow does me; he does harm in every possible way. He is utterly bad; he is no good cither; he is not to be frightened at all. He may do some good for a day or two while the birds are very small, but di- rectly he can geé soft corn or seed he will take it to his young. They are troublesome birds in every way; for instance, they destroy the thatch of buildings at an astonish- ing rate. They make holesin the thatch, and they turn out all the martius, I should not mind giving £5 a year to be protected from them. They turn martins out of their nests; that is w very useful bird; but they have decreased very much through the Sparrows. I do not think I have known the Sparrow tg persecute any other bird besides the martin. This year, Iam sorry to say, I have no martins’ nests, or only one; sometimes I have had a number under my eaves. Tho Sparrows would take every nest they could get if I had not looked after them and kept thom away as well EVIDENCE —FROM EUROPEAN PUBLICATIONS. 339 asT could. They turn them out sometimes when the nest is half formed, like a cup, and sometimes when they have had young ones they have turned them out. I have found the young ones thrown out and lying on the ground. I may add that some persons have said that the Sparrows do good inasmuch as they eat green caterpillars off gooseberry and currant trees. Now, my children told me yesterday that the caterpillars had eaten up all the currant trees. My garden joins the farm-yard, and there are plenty of Sparrows in the garden, so I do not see that they eat the caterpillars at all. (July 17, 1873.) {Mr. James Pertwee in paper handed in to the committee. ] {Page 175.] House Sparrows.—It is scarcely possible to say too much against these obnoxious birds; they live almost entirely upon cornu, and will not take insects, grub orcaterpillar, except when their young are very small; begin to attack the corn before any other bird, and give their young green peas, barley, and wheat as soon as the ker- nel is formed ; do not even eat seeds of weeds or plants, because they are not found in the fields, except when and after there iscorn. I would give £5 a year to be protected entirely against them. At this time my gooseberry trees are infested with caterpil- lars, although the garden is very near to the farm-yard, and a gentleman told me on Tuesday last that his garden joined the stack-yard, yet the green caterpillar was stripping the leaves off his gooseberry trees. (Mr. James Harrison, gardener and bailiff (residence at Heathlands, Hampstead).] [Page 152.] The Sparrow is a very good insect-catcher at certain seasons, when he eats caterpillars. The only trouble that gardeners have with him is at the time young peas are inseason. Then he is inclined to take too much, and only then. Ihave never destroyed a bird during the twenty years that I have had charge of gardens; and I would not destroy even the Sparrow. (July 17, 1873.) {Mr. John Colam, secretary Royal Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.] [Page 154.] With regard to the Sparrow, I have often seen him devouring large caterpillars, and this very day I have seen a Sparrow attacking spiders in a most voracious manner, and clearing them off tho copings of the walls at Wandsworth. (July 17, 1873.) [Mr. Jesse Willard, gardener to Lady Burdett-Coutts. | [Page 155.] I know for a fact that the common House Sparrow eats caterpillars, for I can give an instance of that. The cottage I live inis covered with ivy, and against the bed-room window is a Sparrow’s nest with young ones in it. I have seen the old Sparrows come in the morning from some pear trees opposite, aud alight on the win- dow-sill with caterpillars in theirmonths. You couldsee them quite plainly. I should say in passing, that instances have come under my notice in which, where the cater- pillars have been rather numerous, they have been passed almost unnoticed by other birds, and allat once the Sparrow has made a sudden set at them and cleared them off. lyrecently had a brother of mine come up from the country; he lives in the Weald of Kent, where they grow a great many filberts; he was not favorable to birds, on the whole, but he said this fact had come under his notice: They had some fil- berts on which there was a large amount of caterpillars ; all at once the Sparrows set at them and cleared them off; at the same time, for some reason or other, they seemed to pass them by for a time quite regardless, but all at once they set at them. I have seen that apparent caprice myself. (July 17, 1-73.) {Mr. James Bell, gardener to the Duke of Wellington, Strathfieldsayo, Hampshire. ] ¢ (Page 156.] I have seen a wren carrying green caterpillars off the fruit trees all day long to her young ones. I have secn a Sparrow going on just in the same way as the wren, only the Sparrow’s family is not so numerous as the wren’s. The only thing 340 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. which I know against the Sparrow is that after the peas come in just about this sea- son, they are very destructive to the green peas; they peck the pods, and destroy the peas. * * * But notwithstanding the destruction of a few peas, I think the Spar- rows are of very great advantage to gardeners. (July 17, 1873.) (Rev. Francis O. Morris. j [Page 164.] This is the twentieth year I have been rector of Nunburnholme, and in the whole of that time I have never but twice, at intervals, known the Sparrows do me any harm that I should not feel ashamed to complain of. They used to breed in great numbers in our dilapidated old church; and those two years did certainly take the peas in my top garden in a way Idid not approve of. Butthey never did so before _ or since to any extent worth speaking of, and I always say, ‘‘ Live, and let live,” They do sometimes pick up garden seeds, when sown close to the surface, but I be- lieve are much oftener blamed than they deserve, for what the mice have done. The rows of peas in the garden * * * are this year almost as perfect and full as it is possible to be, though it is on that side that the church tower still affords a home to some of those birds, as do also some large ivy-covered birch trees, while in the other garden, out of their way, there are some gaps, but not much to speak of even there, from whatever cause. It is really the fact that I very seldom see the Sparrows eating anything, and I often have wondered what they get to keep themselves in such good condition. I hardly ever go on the road, all the year round, but I see many in the middle of it, here or there; and when they are down in the garden, they are generally on beds where there is nothing but grains of earth or sand to pick up. This year they have picked off the young leaves of the beet-root in one of our gardens, but I hope the plants will be none the worse for it in the end. In the other gardens they have not touched them at all. With regard to the Sparrow being the cause of the diminution in the numbers of martins, I have to remark that the two species have gone on together, pari passu, in all time past. If, then, the latter have been, within the last few years, as is sug- gested, expelled by the former, how is it that the like was not done before? How came the martins to hold their own in such numbers till then ? This house and the old church near it used to be lined with martins’ nests years ago. Since then, we have had none till this year, when first one pair built, another began, but left off; yet some half-dozen pairs are careering morning after morning in front of my study-window, but nothing has come of it so far. (Since I wrote this several other nests have been built, and one begun.) We used to have, too, contemporaneously with them, a cloud of Sparrows in the old church roof and tower; and no doubt they sometimes expelled the martins from their nests. But these were only the exceptions, and the main body held their own against all comers. Even those which are now and then dislodged, build over and over again; the cause, in such cases, of their being late, or over late at the time of migration. This year, as I said, three or four pair only are building here, while of some which are building again in the village, most, or nearly all, are domiciling without molesta- tion under the eaves of a farm-house adjoining a fold-yard, the very home of the Spar- rows, aud at some cottages immediately opposito to the adjoining stack-yard. {Mr. Robert Gray, ornithologist, and late secretary Natural History Society of Glasgow .} [Page 176.]_ The Sparrow is very destructive to grain and is ablo to protect itself. It may, therefore, with advantage, be excluded from protection. {Mr. J. EZ, Harting.) [Page 186.] The Sparrow, although a consumer of grain, feeds itself and young on insects for many wecks at a time when insects are most injurious. It therefore deserves protection during the nesting season, or from April 1 to Au- gust 1. EVIDENCE.—FROM EUROPEAN PUBLICATIONS. 341 [FROM ‘‘TIE IOUSE SPARROW” (PART 1), BY J. 1, GURNEY, JR., 1885. ] The various ways in which Sparrows do harm to crops are well known to agricult- urists; but perhaps by no one has the sequence of their proceedings in the ficid been better put than by the Rev. C. A. Jolins (Brit. Birds, p.202). Sometimes they make descents on the standing corn before the grain has attained full size, and uear the hedges the busy pilferers are at work, and fly up in a swarm as you approach them, but when it is quite ripe they do the greatest harm. It is not only what they eat, but what they knock out. A gentleman who is a practical farmer in North Lincolnshire—Mr. J. Cordeaux— tells me he has seen acres which had the appearance of being thrashed with a flail. Taking this iato consideration, the opinion of the Melbourne (Derbyshire) Sparrow Club—that Sparrows destroy a qnart of corn apicce during the summer (vide Zoolo- gist, p.2299)—is probably truc. If thirty grains a day is a Sparrow’s ordinary meal during June, July, and August (and [ do not think this is far from the mark, having repeatedly found twenty and twenty-five whole grains, and ouce, in November, forty, in a Sparrow’s crop), it would have eaten, during those three months, two thousand seven hundred and sixty grains, which is nearly a third of a pint; or if, take the whole year round, each Sparrow eats, on an average, fifteen grains a day, then each Sparrow eats in a year five thousand four hundred and seventy-five grains. This is none too high an estimate, for the quantity which Sparrows eat at stacks in winter- time equals what they take from the fields in the summer. During the operations of harvest, I understand they may often be seen sticking to the gradually lessening square of corn until all the field is cut. They then transfer their attention to the sheaves, and also divide with the gleaners what is left on the stubble. Finally, when the farmer has sold his produce, Sparrows take a very large toll out of any portion of it which a purchaser may give to his poultry, as every breeder of chickens and tur- keys knows very well. At the end of September a marked decrease is to be seen in their numbers, but whether this is caused by real emigration or by local movements isnot clear. It has often been said that Sparrows come to us over the North Sea in the autumn; but among the numerous ‘ wings” [ have had from light-houses and ligkt-vessels I have never received this species. * In October Sparrows pack into flocks of from two hundred to three hundred and leave the homesteads. That month is mostly spent in the fields, and so is November; and here they find plenty of occupation, sometimes hunting on their own account, sometimes with other small birds. With the first fall of snow away they go to the. stacks, on the sides of which they may be seen clustering; or, if it is not too deep, searching on the ground for grain which has been shaken out, with chaffinches and yellowhammers. At all times stacks are a great attraction. It is said that prefer- ence is given to a wheat stack; but Sparrows are not particular so long as they can get grain. Needless to say, that threshing is a matter of the highest interest to Sparrows.t February and March are spent almost entirely in the vicinity of houses and farm- yards, or any place where corn is to be found, unless, as previously mentioned, they are attracted to a distance by the operation of threshing. I agree in thinking that at this period the opinion of Colonel Russell, who continues the discussion after me, that corn forms 90 per cent. of their food is true. At the end of March fields are sown, and Sparrows show not infrequently, by their presence, that they wish to levy the usual tribute; but it is certain that where a drill is used the grain is deposited too deeply in the soil for any small birds to reach it, except skylarks, which are said to dig itup sometimes; but Sparrows get the drilled barley and oats when they begin to sprout. * But the nearly allied tree-sparrow (Passcr montanus) is a well-known migrant. + Mr. B. B. Sapwell remarks that when a stack has been threshed ever so far away from the yard, the Sparrows in the yard have always had their crops full of the grain (in lilt.). 342 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. In addition to the remarks already made on this point—the damage done to corn by Sparrows—it would be casy to cite many instances of great and unusual harm caused to tenant farmers by Sparrows, but they are too vague for the purpose; in- deed, in such a matter it is exceedingly difficult to be precise. In some instances, and especially near towns, extraordinary estimates have been formed of the damage by the most competent valuers, but as these valuers were not ornithologists, it is not clear that some of the damage was not done by greenfinches and chaffincbes, JI have seen large flocks in the fields in November, which I at first thought were Sparrows, but which proved on closer inspection to be eatirely composed of the species just named. The following true story was related to me by Colonet Russell: A farmer at Bore- ham, near Chelmsford, named Hurrell, had an early field of wheat not far from the village. The Sparrows attacked it in the corner nearest the village and devoured a great deal there. Tbe crop was uniform, except from what the Sparrows did. Hur- rell measured an acre where the Sparrows had been at work, and an adjoining acre which they had not meddled with, and thrashed the corn on cach of the acres sepa- rately, looking after the thrashing himself. He found the deficiensy to be two quar- ters (16 bushels); value at the time, £6. The Food of young Sparrows. The Sparrow lays five or six grayish-white eggs, spotted with brown and ash color, and has frequently three broods in tho year, the first being hatched towards the end of May. Young Sparrows in the nest are generally fed on caterpillars and other in- sects,* particularly in August, yet a good many may be opened iu June and July without finding any inthem. The parent Sparrows will begin to feed them on cater- pillars when but a day old, but they seem to discontinue the diet a little time before they leave the nest, though, on the other hand, some young Sparrows which were quite ready to leave the nest, examined in Norfolk, did contain a few small caterpil- lars. But of this lam sure that while ver) young their diet is quite as much unripe corn and vegetable matter as caterpillars.t [ven at the age of one day a Sparrow will feed its young one ona grainof ripe corn. Say that a young Sparrow eats four- teen or fifteen young caterpillars a day, that is probably as good a guess as we can make. If this only went on for ten days the sum total destroyed would be very vast, and some of the caterpillars of very injurious kinds, such as Caradrina cubicularis, the pale mottled willow moth of Curtis (Farm Insects, p. 308), identified for me by Mr. C. G. Barrett and the Rev. J. Hellins.{ * An instance of young Sparrows being fed on water-beetles occurred at the be- ginning of August, 1684. My father ordered a pond to be cleaned out, at the bottom of which were a great many small water-beetles; these, the gardener tells me, were eagerly collected by Sparrows, ten or twelve at atime, carrying mouthsful of them, away to feed their young with in the adjoining nests. + Colonel Russell says he has known young Sparrows to be ted with ripe wheat, which he was able to prove the old birds had to go half a mile for.—Ficld, June 22, 1878, {Several continental naturalists include the cockchafer in the Sparrow’s food ; but Ithink that most likely the chovy (Phyllopertha) is intended as well. Professor New- ton (Yarrell, British Birds, Part X, p. 92) and Mr. H. Stevenson (Birds of Norfolk, I, p. 211) tell us that the Sparrow eats ‘ chovies,” P. horticola, and the former says he has seen their mouths literally crammed with them; and Mr. John Curtis says that he has known of Sparrows gorging themselves to such an extent with, “chovies” as to be unable to fly (Farm Insects, pp. 220, 510). Professor Newton says it begins to come out of the ground towards the end of May, and the perfect insect carries on its rav- ages until July (Professor Newton, in litt.). N EVIDENCE.—FROM EUROPEAN PUBLICATIONS. 343 If one-fourth of the young Sparrows hatched in England are fed for ten days on fourteen caterpillars apiece, it is easy to make a calculation of how mauy they would eatin a large agricultural county like Norfolk. Norfolk contains eight hundred parishes; say that eight hundred young Sparrows are aunually hatched in each par- ish, that gives us a total of six hundred and forty thousand Sparrows. If one-fourth of them are fed on caterpillars, we should have twenty-two million four hundred thousand of these destructive creatures eaten in this one county alone, every year, by Sparrows. So that there is a very nice balance to adjust in a matter which the most expert observer might find difficult. On the one hand the young Sparrows are fed. ona great many caterpillars; on the other hand they are fed with grain, but this is mixed with weeds aud other vegetable matter. Again, there isa side light in which to look at the question. If the Sparrows were dead, how mauy of these caterpillars would be eaten by other small birds? We may be quite sure that a considerable portion of them would not be eaten, unless chaffinches and greenfinches become more numerous than they are now: andif this was so, would not they speedily become much more addicted to corn? I think there is not a doubt about it. Sparrows keep down Weeds. Sparrows do much good to the farmer, in conjunction with many other little birds, by consuming vast numbers of the seeds of weeds. I think uot nearly enough has been made of this by their friends and supporters. The following isa list of those which have been actually identified, with my authority for each: Wild spinach (Chenopodium bonus-henricus), Mr. A. Willis.* Knot grass (Polygonum aviculare), Mr. 1°, A. Lees.* Black or corn bindweed (P. convolvulus), Mr. F. A. Lees. Dandelion (Zaraxacum officinale). Goosefoot (Chenopodium album), My. F. A. Lees. Field mustard (Sinapis arvensis), Professor Macgillivray.t Chick weed (Slellaria media), Colonel Russell. * Mouse ear (Cerastium triviale), Professor Macgillivray. Wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum), Professur Macgillivray. Dock (Rumex crispus), Mr. F. A. Lees. Pale-flowered persicaria (Polygonum lapathifolium), Mr. F. A. Lees, Battercup, Mr. H. N. Slater. These seeds will spread from a hedge, the sides of which are not brushed with a reaping-hook in the summer, and make a field very foul; so that every one must ad- mit that Sparrows and small birds generally do some amount of good by keeping them down. A remarkable instance was inentioned some years ago in the Times, of a field sown with grass and clover seeds, over which a luxuriant growth of knot ¢rass (P. aviculare) spread. The farmer thought that his crop was ruined, but in Septem- ber such swarms of Sparrows as he had never seen before visited the field and fed on the small shining seeds of the knot grass. Iregret that I have neither got the date of the letter, nor the name of the writer, the communication, according to a bad prac- tice prevalent among observers, being anonymous. A Sparrow’s crop will contain a great many small seeds. Dr. Schleh found three hundred and twenty-one wholo seeds of chickweed in the crop of one Sparrow in Germany! In one shot at Northrepps, in Norfolk, one hundred and forty-seven were actually counted, and many more were ground up into pulp in the gizzard. Diges- tion is rapid, and at this rate a vast number would be consumed ina very short time. It need hardly be said that the present contribution, including the table which follows, does not exhaust the Sparrow controversy. It leaves many interesting points almost untouched. * In litt. + * British Birds,” 1, p. 344. 344 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. The Food of Sparrows during each Month of the Year. Six hundred and ninety-four dissections have been made in the preparation of the following table, by various hands, in various places. They have been made at nearly regular intervals—certainly during every month of the year, and I may almost say during every week. It is therefore hoped they will give a reliable idea of what the customary food of Sparrows is and what their occasional food. I confess this latter phrase is somewhat vague, but have felt the necessity of employing it in default of a better. The column under this heading might no doubt be further extended. Maize has vnlv been entered under two months; but where Sparrows have an oppor- tunity of obtaining it, maize would be found in their crops at any time of the year. They will also eat bread, potatoes, rice, pastry, raisins, currants, etc., but as these things have no bearing on the amount of harm which Sparrows do to agriculture,* they are not included in the table. Credit must be given to them as scavengers in a small way in our crowded cities, where they consume matter such asT have named, which if left would decay and be injurious to health. Among those who have assisted in the inquiry my thanks are especially due to my father, Mr. A. Willis, Mr. B. B. Sapwell, Mr. G. Roberts, Mr. F. Norgate, Mr. C. L. Bux- ton, Mr. 'T. Southwell, Mr. T. E. Gunn, Mr. F. A. Lees, Mr. C. G. Barrett, Mr. H. H. Slater, and Colonel Russell. I have further availed myself of sundry notes published in the Zoologist, by Messrs. Hepburn, Hawley, and Wilson; and some matcrial has been gathered from other scattered sources, which I have particularized in the table. Food of adult Sparrows. January.—Customary food: Corn from stacks and from poultry yards; seeds of all kinds. Occasional food: Refuse corn, such as is scattered in roads and would never be of use; maize. Capsules of moss (H. H. Slater). February.—Customary food: Corn from stacks and poultry yards. Occasional food : Seeds; buds of gooseberries (G. Roberts). March.—-Customary food: Corn wherever they can get it. Occasional food: Young tops of peas, radish, cabbage, and cauliflower; secds (Wilson); freshly-sown barley and oats. April.—Customary food: Corn; vegetable matter. Occasional food: Freshly-sown barley and oats; oblong green seeds, not identified ; caterpillars. May.—Customary food: Corn; vegetable matter; seeds. Occasional food: Young pea-pods and leaves of peas; gooseberry blossoms and young gooseberries ; small beetles; caterpillars of the brimstone moth, and white-cabbage butterflies (J. Haw- ley) ; turnip seed (A. Hepburn and R. Lowe); hay seed (C. L. Buxton); sprouts of young barley, half an inch long; pollen of the sycamore tree and applet; mangel- wurzel leaves (B. B. Sapwell). June.—Customary food: Corn; vegetable matter; peas; seeds of various sorts. Occasional food: Gooseberries and other fruits; lettuce (A. Willis); small beetles; mangel-wurzel leavest (B. B. Sapwell). July.—Customary food: Young wheat, barley, and oats; vegetable matter; seeds of various weeds. Occasional food: Peas; small beetles; beans (A. Willis); seeds of wild spinach (A. Willis). | *Ifthe pigs have barley meal they rob them of some of it, as well as any other feod which is given to them. + It seems that the actual blossom is not caten, but rather that a portion of it is masticated for the drop of nectar at the base of the petals. For the same reason the crocus and other garden flowers are destroyed. The blossoms of fruit trees seem to be attacked for the pollen. {Mr. R. Lowe has observed them feeding on the young unopened buds of Swede turnips just bursting into flower for seed.—(Report on Observations on Injurious Insects, 1883.) % EVIDENCE —FROM EUROPEAN PUBLICATIONS, 345 August.—Customary food: Wheat, barley, oats. Occasional food: Seeds of corn, bind-weed, knot-grass, ctc. (sec list, page 343); aphides, small beetles, daddy-long-legs (Tipula), caterpillars of Teras contaminana, moth of Crambus culmellus* (E. F. Becher and F. Norgate). September.—Customary food: Corn; seeds of many kinds, especially the knot-grass and corn bind-weed. Occasional food: Caterpillars; berries; seeds of plantain (T. Southwell). October.—Customary food: Grain, some of it refuse grain; seeds of many kinds, in- cluding knot-grass. November.—Customary food : Grain; seeds of plants. Occasional food : Newly-sown seeds of wheat; small caterpillars. December.—Customary food: Grain, principally obtained from stacks, Occasional food: Seeds ; maize; sprouting bean (H. H. Slater). Food of young Sparrows to the Time of leaving the Nest. May.—Customary food: Grains of last year’s corn; small bectles; caterpillars. Occasional food: Buds (F. Norgate); red spider (J. H.G.); hair-worms (J. H. G.); small flies (J. H.G.). June.—Customary food: Caterpillars of various kinds up to three-quarters of an inch in length; young wheat. Occasional food: Beetles; large, brown cabbage- moth (W. Johns); wire worms. July.—Customary food: Caterpillars; beetles; soft, milky prains of wheat and barley. Occasional food: Blue-bottle flies (J. Duff). August.—Customary food: Caterpillars; beetles; young corn. Occasional food: Small chrysalides. . Summary. To give a summary of this table in a few words, it may be said that about seventy- five per cent. of an adult Sparrow’s food during its life is corn of some kind. The remaining twenty-five per cent. may be roughly divided as follows: Per cent. Seeds Of Welds sascs2 cease cies sales ack saigeieeise ee ioe Rete eRe ae Bereioe Seelnsehesecies 10 GLCON: PAS x5..5 Goneceeeeeees Sseeed Foti ee eebicinceehesetiagsiediee gio Bbevciayeeecaine 4 Beetles! sascie2.csscclego-2 seen sted anaisicels He aoe ecw lends bielena Harmar esoSeiseaeee Sees 3 Caterpillars icc screen seacesenacinean@sccbaseest se vetheseies ceases whee Goes ames 2 THSECHS WICH ALY sors c csjed sicice ete eeu. tcc Scam seciech cecmeaipeneieee Mettene eens a Other (hin Sian sacdhese rd deckotssatind cee coubiectnte mead batesd heer aaseeuenes 5 In young Sparrows not more than forty per cent.is corn, while about forty per cent. consists of caterpillars, and ten per cent. of small beetles. This is up to the age of sixteen days. Where green peas abound, as in market gardens, they form a much larger proportion of the Sparrow’s food than the four per cent. here stated. Sparrows generally contain in their gizzards a considerable quantity of small stones, gravel, sand, brick, coal, etc., but these are only intended to grind the real food. In default of these substances they will swallow small mollusks, fragments of egg-shell, fragments of snail shells, ete. Sparrows should be killed for dissection in the afternoon. In adult Sparrows the crop will generally give a far better idea of their day’s meal than the gizzard, in which the food is so comminuted as to be with difficulty identified. If the Sparrows are caught at night they have digested their food in a great measure, and yield much less satisfactory results ; the crops at that time are always empty. *T have notes of Sparrows occasionally feeding on the yellow underwing, ermine moth, and a few other insects in the perfect state, but the date at which the observa- tion was made not having been taken down, it can only be approximately guessed at from the time at which they usually appear. Everybody must at some time or another have observed their clumsy efforts to catch some common butterfly. 346 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA, [FROM “TILE MOUSE SPARROW” (PART 2), BY COL. C. RUSSELL. | To give one instance, a few years ago, seeing Sparrows about a few martins’ nests on anew small house near my own, I asked the man who lived there whether he liked the Sparrows. He said, ‘I hate them, and am throwing stones at them all day, but can not keep them from the martins’ nests.” Ilent hima gun. His son, a boy about twelve years old, took kindly to shooting the Sparrows, killed, I think, nearly two hundred in Jess than a month, and always kept the place free from them. In two years there were twenty-four martins’ nests on the house. Tbe man then died, and the next tenant, having no son to shoot the Sparrows, did not trouble himself about the martins, and the Sparrows cleared them all ont in one season, The martins have often built a few nests, but I do not think that any young ones have flown there since. The martins, which feed exclusively on insects, if left in possession of their nests, would, unlike many other birds, increase with the population of the country and number of houses. Besides the persecution by Sparrows, there is no condition un- favorable to tho martins except that when, with their natural confidence in man—too often misplaced—they make their nests close to windows or doors for protection people commonly destroy them, thus completing the exterminating work of the Spar- yows. I have heard it said ‘‘ they come there for mischief; they might build any- _ where else.” Few seem to notice that, unless where Sparrows dare not come, the martins can not keep a nest. The only thing which saves these birds from total ex- termination in this country seems to be this: they sometimes manage to rear a late brood after the “fell adversary to house martins” (as White, of Selborne, rightly called the Sparrow) has left off nesting aud betaken himself to the wheat-fields. But in this way the martins are kept here too long, and sometimes, before their young can fly, are caught by sharp frost in October and die. The last numerous colony that I knew of, within a few miles of my house, was thus cleared out a few years ago, while my martins, protected from Sparrows, and always getting their young off in good time, took no harm. About my premises the martins, formerly numerous, as elsewhere, became fewer and fewer, until in 1869 they had nearly disappeared, young ones flying, I think, from only two nests—one close to a window, the other toa door. Towards the end of May, 1870, several nests, freshly built under the eaves of the pigeon-house, their favorite place, were all found to be in the possession of Sparrows. The indignation with which I had seen this persecution all my life at last boiled over, and, resolving that the martins should have one safe place, I began to protect them by killing down the Sparrows. It was a hard fight at first; the martins’ nests had to be watched almost constantly, and, if I remember rightly, one hundred and fifty Sparrows were shot— mostly about these nests—in about a fortnight. War has been waged against them ever since. The first year or two we did not take the trouble to kill them in winter, but this did not answer; a great number lived about the place, many roosting in the marting’ nests. When we began shooting the Sparrows in spring they would all go away for a day or two, but kept coming back again, so that constant watchfulness for weeks was required to kill them down. The plau was therefore adopted of pay- ing a penny for shooting each Sparrow as soon as it shows itself all the year round. They are shot with very small charges of dust shot, mostly from inside doors and windows, or from loop-holes, made to command the places they generally come to. They dislike this practice, and do not come much—less and less every year. The plan has been most successful. The place is wonderfully freo from Sparrows—some- times we do not seo one for weeks together—and the martins have increased in num- bers, till last year they had one hundred and seventy nests about my house and buildings, and this year there are two hundred and thirty-seven, and more will be built yet. EVIDENCE.—¥ROM EUROPEAN PUBLICATIONS. 347 In gardens Sparrows do much mischief, as by feeding off young peas, eating green peas from the pods, stripping gooseberry bushes of their fruit-buds, destroying flowers, etc. The question remains whether they do good enough in gardens to make up for such misdeeds. Now, to prove that Sparrows are really useful, it is not enough to show that they destroy some injurions insects, if, must also be proved that, in their absence, other birds would not destroy them, at least as effectually. This can be found out only in one way—by banishing the Sparrows from a place for some years. My object in letting no Sparrows live about my house, buildings, and gardens, has been not only to protect the martins (perhaps it would be enough for this to kill those Sparrows only which go near their nests), but also to get a better test of the utility of Sparrows than could otherwise be got by any amount of examination of the food inthem. My place is a fair specimen of the country, having flower and kitchen gar- dens, shrubberies, and small orchard, surrounded by meadows, with corn fields within easy reach all round. All birds execpt Sparrows have been Jet alone there. Sparrows having been almost entirely absent for many years, if they took insects which other birds do not, such insects would have become very numerous, and the food in Sparrows killed there would show this. Now, it has been quite as unusual to find an insect in an old Sparrow thero as elsewhere. Fifty old Sparrows and young ones which could feed themselves were killed one sumer about my buildings and garden, with food in their crops. This food, carefully examined (as in all cases with a lens), was found to be corn, milky, green, and ripe, and sometimes green peas from my garden; only tio small insects were found in the whole number. The food in them has been much the same every year. Examining the old birds, however, is not test enough, as they cat very few insects anywhere ; but if any were the peculiar prey of Sparrows, they would be found in quantity in any young ones bred about my place. ‘To test this, when a pair or two of Sparrows, as happens most years, contrive, by keeping clear of the buildings, to escape being shot long enough to build a nest and hatch young ones, these have been taken (by choice when about half grown), and the food in them carefully examined. It has varied greatly, but certainly there were not more insects among it, I think less than there usually are where Sparrows abound. In the only nest known of one year the food ig the four young ones was chiefly green peas, with some grains of green wheat, one small beetle, and some half dozen small insects of species unknown to me. In the only nest the following year the young ones had little in them except coru—old wheat, if I remember rightly. Some broods have contained small beetles (which, mostly soft ones, I have found in Sparrows old and young, from all sorts of places, oftener than caterpillars) and a few wild seeds. One brood had a mixture of bectles and ripe wheat. Ono grasshopper’s leg and a very few pieces of earwigs have also been found. Of caterpillars, said to be kept down by Sparrows, only two small ones in eight callow birds, from two nests taken at the same time, have been found in all the years that these nestlings have been examined, and no trace of an aphis. The absence of caterpillars is the only dif. ference that I have noticed in the character of the insect-food in the young Sparrows at my place and elsewhere. On the whole, the deduction from the food-test during fifteen years seeins to be that the Sparrows are useless, and that the insects which would be given to their young by them if they were allowed to live in numbers about my premises would be so much food taken, when they most want it, from better birds which live entirely, or nearly so, on insects, and thus keep them, especially caterpil- lars, down so effectively in the absence of Sparrows that, when a chance pair of these come and build, there are few of their favorite sorts for them. {The Guardian, Manchester, England, January 30, 1888.] ENORMOUS DESTRUCTION OF SPARROWS IN CHESHIRE, At the annual meeting of the Cheshire Farmers’ Club on Saturday evening, the chairman, Mr, John Roberts, the largest tenant-farmer on the Hawarden estate, re- ferred to the havoc wrought by the common House Sparrow among grain crops, and 348 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. said that the Wirral farmers of Cheshire were paying 6d. per dozen for all Sparrows killed, and some idea of the fecundity of the pest might be formed from the fact that without appreciably affecting their numbers in that district, no less a sum than £14 15s. Gd. had been recently spent in that way, representing the destruction of seven thousand one hundred and ninety-two Sparrows. {New England Farmer (Boston, Mass.), 1886.) In areport to the Royal Agricultural Society of England, by its consulting entomol- ogist, Miss Eleanor A. Ormerod, the following conclusions are drawn regarding the habits of this much-discussed little foreigner: “With regard to the special item of Sparrows, I feel no doubt that measures should be taken to check their enormous increase, and where communication has been sent me from districts in which these birds were known to do serious damage to the crops in autumn, I have strongly advised that their number should be lessened. We do not find from examination of their contents that they feed on corn red-maggot, corn thrips, corn aphis, or any other corn insect, nor have we any observations of fields in- fested by these huge flocks being freer than other places from insect attack. From careful observations in different places, extending over a period of from one to fifteen years, we do not find any diminution of insects round’the farm buildings where the Sparrows greatly resort, but find that they have been observed in many cases to drive away true insect-feeding birds.” , It should be remembered that the term corn” is applied in England to the small grains, wheat, oats, barley, ctc., and not to our American maize. TESTIMONY RELATING MAINLY TO THE SPARROW IN AUSTRALIA, FROM THE DRAFT PROGRESS REPORT OF THE BOARD OF INVESTIGATION APPOINTED BY TUE GOVERNOR OF SOUTIL AUSTRALIA IN 1881. [On August 4, 1881, a board of investigation consisting of eight members was ap- pointed by the governor of the Province of South Australia with “fall power and authority diligently to inquire into and repurt upon tho alleged injuries caused to fruit-growers, gardeners, farmers, and others by Sparrows, and to consider the desir- ability of taking steps for their destruction, and to report upon the best means to be employed therefor.” On August 31, this board submitted the following progress report :] DRAFT PROGRESS REPORT. To His Excellency, Sir William Francis Drummond Jervois, major-general in Her Majesty’s army, * * * governor and commander-in-chief in and over the Prov- ince of South Australia and the dependencies thereof, ete. : May it please your Excellency: We, the Commissioners appointed to inquire into the alleged damages caused by Sparrows to horticulture and agriculture in South Aus- tralia and into remedial measures and to report thereon, having proof of the evil ox- isting in great force and over large districts of country, and being convinced that their destruction is urgent before another fruit season sets in, and before another nesting season (now beginning) shall swell their numbers, beg to present a Progress Report: I. We append an analysis of correspondence on the questions of inquiry. This shows— (1) That the Sparrow is established over an area of the colony comprising Adelaide and its suburbs from the sea-coast eastward well up to the hills; southwards to Happy Valley, Coromandel Valley, and Willunga; northwards to Allendale, and far on— though we hope as yet detached—at Beetaloo. In the southeast, Mount Gambier pos- sesses a center of its own. EVIDENCE.—FROM AUSTRALIAN PUBLICATIONS. 349 (2) That the responses of sufferers within the foregoing area cry for relief from Sparrow depredations as if from a pest, and with what reason, the following state- ments, as examples, may show: From Mr. John Chambers, of South Richmond: ‘In the short space of ten days the Sparrows took a ton and a half of grapes. They stripped all the figs of five trees, They kept low 15 acres of lucerne during the sum- mer.” From Mr. Finden, of Salisbury: ‘This season they (the Sparrows) took £30 worth of fruit.” Mr. Wilcox, of Lower Mitcham: ‘Has three times this season sown peas, and they have each time been destroyed by Sparrows.” (3) That the species of Sparrow domiciling in South Australia damages or consumes fruits, cereals, and vegetables. Its fecundity is astonishing. A few to-day are thou- sands next season. Its workis done on a magnitude despairing to the cultivator, and under conditions he can not control; for the seed is taken out of the ground, the fruit-bud off the tree, the sprouting vegetable as fast as it grows, and the fruit ere it is ripe, and therefore before it can be housed and saved. (4) That the cullivations attacked by Sparrows are as follows: Of fruits: Apri- cots, cherries, figs, apples, grapes, peaches, plums, pears, nectarines, loquats, and olives. Of cereals: Wheatand barley. Of Vegetables: Peas, cabbages, cauliflowers, and garden seeds generally. (5) That the means of defense tried against the Sparrow depredations have been scare-crows, traps, netting, shooting, poison of phosphorous, arsenic, and strychnine, applied through grain, bread, bran, and sugar. The results are generally stated as having been insufficient, which may be due to the modes of administration rather than to defects in the materials employed. (6) To the above expedients the following are suggested by our correspondents, namely: The tender of rewards for Sparrows’eggs and heads, the removal of gun licenses for the season, poisoned water in summer, sulphur fumes under roosts at night, and plaster of Paris mixed with oatmeal and flour. Itvis further declared that the united action of all property holders, including the government, in infested districts is essential to effective results: II. Without reference to ulterior measures, which may be influenced by inquiries the commission have on foot, their object in tendering this progress report is to submit for the approval of your excellency the propriety of at once setting to work one useful means applicable to the breeding season now commencing, namely: A system of rew ards for Sparrows’ eggs and heads, through responsible agents readily accessible in the various Sparrow districts; and we suggest, as a trial, that the rate of payment should be 6d. per dozen tor Sparrows’ heads delivered, and 2s. 6d, per one hundred for Sparrows’ eggs delivered; each class tu be supplemented by a bonus of to any one who delivered in one season eggs or Sparrows. III. Your committee have not received any evidence in defence of the Sparrow counterbalancing the damage he does. They have sought proof of his insectivorous habits, but with little result. (The following are fair samples of the evidence collected and published by the com- mission, These reports all come from points within a hundred miles of the city of Adelaide, South Australia. ] (Joseph Barnes, Richmond.] Sparrows very numerous; great damage done to fruits—apricots, grapes, figs, and plums. Has heard that wheat steeped in turpentine will kill them, and intends to try it. [John James Beverly, Chairman Woodville District Council.] Sparrows are in his neighborhood to the number of tens of thousands, and they de- stroy buds of fruit trees to an enormous extent. Has used Pitt’s wheat, but it is not successful after the first day or two. Thinks every householder should be compelled to adopt the means recommended by the commission to destroy them. 350 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. {Henry Broad, Marden.] Sparrows are plentiful in his neighborhood, and very destructive to fruit, and has shot some occasionally. Shooting would help to keep them down, but itis a slow process. Poisoned grain and poisoned water would also be very destructive to them. Thinks netting them at night-time when roosting in orange and olive and other trees would be effective in thinning their numbers. [Beaumont Cole, Adelaide.] When a boy he used to destroy Sparrows and small birds by spreading wheat steeped in a solution of nux vomica: The nux vomica figs were cut into small pieces and stewed all day, when the hot liquor was poured on as much wheat as it would cover, and allowed to stand till morning. The wheat was then dried and spread out, and he used to find many dead birds about, which Le buried. Found it necessary, however, to tempt the birds first of all by feeding them with clean grain. [Rev. Dr. Craig, Mount Gambier.] Sparrows are there in great numbers, and they cat most of the soft fruits and cher- ries long before they aro ripe. Farmers also report that they eat corn both when sown and when ripe. Tho Agricultural and Horticultural Society have offered six- pence per dozen for Sparrow heads and four pence per dozen for Sparrow eggs. Has tried Faulding’s phosphoric wheat, which killed a few, but thinks phosphorized clo- ver seed or seed smaller than wheat would be better. {Hon. John Crozier, Oaklands.] There is no doubt that if allowed to go unchecked they will not only destroy the vineyards and orchards, but also destroy most of the grain in the fields. Sug- gests that poisoned watcr should be placed in the neighborhood of their baunts, out of the reach of domestic animals, and also that diligent search should be made in the breeding season for nests and eggs. States that two boys in one day obtained one thousand nine hundred eggs on his property. Hay-stacks and hedges are their fa- vorite haunts. Is afraid if the gun licenso is removed that the indiscriminate use of fire-arms will be a more dangerous nuisance than the Sparrows. (Henry Douglas, Happy Valley.] Sparrows have established themselves vory firmly in his ucighborhood, and the damage caused by them during last fruit season was very great. In the worst parts of their haunts the grapes were literally cleared from the vines. Few efforts have been made to destroy them, as desultory action has been considered to be useless. Can not suggest a remedy, but is convinced the question of their destruction is of vital importance, and hopes the united action contemplated by the commission will be attended with success. {Anthony Etheridge, Elizabeth strect, Norwood. ] Sparrows have established themselves by thousands in Kent Town, Kensington, and Norwood, Had had his apricot trees stripped by Sparrows, who also destroyed pluns, grapes, and figs. (Thomas Fairbrother, Fullarton.] Sparrows are in his neighborhood by thousands and destroy tons of fruit. Shoot- ing is the only means which has been taken to destroy them. Thinks a reward of, say, 4d. per dozen for old or young Sparrows would encourage boys to capture them, and so thin their numbers, EVIDENCE.—FROM AUSTRALIAN PUBLICATIONS. 351 [Thomas Filmer, Glenelg.] Sparrows have fully established themselves at the Sturt and Brighton, and unless something is done is sure the loss to fruit-growors aud corn-growers will be very great. fs not aware of enything having been done to destroy them. Incloses the following recipe from the Melbourne Leader for destroying Sparrows and other birds: ‘Take 5s. worth of strychnine, dissolve in half a teacupful of warm vinegar or acetic acid, add that to four or five quarts of water, and put into that as much wheat as will soak up the liquid. The wheat to be distributed where the birds will pick it up.” (W. H. Harrold. Mount Gambier.] Sparrows have thoroughly established themselves all round Mount Gambier. Last season they destroyed in turn fully one-half of his cherries, plums, apricots, pears, and apples, and what was saved had to be gathered unripe. Had w nice patch of wheat completely destroyed by them as it was ripening. Had tried graiv poisoned with arsenic and strychuia, but it has not proved effective; the Sparrows eye out the poisoned grain and avoid it. Thinks large numbers of them might be shot, and their nests should also be hunied fur and destroyed. [J. Hobbs, East Marden.) Sparrows are established in great numbers in this locality, and they are most in- jurious to figs, loquats, apricots, plums, peaches, cherries, vectariues, and grapes. The latter suffer most. [S. R. James, Mardon.] Sparrows have thoroughly established themselves in this neighborhood, and oranges are literally whitened with theirdroppings. Loquats, cherries, American plums, and apricots will in turn be attacked by them as they ripen. Last year trom a crop from two hundred trees he dare not let any of the fruit ripen for fear of it being pecked and destroyed by these birds. Although he had a large crop of figs, it was with diffi- culty that he saved a few for market. [M. McShene, Campbelltown.] His neighborhood is very much troubled with Sparrows; they breed in the banks of the river and swarm over the gardens. They destroyed nearly all the buds on the apri- cot trees last year and spoiled the fruit which matured. Does not know what to do to get rid of them; only wishes he did. [M. A. Price, Gilberton.] Is much troubled with Sparrows, which come in flocks of hundreds and destroy the fruit. Last season did not have one bunch of ripe grapes, except those she covered with strong bags. Tried several devices, as scarecrows, but they were ineffective. They seem to eat nothing but fruit and teader vegeta)les, and hopes something will be done to destroy them before another fruit season comes on, (I. C. Quick, Shiraz Vineyard, Marden.] Sparrows are established in his neighborhood in immense numbers, and are very de- structive to fruits, especially grapes of the finest kinds. His loss by them is incal- culable. Numbers are destroyed by poison and nets, but they are vastly on the in- crease, and the prospects of fruit-growing are most alarming. Suggests that the commission should arrange for selling as cheaply as possible ‘‘ ground-nets ” and ‘ bat- nets” for catching Sparrows, 352 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. {John Rudall, town clerk, Gawler.) Sparrows are becoming numerous in Gawler, but is hot aware of the extent of the mischief caused by them, and hasno suggestion to make for their destruction, although it is thought that steps should be taken to prevent their increase. No systematic means has been used in that neighborhood to destroy Sparrows beyond a persistent search by boys for their nests, [C. Reeves, Gilbert street, Norwood.] Sparrows destroyed all his figs, apricots, and grapes last season. Intends to try playter of Paris mixed with oatmeal and flour, but also thinks wheat poisoned with arsenic will be effective. (J. B. Searee, Gilberton.] Sparrows have destroyed bushels of pears, apricots, plums, and grapes in his gar- den. Hasa trellis of vines 80 feet in length, besides other vines, and was not able to cut a bunch of grapes. Thinks poisoned wheat the only effective means of destroy. ing them. (C. A. Stark, Belaloo, Wirrabara.] During the last twelve months Sparrows have made their appearance in his garden, and he has killed sixty-four this year with bran poisoned with strychnia and placed ina saucer. Has also discovered four nests in his garden, which he purposes to de- stroy when the young ones have been hatched. Is afraid if they get established in the neighboring hills they will eat him out of his house and home, Sparrows, he says, breed twice in the season, and generally lay from four to six eggs each hatching. Thinks poisoning, netting, and destroying the nests are the best remedies. [M. Salom, North Adelaide.] Sparrows are constantly building in the gutters and down-pipes of the roof of his house, although he has had their nests frequently removed. The damage done to him personally, by causing overflow into walls and ceiling, he estimates at forty pounds during the past twelve months. (W. F. Thompson, Happy Valley.) His district is infested with Sparrows. Has 40 or 50 acres of vineyard, and the Sparrows play destruction with his grapes, and also with his neighbors’ gardens and vineyards. Believes that if not got rid of they will destroy all the fruit and grain in the colony in afew years, Suggests, as means of destroying them, poisoning, netting, and shooting them, and pulling down their nests. Thinks a tax of one far- thing per acre on all lands under crop south of Blinman should be levied to sceure their destruction, or else let Sparrow districts be formed, the rates collectedin which for their destruction should be subsidized by Government at the rate of £2 for £1. Is willing to co-operate with the commission by forming a local committee, if thought advisable, [William Urlwin, Salisbury.] Sparrows have established themselves in his district, and are very destructive to fruit, especially to grapes. Has no doubt, also, that they do great mischief to crops of wheat. Has tried poisoned wheat, but the great difficulty is to get them to take it, even when mixed with good wheat. Has found fowls dead which have eaten the poisoned wheat, and also cats, which he presumes had eaten the poisoned birds. Thinks the offer of head-money for Sparrows would decrease their number, and this could be paid through district councils and corporations. EVIDENCE.—FROM AUSTRALIAN PUBLICATIONS. 353 (George Wilcox, Lower Mitcham.] Suffered very considerably last fruit season from theSparrows. They first attacked loquats, then apricots and peaches, amongst which they made sad havoc; then they stripped every cherry, and the grapes were fairly demolished. Onatrellis, measuring three hundred feet long by ten feet high and ten feet wide, he had a splendid crop of grapes, but had not one presentable bunch. Tried Pitt’s wheat, obtained from Fauld- ing & Co., but only killed a few; they soon became too knowing to take the wheat. Believes poisoned water will be the most effective in summer. Has three times sown peas this season, but they have each time been destroyed by Sparrows. (The Adelaide (Australia) Observer, Saturday, July 9, 1887.] THE SPARROW NUISANCE, Under the auspices of the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society, a meeting of persons interested in the destruction of Sparrows was called on Monday afternoon, July 4, in Register Chambers. There wasa representative gathering of about twenty of the principal fruit-growers and others affected by the depredations of the ubiqui- tous bird, and the feeling in favor of devising some means for reducing the evil was unanimous. Mr. Henry Kelly occupied the chair, and said he thought much could be done to lessen the evil complained of, although he feared that it would be impossible to eradicate the nuisance altogether, as the Sparrows had increased so much that they had got a complete hold of the country, where they most congregated. He remem- bered that before the rabbits became so alarmingly numerous there were some at Anlaby, near Kapunda, and were regarded as interesting. They began to increase, and became a nuisance, but could then have been destroyed with comparatively little expense. The question of the Sparrows had now become as important and costly to meet. These birds were extending up North, and he had scen thousands at Angaston and other places. They were not confined to the districts in the immedi- ate neighborhood of Adelaide. They were increasing at a most alarming rate, and it was practically impossible to grow fruit now without netting over the trees, Mr. Thomas Hardy said he initiated this present movement, and had prepared res- olutions to deal with the question. This was a most important matter, and really affected the whole community. Unless the evil were dealt with energetically and systematically, the wine and fruit growers might as well stop altogether, for it would not pay to go on in a few years’ time. At the time when the rabbit question was af- fecting the country the evil had grown to considerable proportions, but if systematic steps to eradicate the rabbits had been taken earlier the trouble would have been stopped. Few people knew the enormous cost of putting down the rabbits. He was told that in one station in New South Wales £20,000 a year had been paid for the de- struction of rabbits, £15,000 by the Government and £5,000 by the owners. The Sparrow nuisance would be as great as the rabbit trouble. The great obstacle to anything practical being done lay in the fact that the deputations did not propose any definite scheme as a recommendation to the Government. The members of the Government were not expected to know so much of the means to be adopted as the men whose business the Sparrows most injured. But this was not a matter merely affecting a certain class, but the welfare of the country. He moved therefore that the Government be requested to bring in a bill for the destruction of Sparrows, to embody the following provisions [see page 355 of this Bulletin]. Isolated efforts went for nothing. A man might be surrounded by neighbors who were not injured by the Sparrows, but who had plantations and outhouses in which they bred in myriads, and therefore it was absolutely necessary that people should be authorized to go upon private property, under due restrictions, and seek for Spar- rows. He knew from his traveling experience in the colonies that people who under- 8409—Buall. 1——23 354 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. took rabbiting as an occupation got very expert at it, and it would be so in the case of Sparrow-catchera. As to the rating, it would touch people in their pockets, and make them take more interest in the matter. Three parts of the Sparrows were bred in the eaves and under the roofs of houses, chapels, public buildings, etc. Some houses had very small space between the ceiling and the roof, and Sparrows could breed there unmolested ; butin premises with a greater space between roof and ceiling men could go and capture the young birds. He had known his boys bring down seventy young Sparrows from under his roof in that way. Netting was an excellent means. He had known one person at night catch one hundred and fifty Sparrows with anet. They could be caught easily on orauge and other low trees with a net. Men should not be permitted to go upon private premises without due notice either day or night. Poisoned grain when good was effective, and here ‘much might be done, due care of course being taken to prevent injury to people’s fowls. Some of the poisoned grain was not good enough, but good grain should be procured by the district councils. This Sparrow question was of the utmost importance to fruit- gvowers and wine-makers, aud the Sparrows did a deal of mischief, especially in the class of grapes grown for wine and raisins. Mr. G. F. Ind said there was no doubt that the action taken against the Sparrows two years ago did a great deal towards abating the nuisance, but the discontinuance had allowed them to breed as fast as ever. While the Government was paying for the heads and eggs the destruction was considerable, but there was no inducement now to interfere with the birds except on the part of fruit-growers aud farmers. It would be little use a man tilling the soil if the Sparrows were allowed to increase at the rate they did. Atthe Sparrow club to which he belonged the members put their money down and distributed poisoned wheat amongst those who would use it, but it was found to be of no use when the Sparrows were allowed to breed unmolested upon private and public property in the neighborhood. All must have an interest in the matter, aud that could only be secured by a rate on the land-taxation system. That would raise enough to pay the expenses of exterminating the Sparrows; but until something uniform was done it would be no use individuals spending money. The people who were moving in this matter could not be accused of selfishness, for there was not one who would not put his hand into his pocket and pay his portion towards if. The citizens themselves would find that they were interested more than they per- haps imagined, because eventually they would have to pay dearer for their fruit, as the growers could not afford to carry on their business at the loss occasioned by the depredations of the Sparrows. He, as an exporter, had to pay pretty heavily, be- cause he had to pay three people for the work that two could do but for the Spar- rows. Iu the end the colony would be the loser, because viguerons and fruit-growers would get disheartened and find it impossible to carry on business. Mr. §. Braund said in the case of one of his farmer tenants in the country the Spar- rows had been so troublesome that he (the speaker) gave him permission to destroy a vineyard. He quite favored the idea of district councils taking the matter up, as it must be a general scheme of destruction, and it should b> compulsory. No grain or fruit could be grown in the country to pay until the Sparrows were driven out. In one case 1,100 Sparrows had been taken from one place, and in another, down Brighton way, 1,300 were taken from a chapel. He believed that with the compulsory system and combined action the nuisance would be reduced to a minimum. He thought tho district council should pay for the eggs. Mr. C. Pitt added his testimony to the accumulation of Sparrows in the roofs of houses, and said it would be of no use attempting to do anything to reduce the nui- sance effectually without Jegislation and united action. Mr. Holmes, of Magill, said he had destroyed all the hedges around his premises, and some of his neighbors had forest land where the Sparrows bred, They were driven gnto his place and ho felt that he could not grow grapes with any success while the Sparrows were allowed-to breed in the plantations, Any mun acting by himself EVIDENCE.—FROM AUSTRALIAN PUBLICATIONS. 355 would be powerless, He was willing to be rated for the destruction of the Sparrows if the work was done systematically. Mr. John Pitt testified to the havoc committed by the birds upon hard grapes as well as soft. He had often to destroy a hogshead of damaged bunches out of 200 or 300 cases when picking his grapes for shipment. The birds bred in the trees, aud solitary efforts to destroy them were useless. He had sent boys over his vineyard with a kerosene-tin and a stick, and the Sparrows would pass over the lads’ heads from one end of the vineyard and settle in the other. Another speaker suggested that other birds destructive to fruit should be included iu the provisions. Mr. A. Molineux said he thorougbly sympathized with the meeting in their desire to organize some definite movements for the destruction of Sparrows. The farmer and agriculturist, as well as the horticulturist, suffered from the depredations of those birds, and the damage done hy the Sparrow was now admitted by every one. Mr. Hardy said the reason he proposed the rate to be uniform was that unless it were s0, some districts might impose so light w rate that the Sparrows would be allowed to increase to the detriment of another. A proposal that licensed catchers be allowed to use poisoned wheat under certain restrictions was objected to. Mr. Braund and Mr. Ind thought poisoned grain would not be used because the birds might fly away aud be lost to the trappers, who would therefore not care to use it. Mr. Molineux suggested that district councils might issue a proclamation, ap- pointing a certain day for laying down good grain to attract the Sparrows and another period for the free distribution of poisoned grain. Mr. Hardy did not press the clause, and it was withdrawn. With reference to a rate proposed to be fixed by the Government, Mr. Hardy said the object in allowing the Government to fix the rate was that it should be uniform. After some discussion, this part of the proposition was struck out on the vote of 11 against 10, the opinion beiug that the district councils should fix the rate. The motion was agreed to. It was decided that a deputation of all interested wait upon the Government on a day to be fixed. In accordance with this decision, about thirty or forty gardeners, fruit-growers, and viguerons, including members of the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural So- ciety, waited on the treasurer (the Hon. T. Playford) on Friday afternoon to present the resolutions passed at the meeting held on Monday, July 4. Mr. H. Kelly, who was chairman at the meeling, presented the resolutions, which were as follows: “(1) That the Government be requested to bring in a bill for the destruction of Spar- rows, to embody the tollowing provisions; (2) that in all districts where Sparrows are kuown to exist the district councils or corporations shall make a special rate for the purpose of paying for the heads and eggs of Sparrows and other expenses incurred in their destruction; (3) that a certain number of men in each district be licensed by the councils or corporations to carry on the occupation of Sparrow-catchers, and that they be empowered to go upon private property upon giving such notice as may be considered necessary during the day time and pursue“their calling, and that they be paid at a fixed rate for all heads and eggs that they may obtain ; (4) that owners of property should allow licensed Sparrow-catchers and a sufficient number of assist-. ants to go on their property at night up to 10 o’clock p. m., for the purpose of catch- ing Sparrows with nots; (5) that each district council or corporation shall appoint some one to receive and pay for all Sparrows’ heads and eggs both from licensed and unlicensed persons at a uniform fixed rate in all districts; (6) that all houses and buildings be examined by a person to be appointed for the purpose in each district to see that all inaccessible places where Sparrows can breed be effectually closed by wire netting or otherwise,” He said that they did not desire the Government to assist them—all they wished was for the Governmeat to briug in a bill to enable 356 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. them not only to destroy Sparrows themselves, but to enforce it upon others. Some- thing would have to be done with the Sparrow nuisance, which was as bad as the rabbits had been at Kapunda some years ago. If the Sparrows increased they would not be able to produce fruit of such tine quality as to enable them to dispose of it in the English market as well as in the other colonies. Mr. T. Hardy, J. P., who initiated the resolutions, had taken a great interest in the matter. He had been a member of the royal commission some time ago which recom- mended the Bray Government to bring,in a bill ordering the destruction of Sparrows, and in the mean time to continue the payment for heads and eggs. The Colton Gov- ernment put a stop to the payment, and since that the nuisance had increased tenfold. If they continued to increase at the present rate the growth of soft fruits would not be particularly profitable. He had advocated fruit-growing to many people, but he was beginning to think he had made a mistake. They must have prompt, vigorous, and decisive action. He hoped in the mean time payment for heads and eggs would be resumed. Mr. G. F. Ind said there could bg no two opinions as to the necessity of checking the further increase of Sparrows. Individuals had tried various modes in all parts, but what was the use? If, for instance, he destroyed them on his own property, his neighbor took no trouble and allowed the birds to breed on his property as fast as they were killed anywhere else. Personally he had done his best to cope with the pest and had paid a man half wages, found him in powder and shot, and, in addition, paid for the heads he produced, but even that was useless while the birds bred on the ad- joining land. While payment was awarded for the heads and eggs by the Govern- ment not only in the city but also in the suburbs, there was a perceptible decrease in the number of birds; but as soon as payment was stopped and the Sparrows were not interfered with they multiplied quite ten times, and so great was the pest be- coming that it was a question now with fruit-growers whether it was advisable to continue planting or not. Unless something was done it was of no earthly use increas- ing the vineyards or fruit gardens, Mr. J. Curnow also reminded the treasurer that the deputation did not ask fora penny towards the work of destruction. The Sparrows were attacking his pears, about one-tenth of which he had found picked by the birds. Mr. A. Molineux explained the habits of the birds, which were of the graminivorous class. They bred six months in the year, and each time had eight, so that the increase was enormous. Ifa man had a scabby sheep the whole country was alive to the fact and the animal was ordered to be destroyed, or perhaps the whole flock; but the Sparrows were allowed to multiply and do immense injury without anything being done. Mr. 8. Braund strongly supported the motion. The farmers, too, suffered immensely by the Sparrows, and something needed to be done to check the increase or the results would be ruinous to them. Mr. H. Laffer said the birds were getting thoroughly established in the hills also. Whatever was done must be of acompulsory nature, He knew that large sums would have been laid out in planting but for the Sparrows. Mr. J. Pitt said he had noticed that day that the Sparrows were now beginning with the olives. Messrs. Dwyer and J. T. Holmes supported the request. The treasurer, in reply, said he was exceedingly pleased with the manner in which the deputation had brought the matter before him, because they did not, as was the case with most deputations, ask the Government for assistance with money. All they desired, he understood, was that power should be given to district councils and cor- porations to levy a small rate for the purpose of covering the expense of destroying the birds. He was not going into the modes suggested by the deputation, because he had to attend a meeting of cabinet and wished to get away. Although at one time he thought for a considerable period that the fruit-growers would be able to fairly cope with the trouble themselves, he was perfectly satisfied now of the difficulty of EVIDENCE.—FROM NEW ZEALAND PUBLICATIONS 357 doing so, because he knew they were completely at the mercy of their neighbors, no matter what they did and how much money they spent. This year he had noticed the Sparrows in larger swarms than before. That very morning when coming to town he had seen some hundreds of thousands of them in a paddock, and was simply astonished at the multitude. In his own garden the birds this year had congregated in many thousands and he had shot them, but those which escaped went to other people’s property where’ they were undisturbed. He was quite satisfied that not only the fruit industry but also that of the farmers would suffer unless some steps were taken in the matter. Along the Magill roatl last year there was a slip of wheat which had been left in a paddock by one of the farmers who wished to save some seed, but before the wheat was fairly ripe or fit for tle Ridley reaper or common reaper the Sparrows attacked it, and more than half of the crop was eaten by them. Besides that he also observed that the birds quickly lodged on the ears, which conse- quently bent down and broke the straws, so that of course it could not be reaped. He would be able to favorably recommend the proposal of the deputation to his col- leagues, but whether it would be dealt with in the district councils bill or put into a small separate bill which could be easily amended he could not then say. For his own part he twas convinced the Governmnt would have to do something. There was one method for the destruction of the birds which could be effectively adopted if done properly. Ata certain time of the year, when there was no froit and the birds had to live upon seed, w little judicious management of poisonous grain would de- stroy large numbers. But the Sparrow was cunning and people must be equally cunning in dealing with him. The way in which the work was accomplished at a place near Melbourne was as follows: A piece of ground was fixed upon where Spar- rows were numerous, and they were fed regularly for, say a month, so that they looked for their meals like fowls ina yard. On a certain day poisoned grain was slipped in, and the result was a wholesale destruction. He would not detain the deputation, and might say he hoped to be able to persuade his colleagues that some action required to be taken. The best course in his opinion was to allow a small rate to be lovied as suggested. The deputation then withdrew. [From the Taranaki (New Zealand) Herald, 1886. ] Farmers who are putting in crops are experiencing much difficulty in protecting their seed from the Sparrows, which begin their ravages at daybreak, and need watching until dark. A member of the Jand board informs us that as he was driv- ing into town to attend the special meeting of the board, on Monday, his curiosity was aroused by hearing the continua). cracking of a whip in a field close to the road. On making inquiries he ascert ained that it was a farmer with u stock whip, and he was adopting this method of frightening the birds. Hesaid he had been at this work about a week, and had to be on the field from early morning until night, or the Sparrows would be down in thousands. The field was about 7acres in extent, and as his full time was required in watching it, the crop, it would be thought, would not be very profitable. However, people who follow dairy farming have to get straw for winter use, and can not abandon cropping altogether simply because the Sparrows make it expensive. 358 THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. SECTION THIRD.—LIST OF ALL PERSONS WHOSE TESTIMONY APPEARS IN THE BULLETIN, [Notr.—This list contains the names of all persons whose testimony has been util- ized in the preparation of the Bulletiu, whether such testimony was contributed di- rectly to the Department, or had been published already elsewhere. Many persons sent reports, properly signed, but withopt any indication of their own residence or of the localities to which their testimony related. Such reports could not be used, and the names of the senders do not appear in the list. Of course, no’‘anonymous contri- butions were used. The * before the name of a contributor indicates that his testimony was used only, or mainly, in mapping the distribution of the Sparrow ; such reports usually came from places which the Sparrow had not then reached. ] Abbot, William Hillsborough, Ill. Abbott, Albert 8., Bellaire, Mich. Abbott, Dr. J, De Benneville, Bristol, Pa. *Abbott, R. B., Albert Lea, Minn. *Abernathy, Jule A., Burnsville, N. C. Abernathy., J. A., Rhea Springs, Tenn. Achert, Edward E., Denver, Colo. Acheson, M.8., Swanwick, Il. Ackison, Emma, L., Wellsburgh, W. Va. Adair, D. L., Hawesville, Ky. Adair, Jos., Terra Alta, W. Va. *Adam, Wirt, Jackson, Miss. Adams, Dr. ——, Framingham, Mass. Adams, Emma C., East Bethlehem, Pa. Adams, George H., Beatty, Pa. Adams, J. W., Springfield, Mass. Adams, Sarah A., Beatty, Pa. Adkins, Corwin, Manistique, Mich. Adney, E. T., Pittsborough, N. C. *Agersborg, Dr. G. 8., Vermillion, Dak. Aiken, Charles E., Colorado Springs, Colo. Ailly, Richard d’, Malvern, Ark. Akers, C. B., Emory, Va. Akhurst, John, Brooklyn, N. Y. *Albertson, M., Braganza, Ga. “Alcorn, James P., Kinsley, Kans. Alderson, J.N., Alderson, W. Va. Aldrich, A. C., Clare, Mich. ‘Aldrich, Charles, Webster City, Iowa. *Alexander, George D., Shreveport, La. *Alexander, John P., Plano, Tex. Alexander, Dr. J. B., Lexington, Mo, Alexander, J. C., Oak Hill, Ohio. Alexander, J. D., Thomaston, Ga. *Alexander, J. E., Enterprise, Fla. Alexander, J. T., Breckenridge, Mo. Alexander, W. F., Burkesville, Ky. Allen, A. T., Denver, Colo. Allen, C, K., South Windham, Me. Allen, Dr. C. P., Leech Lake, Minn. Allen, J. A., Cambridge, Mass. *Allen, James W., Sheldon, Dak. Allen, J. C., Olney, Il). Allen, J. H., Durham, N. C. *Allen, L. M., Daingerfield, Tex. Allen, M.N., Titusville, Pa. *Allen, Samuel J., Cub Hill, Utah. Almy, P. M., Siascouset, Mass. *Alward, J. B., Camden, Mich. Alwood, William B., Columbus, Ohio. Ambrose, J. D., Lebo, Kans. Amburgey, J. F., Lebanon, Va. Ames, D. D., Avoca, Ark. Amis, Thos. H., Barboursville, Ky. *Anderson, C. B., Zumbrota, Minn. Anderson, G. W., Paxton, Il. Anderson, H. W., Laurens C. H.,8. CG. *Anderson, Jolin, Tower, Minn. Anderson, P. D., Kearney, Mo. Anderson, Thos. F,, Dennis Mills, La. *Anderson, W. B., Millbrooke, Kans. Andrew, Dr. Geo. L., La Porte, Ind. *Andrews, J. W., Harrison, Ark. *Andrews, L. E., Louisville, Colo. Andrews, W. R., Union City, Tenn. Andros, Chas. H., Taunton, Mass. Andrus, F.C., Almont, Mich. “Angell, F, A., Hawthorne, Nev. Augus, James, West Farms, N. Y. Angus, Wm. Cratie, Glasgow; Scotland. Annis, F. W., Osage, Iowa. *Anthony, A. W., Deover, Colo. Apgar, Prof. Austin C., Trenton, N, J. Apperson, Dr, Jno. S., Town House, Va. *Apploegate, Carrie, Blaiestown, Iowa. Appleton, Geo. Lyman, Ways Station, Ga. Archer, Charles, Chester Hill, Ohio. Armstrong, Dr. C. T., Corunna, Mich. Arnett, John D., Tiptonville, Tenn. LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS. , *Arnold, Geo. B., Kasson, Minn. Arnold, I. N , Rickmond, Iowa. Arnold, L. H., Trenton, Ky. Arrauts, I. C., Decatur, Tenn. Arundell, C. A., Farmwell, Va. Asbury, Benj. P., Kingston, Ohio. Ashby, C. M., Spottsylvania C. H., Va. Ashby, R. J., Charleston, W. Va. Ashe, 8. A., Raleigh, N. C. *Ashmead, Wm. H., Jacksonville, Fla. Ashton, H.C., Flemingsburgh, Ky. *Askew, T. W.L., Austin, Miss. Aspinall, W.H., Weston, W. Va. Astholz, Henry A.,Cape Girardeau, Mo. Atkins, Dr. H. A., Locke, Mich. Auld, D.J., Sumter C.H., S.C. Austin, A.C., Oshkosh, Wis. Austin, E. H., Gaylordsville, Coun. *Austin, F.C., Orange City, Fla. Austin, Jane E., Mocksville, N.C. *Avera, W.F., Camden, Ark. Avery, J.O., Weston, Ohio. Avery, Dr. W. C., Greensborough, Ala. Ayres, John, Medford, Mass. *Baasen, Francis, New Ulm, Minn. Babbitt, Clinton, Beloit, Wis. Babcock, P. O., Monticello, Iowa. Bacon, I. C., Chase City, Va. *Bacon, J. M., Oregon City, Oregon. Bagby, John §., Rushville, Ill. Bagby, R. A., La Belle, Mo. Bagg, J. N., West Spritgfield, Mass. Bagwell, J. O., Helena, Ark. Bailey, Alanza A., Evanston, Wyo. *Bailey, A. B., Malta Bend, Mo. Bailey, H. B., East Orange, N. J. *Bailey, J. W., Mulberry, Ark. *Bailey, M. Milton, Ashland, Kans. Bailey, Vernon, Elk River, Minn. Baily, William L., Philadelphia, Pa. *Baillio, O. P., Liberty, Tex. Bain, Francis, North River, P. E.I., Can- ada. *Bain, H. P., Great Bend, Kans. Baine, Tom, Hayneville, Ala. Baines, M. W., Stafford C. H., Va. Bair, H. C., Punxsutawney, Pa. Baird, A. B., Hartford, Ky. *Baird, John R., Johnsonville, Miss. Bake, Jacob L., Red Oak, Iowa. Baker, Amos C., jr., New Bedfurd, Mass. *Baker, G. W., Olivet, Dak. Baker, H. C., Hiawatha, Kans. Baker, H.'T., Berlin, Wis. Baker, James S., Sayville, N. Y. 359 Baker, L. J., Bowling Green, Va. Baker, M. D., Uniontown, Pa. Baker, N. G., Parkersburgh, Iowa, Baker, W. R., Boonville, Mo. Balch, W. E., Lunenburgh, Vt. *Ball, J. A., Belmont, Ney. Ball, Theo. G., New Worcester, Mass. “Ballon, E. L., Igo, Cal. Ballou, W. H., Chicago, Hl. *Bancroft, E. P., Mankato, Kans, Banks, J. W., Portland, St. John, Now Brunswick, Canada. *Banouer, C.C., Aaron, N.C. Barber, I. G., Middleburgh, Pa. *Barber, N. R., Corvallis, Oreg. *Bardon, John A., Superior, Wis. Barker, J. M., Fayette City, Pa. Barkman, Chas. W., Carmichael’s, Pa. Barnard, Johu, Delphi, Ind. Barnard & Plank, Deer Creek, Ind. *Burnes, C., Jonestown, Miss. Barnes, Joseph, Richmond, South Aus- tralia. Barnes, J. H., Griffin, Ga. *Barnett, C.G., Henderson, Tex. Barnhill, B. B., Two Rivers, N.8., Can. Barns, N.S., Fairmount, W. Va. Barnum, E. D., Angelica, N. Y. Barrell, H.F., New Providence, N. J. Barrell, Robert W., South Bethichem, Pa, Barrett, C.S., Charlotte, Mich. *Barrett, E.F., Aitkin, Minn. Barrett, W.J., Kinston, N.C. Barron, T. D., Saint Clair, Mich. Barrows, Morton, Saint Paul, Minn. Barrows, Walter B., Washington, D.C. Barthe), Ang., Belleville, Il. Bartlet, Rev. J. Pemberton, Exbury, Hants, Eng. *Barton, J.M., Cameron, Tex. Bartram, C. K., Fredonia, N.Y. “Bassett, 8. F., Richmond, Mo. Bast, Jos., Sheboygan, Wis. *Batchelder, . M., Radersburgh, Mont. *Bateman, R. P., Sheridan, Mont. *Bates, J. A.T., Oakland, Iowa. *Bates, J. D., Denton, Tex. *Baugh, J. J., Des Arc, Ark. Baum, A. W., Irwinton, Ga. Baumed, Herman, Johnstown, Pa. Baxter, Dr. Jas., Chatham, N. B., Can. Bayard, H.0., Austin, Minn. *Bayless, T. H., Hope, Ark. Beach, E.8., Valparaiso, Ind. Beach, H.D., Coshocton, Ohio. 360 Beach, L. H., Albion, N. Y. *Beach, S. J., Farragut, Iowa. Beal, Prof. F. E. L., Fitchburg, Mass. Beall, Lee, Rich Hill, Mg. Beaman, D.C., Ottumwa, Iowa Beard, D.C., Flushing, N. Y. *Beard,T. A. C., Crete, Nebr. Beattie, James, Hillsdale, Mich. Beatty, Miller, Clarion, Pa. Beauchamp, Rev. W. M., Baldwinsville, N.Y. *Beavers, M.M., Waldron, Ark. *Beavers, R. C., Grundy, Va. Bebout, A. J., Smithland, Ky. Becher, E. F., England. *Beck, Michael, Jordan, Minn. Becker, Charles, Freeburgh, I]l. *Becker, Christian, Mount Vernon, Ala. Beckham, Charles W., Nelson County, Ky. Beckwith, Charles W., Fredericton, N. B., Can. *Beckwith, Irenus, Alexandria, Tenn. *Beedy, N. J., Postville, Iowa. *Beekman, George, Helena, Minn. *Beeman, Howard P., Pass Christian, Miss. *Beers, F. E., Gilmore City, Iowa. Beeson, H. H., New Market, N. C. *Beeson, O., Caldwell, Kans. Beirne, A., Lewisburgh, W. Va. *Belcher, C.C., Okmulgee, Ind. T. Belding, L., Stockton, Cal. Bell, Everett, Trenton, Tenn. Bell, Jamey, Strathfieldsaye, Hampshire, Eng. Bell, Prof. James T., Belleville, Ont., Can. *Bell, John C., Astoria, Oregon. Bell, J. G., Sparkhill, N. Y. *Bell, Lucy M., Willis, Tex. Bell, William P., Accomack C. H.,Va. *Bellamy, Lucas W., Belle Plain, Tex. Bellows, Charles E., Bridgeton, N. J. *Beloate, C. R., Corning, Ark. *Bench, J. M., Coal Hill, Ark. *Bender, C., jr., Spring, Tex. Bendire, Capt. Chas, E., Washington, D.C. Benford, L. J., Ursina, Pa. Benhan, Sidney L., Crescent City, Fla. *Benjamin, H. R., Tampa, Fla. *Bennel, B. F., Windsor, Cal. Benner, H, L., Gettysburgh, Pa. Benner, J. F., New Lisbon, Ohio. *Bennett, C, A., Granite Falls, Minn. THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. Bennett, E. J., Cashiers, N. C. *Bennett, F. R., Odebolt, Iowa. *Bennett, L. B., Worthington, Minn. *Bennett, 8. C., Georgetown, Colo, Bennett, William T., Waterford, Va. Benson, George W., Atlanta, Ga. Benson, Lieut. Harry C., Camp Huachuea, Ariz. Benson, Mary, Hooker, Ind. Bentley, L. E., Donaldsonville, La. *Bentou, A. H., Madelia, Minn. *Berger, Charles A., Blunt, Dak. Bergtold, Dr. W. H., Buffalo, N. Y. Berkey, E. G., Harristown, Ind. Berry, Dr. Daniel, Carmi, Ill. Berry, George H., North Livermore, Me. *Berry, Henry N., Iowa City, Iowa. *Berry, Jno., Ozark, Ark. Berthoud, William B., Barataria, La. Bessey, Prof. Charles E., Lincoln, Nebr. Bessmer, John, Hastings, Mich. Beverly, John James, Wvodville, South Australia. Bibb, J. W., Elsberry, Mo. *Bibbius, Charles A., Baldwin, La. Bickuell, Eugene P., Riverdale, N. Y. Bicknell, Hon. G. A., New Albany, Ind. *Bielby, C. F. A., De Land, Fla. *Bienvenu, Albert, Saint Martinville, La. Bigelow, J. Allen, Pontiac, Mich. *Bigham, J. A., Tyler, Minn. Binkerd, Dr. A. D., Cochran, Ind. *Binnicker, Jno. B., Hampton, S. C. Binns, Samuel, Fayette, Ohio. Bird, J. W., Menominee, Mich. Bird, W. B., King and Queen C. H., Va. Birt, Thomas, Utica, N. Y. Bishop, Louis B., New Haven, Conn. Bivins, J. M. Albemarle, N. C. *Bjorge, C., Lake Park, Minn. Blachly, Dr. Charles P., Manhattan, Kans. *Blain, E. F., Tomichi, Colo. *Blair, W. H., Montesano, Wash. Blake, Eli Whitney, 3d, Providence, R.I. Blakemore, Eugene, Shelbyville, Tenn. Blakeslee, G. A., Galien, Mich. Blakiston, T. W., London, Ohio. *Blakney, G., Carthage, Mo. *Blandig, Joseph, Convent, La. Blase, Joseph L., Cynthiana, Ind. *Blatchford, G. E., Maysville, Colo. *Bligh, D. C., Minburn, Iowa. *Blumer, A., Moss Point, Miss. Boardman, George A., Calais, Me. Bobbitt, Jno. §., Sussex C, H., Va. LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS. Boblitz, E. L., Mechanicstown, Md. *Bodet, George, San Diego, Tex. Bodine, A. L., Plainville, Ohio. Bodkin, J. T., Patriot, Ind. Bodley, Dr. A. R , Quenemo, Kans. *Boemer, Thaddeus, Columbia, Miss. Bogan, John 8., Mount Vernon, Il. Bogert, R. V., Beaver Dam, Wis. *Boggs, Theodore, McPherson, Kans. Bohl, Daniel, Laurel, Ohio. Boies, A. H., Hudson, Mich. Bollman, C. H., Bloomington, Ind. Bolton, Frank D., New Harmony, Ind. Bolton, Dr. Tom, San Francisco, Cal. Bolton, W. P., Liberty Square, Pa. Bond, Frank, Cheyenne, Wyo. Bond, Fred T., Vallejo, Cal. Bond, H. L., Iowa City, Iowa. Bondman, Jno. F., Brierfield, Ala. Bondusant, A., Saint Joseph, La. Bonham, L. N., Oxford, Ohio. Bonner, Maeon, Washington, N. C. *Bonney, B. §., McPherson, Kans. *Bonney, James H., Princess Anne C.H., Va. *Bonney, Miles, Waterproof, La. *Booth, Henry, Larned, Kans. *Booth, Joseph 8., Missoula, Mont. Bord, H., Talmage, Nebr. *Bornarth, Charles, Shakopee, Minn. Borum, M. V., Dyersburgh, Teun. *Borup, Theodor, Fort Custer, Mont. *Bostwick, Kate, Wesson, Miss. Bosworth, 8. N., Beverly, W. Va. Boude, J. H., Augusta, Ky. Boughner, A. V., Greensborough, Pa. Boulton, William, Alpena, Mich. Bourk, John, North Bay, Lake Nipissing, Canada. Bourne, J. D., De Witt, Iowa. Bowden, 8. V., Jamestown, Tenn. Bowen, C. R., Hinsdale, N. Y. Bowen, E. A., Middleborough, Mass. *Bowen, W. §., Sheffield, Iowa. *Bowers, C. E., Pena Station, Tex. *Bowers, Dr. Stephen, San Buenaven- tura, Cal. Bowie, George R., Ghent, Ky. Bowles, George John, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Bowlus, E. M., Middletown, Md. Bowman, C. L., Frankfort, Ky. *Bowman, S. J., Manning, S. C. Boyce, K., Augusta, Ga. *Boyd, Dr. Andy, Larkiusville, Ala. 361 *Boyd, J. N., Cooper, Tex. *Boyd, R., Kosciusko, Miss. Boyer, J. W., Independence, Va. *Boylan, G. W., Hamiltou, Dak. Boyle, Joseph B., Westminster, Md. Boynton, Dr. C. H., Lisbon, N. H. Brace, Hiram L., Newaygo, Mich. *Bracey, W. M., Terry, Miss. Bracken, P., Parker’s Landing, Pa. Brackett, George E., Belfast, Me. Brackett, G. B., Denmark, Iowa. Braden, W. G., New Brighton, Pa. Braden, W. H., Purdy, Tenn. Bradford, E., Sparta, Mich. Brady, Jas, Washington, Pa. Brady, John, Batavia, Ill. Brady, Jno , Coalton, Ohio. *Brady, Thomas T., Beresford, Dak. Brady, Tom G., Buckhannon, W. Va. Bragaw, Juno. T., Jersey City, N. J. *Brainbleet, George D.,Winchester, Tenn. *Brandon, T.J., Centreville, Utah. Brattin, D. W., Brazil, Ind. Braund, S., Adelaide, Sonth Australia. Braymer, Dr. Frank H., West Pawlet, Vt. Breaden, J. C., Butler, Pa. Breeding, Hon. Green, Booneville, Ky. *Breeman, William J., Sidney, Nebr. Breen, Edw. J., Weston, Mo. Brewer, H.C., Huntingdon, Tenn. Brewer, Dr. T. M., Boston, Mass. Brewerton, Thomas W., Willard, Utah. *Brewster, J.O., Hunnewell, Kans. Brewster, William, Cambridge, Mass. Brice, A. C., Lenox, Iowa. *Brice, J. C., Arcadia, La. Brice, William, Ithaca, Mich. *Bridgewater, W. L., Bandana, Ky. Briechner, J. A., Taneytown, Md. Briggs, F. P., Hudson, Me. *Brill, Fred., Lincoln, Mo. Brimley, Clement 8., Raleigh, N. C. Briner, J. H., Hazelton, Ind. Brinker, J. H., West Point, Miss. Brinkley, L. L., Edenton, N. C. Brittain, John, Petitcodeac, New Bruns- wick, Canada. *Brittain, J. B., Jacksonville, Tex. Broad, Henry, Marden, Scuth Australia. Brodhead, E. A., Kittanning, Pa. Brodie, John N., Bear Lake, Mich. Brodie, Dr. William, Toronto, Canada. Brouson, Graham, Vernon Centre, N. Y. Brooks, Edward, Boston, Mass. Brow, 8. A., Lancaster, Wis. 362 Browe, W. C., Salt Lake City, Utah. *Brown, D. B., Goodwater, Ala. Brown, E. L., Durand, Wis. Brown, E, L., Eufaula, Ala. Brown, F. H., Renfrew, Pa. *Brown, George B., Fredonia, Kans. *Brown, Herbert, Tucson, Ariz. Brown, H. E., Dublin, Tex. Brown, Julia B., Markland, Ind. Brown, J. M., Galveston, Tex. Brown, Dr. J. P. H., Augusta, Ga. Brown, J. R., Queen City, Mo. *Brown, J. William, Bastrop, La. *Brown, Mary A., Hillsborough, Oregon. Brown, M. E., Bethany, W. Va. Brown, Nathan Clifford, Portland, Me. *Brown, Robert L., Austin, Ark. Brown, Will A., Pikeville, Tenn. Browne, F. C., Framingham, Mass. Brownley, A. M., Franklin, Va. Broyles, W. T., Dayton, Tenn. *Brugh, M. P., Eutaw, Ala. Brunson, W. H., Edgefield C. H., 8. C. Brunt, John R., Osage Mission, Kans. Bruton, W. P., Dover, Tenn. *Bryan, I. W., Dillon, Ga, Bryavt, Walter E., Oakland, Cal, Brydia, C. §., Sannemin, I. *Buck, Adam, Henderson, Minn. Buck, A. J., Oskaloosa, Kans. *Buckner, Louis, Newellton, La. Budd, Henry I., Mount Holly, N. J. *Buddecke, A. E., Montrose, Colo. *Budge, Annie, Paris, Idaho, Buffington, J. F., New Windsor, Md. Bunnewitz, L., Wolcott, Iowa. Bunsen, George C., West Belleville, Il]. *Burbank, H. A., Laredo, Tex. Burbank, J. A., Welcome, La. Burger, §. N., Manchester, Tenn. Burhans, Howard, Heath, N. Y. Burke, W. A., Staunton, Va. Burleigh, County Commissioner, New Haven, Conn. *Burley, ‘I’. 8., Walhalla, Dak. Burmeister, Charles, Frankfoit, Mich. Burns, Frank L., Berwyn, Pa. *Burns, John J , Sprague, Wash. *Burns, J. T., Dayton, Wash. Burns, Robert, Houston, Tex. Burns, William, Port Huron, Mich. *Burr, R. H., Bartow, Fla. *Burrell, H. P., Elk River, Minn. Burrough, Edward, Merchantville, N, J. *Burroughs, C. H., La Crosse, Wis. THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. Burrow, W. J., Plymouth, Mich. Burt, Sam. W., Salem, Ala. Burtis, Henry M., Port Washington, N. Y. Burton, Ruth C., Taylorsville, Ky. *Burwell, D. M., Minnetonka, Minn. Buskirk, J. B., Logan C. H., W. Va. Butcher, 8. J., Burlington Jnnction, Mo. Butler, Amos W., Brookville, Ind. Butler, Charles H., Paw Paw, Mich. *Butler, F. G., Schaller, Iowa. Butler, 8S. M., Clifton Forge, Va. Butterworth, T., Quincy, Ill. Button, Charles W., Lynchburgh, Va. *Butts, E. G., Stillwater, Minn. Butz, William T., New Castle, Pa. Buxton, C. L., England. Byars, Jas., Covington, Tenn. Byram, R.R., Lena, Wis. *Byrne, M. E., Enterprise, Miss. *Byrnes, J. M., Brenham, Tex. Byrum, George B., Laconia, Ind. *Cabeen, J. H., Belleview, La. *Cage, John W., Mineola, Tex. Cahoon, John C., Taunton, Mass. *Cain, M.G., Seymoar, Iowa, Calderwood, M. H., Eldridge, Iowa. Caldwell, L. W., Warrenton, Va. Calohan, Mary M., Edenburgh, Va. Calvin, John H., Rosewood, Ind. *Calvin, 'T. W., Lake View, Oregon. Cameron, J.D., Asheville, N.C. Camp, Robert D., New Haven, Conn. Campbell, Altes H., Iola, Kans. Campbell, George W., Delaware, Obio. Campbell, H. D., Traverse City, Mich. Campbell, Isabella, Blairsville, Pa. Campbell, James L., Boyne City, Mich. Campbell, John, Flint, Mich. Campbeli, M. J., Fontana, Kans. Campbell, O. L., Knoxville, Ill. *Campbell, Thomas, Medical Lake, Wash. Camper, C. B., Fincastle, Va. Candland, A. W., Chester, Utah. *Cannon, James, Mankato, Minn. *Cannon, Walter R., Norton, Kans. *Cannon, William ,Fort Abraham Lincoln, Dak. “Canon, W.H., Merrill, Wis. Cantwell, James §., Smithfield, Utah. *Caragan, William H.,Young’s Spring, Ky. *Caraway, J. H., Ronceverte, W. Va, Card, Ira B., Hillsdale, Mich. “Card, L. A., Big Stone City, Dak. Carder, T. M., Dallas, Ark. *Cardwelt, W, D., Jackson, Ky. LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS. Carew, Joseph W., Hahnyille, La. *Carey, G. W., North Yakima, Wash. Carey, John H., Morristown, Ohio. Carlin, James, Cleves, Ohio. Carmine, J. W., Boston, Ga. Carpenter, Charles M., Providence, R. I. Carpenter, F. H., Rehoboth, Mass. Carpenter, H. O., Coe Ridge, Ohio. Carper, John C., New Castle, Va. *Carr, Isaac T., Neillsville, Wis. Carr, R. F., Tazewell, Tenn. *Carr,S. A., Galena, Mo. *Carrington, J. F., Elizabethtown, N. Mex. Carrithers, C. F. H., Fairbury, Il. Carroll, John, West St. Louis, Mo. Carroll, Patrick, Lonaconing, Md. Carry], F.M., Passaic Bridge, N. J. Carter, Alonzo H., Hardin, Ill. Carter, Charles W., Aledo, Il. *Carter, D.M., Hattiesburgh, Miss. *Carter, John H., Harrisonburgh, La. *Carter, M. A., Pine Apple, Ala. *Carter, M.E., Fort Bridger, Wyo. Cartwright, E.G., La Fayette, Tenn. Carver, A. H., Lickley Corners, Mich. Case, G. L., Austin, Minn. *Case, Jennie L., Asotin, Wash. Case, Jesse G., Peconic, N. Y. *Case, J. B., Paradise Valley, Nev. Casey, M.J., Vail, Iowa. Caskey, John O., Enon Valley, Pa. Cate, Clarence L., Spencer, Mass. Cate, G. W., Stevens’ Point, Wis. Caulkins, Dr. John 8., Thornville, Mich. *Cave,S.H., Terrance, Utah. Cayton, William M., Saint George, W. Va. *Chaffe, J.C.T., Minden, La. Chalfant, Thomas, Danville, Pa. Chalmers, Thomas, Holyoke, Mass. Chamberlain, Montague, St. John, N.B., Canada. Chamberlain, M. A., Winthrop, Iowa. Chambers, John, South Richmond, Soath Australia. *Champion, H., Breckenridge, Minn. *Chandler, R. P., Riverside, Cal. Chapin, B. T., Brockwayville, Pa. Chapin, Rev. D. D., Allegan, Mich. *Chapman, Adkins, Wayne C. H., W. Va. *Chapman, Frank M., Gainesville, Fla. *Chappelear, R. H., Boggy, Ga. Charles, Alex., Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Chase, Edward R., Corinne, Utah. Chase, S. B., Osage, Iowa. 363 *Chatfield, E. E., Belle Plaine, Minn. Cheatham, Mrs, Anna B., Nashville, Tenn. *Cheney, S. F., Woodward’s Cove, Grand Manan, N.B., Canada. Cherrie, George K., Knoxville, Iowa. Chesney, Isom, Percy, Ill. *Chessher, D.'T., Georgetown, Tex. Chichester, Andrew, Amityville, N. Y. *Childs, F.C., Leesburg, Fla. Chisman, Mattie K., Hampton, Va. Christian, L. A., Mount Gilead, N.C. *Christlieb, B. F., Long Lake, Minn. *Christy, J. C., Silver City, Iowa. Church, A., New York, N.Y. Church, A. M., Boonville, N. Y. *Churchill, Arthur, Rugby, Tenn. *Churchill, C. P., Linn Creek, Mo. Clapp, Charles M., Albion, Ind, Clapp, W. C., Dorchester, Mass. *Clark, A. K.,jr., Hugo, Colo. *Clark, A. M., Spencer, Tenn. *Clark, Edwin B., Waxahachie, Tex. Clark, Frank D., Farmington, Mich. Clark, George A., Bloomsburgh, Pa. *Clark, George W., Lyons, Kans. Clark, Harvey, Butler, Mo. Clark, Hubert L., Amherst, Mass. Clark, J. D., Brookfield, Ohio. Clark, J. R., La Grange, Ky. *Clark, L. B., Newton, Tex. Clark, Mrs. M. A., Falmouth, Ky. *Clark, M. A., Giddings, Tex. Clark, N., Baltimore, Md. Clark, W.C., Paducah, Ky. *Clark, W. H., jr., Florence, Wis. *Clark, S. H., Elwood, Iowa. Clark, 8S. M., Washington, D.C. *Clark, 8. N., Cleburne, Tex. Clarke, James W., De Soto, Mo. Clarke, John G., West Kingston, R. I. *Clay, C. M., Blue, Utah. Ciaypole, Prof. E. W., Akron, Ohio. Claywell, J. A., Morganton, N.C. Clement, Asa, Dracut, Mass. Clement, Paul A., Cumming, Ga. Clements, Shannon, Bucyrus, Ohio. *Cleveland, C. B., Linden, Ala. Clevenger, William, Wilmington, Ohio. Clifford, J. Philip, Clarksburgh, W. Va. Clinton, John, Brownsville, Tenn. *Clopton, Frank B., Pendleton, Oregon. Coale, H. K., Chicago, Il]. Coatz, Thomas C., North Royalton, Ohio. Cobleigh, W.S., Peoria, Il. *Cochran, John H., Dallas, Tex. 364 Cochran, J. L., Strong, Kans. *Cochran, Mrs. Maria S., Brazoria, Tex. Cochrane, J. D., Dexter, Me. Cocke, Peyton A., Surry Court-House, Va. *Cocke, Thomas R., Victoria, Tex. *Coftee, M. E., Burnet, Tex. Coffin, A. V., Le Roy, Kans. Coffroth, J. K., Somerset, Pa. Cogan, Ella J., Montello, Wis. Cohoon, J. A., Effingham, Kans. Colam, John, England. Cole, Beaumont, Adelaide, South Austra- lia. Cole, H. D., Williamsburgh, Va. Coleman, W. E., Jefferson City, Mo. *Colin, Lehman, Lee, Miss. Collins, C. F., Homer, Mich. *Collins, Daniel R., Cherry Creek, Nev. Collins, DN. K., Charleston, N. C. *Collins, W. V., Gonzales, Tex. *Colson, Herman, Ionia, Kaus. . Colston, Win. B., Martinsburgh, W. Va. ~ Comeau, Napoleon A., Godbout, Quebec, Canada. Comstock, Prof. F. M., Le Roy, N. Y. *Conatser, W.S., Palo Pinto, Tex. Conklin, J. B., Springport, Mich. Conklin, W. ‘A., New York, N.Y. Conn, James H., Saint John’s, Mich. *Conner, I., Ponca, Nebr. *Counor, James C., Aspen, Colo. Connor, J. T., Rome, Ind. Connst, J. L., Flemington, N. J. *Conrad, V. M., Lewis, Iowa. Cook, A. J., Agricultural College, Mich. *Cook, Barbara E., Bowie, Tex. *Cook, B., Arkadelphia, Ark. *Cook, E. G,, Fullerton, Nebr. *Cook, Geo. F., Breckenridge, Minn. Cook, John, Bridgeport, Ohio. Cook, P. J., Cullom, Il. *Cook, Thos. F., Monrovia, Kans. Cook, W., Bowling Green, Ky. Cooke, Michael, Derby, Kans. *Cooke, T., Clear Creek, Tex. *Cooksey, W. H., Geneva, Nebr. Cooper, D. W., Bellaire, Ohio. Cooper, Joseph, Greenville County, 8. C. Cooper, Dr. J. G., Haywards, Cal. *Cooper, Martin, Forest City, Iowa, Coram, J. H., Morgan, Ga. Cordeaux, John, Uleeby, North Lincoin- shire, England. Corning, Erastus, jr., Albany, N. Y. Coryell, R.J., Jonesville, Mich. THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. Costellow, C. W., Waterborough, Me. Cottingham, I’. G., Sharon Centre, Ohio. Cottrell, A., Morrill, Kans. Cottrell, J. F., Fort Scott, Kans. s Couch, Edward J., Ridgefield, Conn. Coues, Dr. Elliott, Washington, D.C. Couk, John M., Jonesville, Va. Council, M. B., Americus, Ga. Coutant, Chas. K., Omaha, Nebr. Covell, J. D., Forreston, Ill. Cowiug, Granville, Muncie, Ind. *Cox, A., Blossburgh, N. Mex. Cox, Chas.C., Wampum, Pa. Cox, Jas., Grand Rapids, Mich. *Cox, W.A., Ellijay, Ga. Cox, W.A., Munising, Mich. *Cox, W.L., Genoa, Nev. Cozatt, E. W., Madisonville, Tenn. *Crabtree, S. H., Rohnerville, Cal. Craig, J. P., Memphis, Mo. *Craig, M. A., El Dorado, Ark. Craig, W. T., San Francisco, Cal. Craig, Rev. Dr., Mt. Gambier, 8S. Australia. *Craiyo, James T., Paris, Tex. *Cramer, A. P., Avoca, Iowa, Cramer, Stephen, Batavia, Ohio. Crandall, W. W., Chippewa Falls, Wis. Crane, F. W., Maquoketa, Iowa, Crane, L.E., Millet, Mich. Crane, Marcus §., Caldwell, N. J. Crawford, Chas. B., Mifflintown, Pa. Crawford, Jas. C., Cameron, W. Va. *Crawford, J.J., Nevinville, Iowa. : *Crawford, T. B., Grand Junction, Colo. *Crawford, Thos. W., Gainesville, Ark. Crisp, John D., Holden, Mo. Criss, R. D. Melvern, Kans. Critchett, Jas. C., Monroe, Mich, Critchtield, M.L., Oskaloosa, Kans. Crites, 8. D., Elida, Ohio. Crittenden, H. H. W., Burkeville, Va. Crittenden, 8.S., Greenville, 8. C. *Crocket, B. D., San Angustine, Tex. *Cromastic, A. K., Clarkton, N.C. *Crook, W.R., Falls City, Nebr. 7 Crosland, Jas. E., Aiken, 8. C. Crosland, T. L., Bennettsville, 8. C. Cross, William T., Gatesville, N.C. Crotsenburg, C.N., Clinton, Wis. Crowell, W. D., Newport News, Va. Crowl, H.R., Winton Place, Ohio. Crown, 8. C., Hancock, Md. Crozier, Hon. Johv, Oaklands, Australia. Crozier, William, Northport, N. Y. axe South LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS. *Cruickshank, Mrs, 8., Clay Center, Nebr. Crum, N. W., Inez, Ky. Cruzen, G. R., Stafford, Kans. Cueny, J. E., Cheboygan, Mich. Culling worth, William H., Richniond,Va. Cullom, D. W., Celina, Tenn. Culp, J. F., Athens, Mich. Culpepper, Miss Etta, Camilla, Ga. Cunningham, Hon. John D., Atlanta, Ga. *Cunningham, J. C., Muldon, Miss. *Cunningham, J. M., Henderson, Teun. *Cunningham, J. R., Coffeysburgh, Mo. Cunningham, W. T., Danville, Ill. Curnow, J., Adelaide, South Australia. *Currie, George W., Raleigh, Miss. *Curry, Hamilton, Cloquet, Minn. *Curtis, Charles D., Helena, Mont. Curtis, F. D., Charlton, N. Y. *Curtis, George W., College Station, Tex. Curtis, John, New Liberty, Ky. Curtiss, Robert W., Stratford, Conn. *Cusaday, W. H., Orange City, Iowa. Cutcheon, F. M., Portland, Mich. Cuthbert, F. T., Minneapolis, Minn. Cutler, B. L., West Jordan, Utah. *Cutler, H. D.B., Glenwood, Mo. *Cutter, John J., Parker, Dak. Cutting, Dr. Hiram A., Lunenburgh, Vt. Daggett, Alonzo, Cuttyhunk, Mass. Daine,.E. A., Hyde Park, Utah. Dakin, J. A., Tully, N. Y. *Dale, W.T., Mellette, Dak. Dall, W. H., Tampa, Fla. * Daniel, Moses, Brunswick, Ga. Daniels, Jas. 8., Jerseyville, Il. Danley, W. H., Antigo, Wis. *Darling, A. L., Brownsville, Minn. *Darling, T. C., Eudora, Kans. Dashiell, R. R., Jackson, Tenn. *Daugherty, D. B., Boone, N.C. Daugherty, G. W., Carmichaels, Pa, *Daus, L. L., Rock Springs, Wyo. ; Davenport Academy of Natural Sciences, Davenport, Iowa. Davies, A. P., Gloucester C. H., Va. Davies, L. M., Cleveland, Ohio. *Davis, A. B., Winnebago, Minn. Davis, Charles A., Burlington, Vt. Davis, D. J., Wapakoneta, Ohio. Davis, E. H., Keyser, W. Va. Davis, George A., Mexico, N. Y. Davis, Hugh L., Richmond, Va. *Davis, H. T., Orange, Tex., Davis, John, Ridgeway, Ohio. Davis, John M., Rochester, Ind, 365 Davis, Jno. M., Waynesville, N. C. Davis, J. H., Tallapoosa, Ga. *Davis, J. J., Salem, Utah. *Davis, J. M., Ranger, Tex. *Davis, Luciana G., Rio Grande City, Tex. *Davis, M. Allie, Boltou’s Depot, Miss. Davis, 8. R., Creston, Iowa. *Davis, W. T., Erwin, Tenn. Davison, J. L., Lockport, N. Y. *Dawson, John W., Phillipsburgh, Mont, Dawson, William R., Tidioute, Pa. Day, H. S., Parkersville, Kans. *Dearborn, M., Wayne, Nebr. Deaton, J. L., Pocahontas, Va. *Decker, A. F., Sweet Water, Tex. Deemer, H. E., Red Oak, Iowa. *Deguire, A. A., Fredericktown, Mo. Deighan, F. A., Castalia, Ohio. *Deimling, Mary, Virgiuia, Mont. De Lassus, Joe R., Perryville, Mo. Delknap, J. H.; Omer, Mich. Dempsey, J. I"., Madisonville, Ky. Dendy, Charles L., Hamilton, Ga. Denise, D. D., Freehold, N. J. Dennen, L. W., Havensville, Kans. Dennis, David B., Coldwater, Mich. *Dennison, Hattie, Vancouver, Wash. *Dennison, W. B. Litchfield, Kaus. Dent, F. Mortimer, Newburgh, W. Va. Dent, W. W., Marquette, Mich. Denton, E. P., Bagdad, Ky. “Denton, F. D., Batesville, Ark. *Derrick, J. A., Pittsburgh, Tex, Dessert, F. A., Macon City, Mo. Detweiler, Dr. J. F., Wadsworth, Ohio. Deutsch, Peter J., Magnolia, Ind. Davanney, Mrs. Maria, Glendale, Ohio. Devier, H. K., Dayton, Va. De Wald, Henry, Collinsville, Il. De Wolf, Samuel, Rochester, Minn. Dibrell, W. L., Sparta, Tenn. Dick, A. M., West Newton, Pa. Dickinson, C. L., Somerville, Tenn. Dickinson, Monroe, Boyne Falls, Mich. *Dickinson, 8. 8., Larned, Kans. Dickson, H. D., Neosho Falls, Kans. *Didlake, J. T., Hepler, Kans. Diehl, E. P., Olathe, Kans. Dimmick, C. W., Milford, Pa. Dingman, W. E., Newton, Iowa. Dixwell, Dr. John, Boston, Mass. Doan, A. J., Jersey City, N. J. Doan, W. D., Atglen, Pa. *Dobie, Malcom, Hayward, Wis. Doertenbach, William F., Cleveland, Ohio. 366 *Dollerhide, R. H., Delhi, La. *Dols, Henry, Merriam Junction, Minn. Donaldson, George, Ithaca, N. Y. *Donaldson, J. C., Gilbertsville, N. Y. *Donkersley, J. H., Laramie City, Wyo. *Donnell, J. K., Greenbrier, Ark. *Donnell, Martin W., Iona, Minn. *Dorier, L., Ocala, Fla, Dorman, David, Independence, Iowa. Dorr, George P., Woodsfield Ohio. Doty, H. F., Reading, Mich. , *Douden, B., Roseburgh, Oregon. Dougall, H. M.,Springville, Utah. *Dougherty, John, Scbastopol, Cal. Doughty, William M., Cedar Point, Kans. Douglas, Henry, Happy Valley, South Australia. *Douglas, John H., Lamar, Mo. Douthat, William B., Fayetteville, Tenn. Douthit, G. B., Jacksonville, Ala. *Dowlin, Paul, Greenfield, Iowa. *Doyal, M. C., Harwood, Tex. Doyle, D., Oswego, Kans. Doyle, Thomas, Sandusky, Mich. Dreker, Darius, Stroudsburgh, Pa. Dresser, J. M., La Fayette, Ind. Drew, Stod E., Midland, Mich. *Dubberly, J. A., Tallassee, Ala. *Dubois, M. Gue, Marion C. H., S.C. *Duclos, Alphonse, Rayne, La. Dudenbostel, Aug. Campbell Hill, Il. Dudley, R. 8., Pulaski Station, Va. Duff, J., England. *Duify, A. A., Matagorda, Tex. Daffy, J., Lancaster, Pa. *Duggan, James, Melrose, Iowa. Duke, Samuel, Notasulga, Ala. Dulaney, Hon. W. L., Louisville, Ky. Dunbar, E. W., Damariscotta, Me. “Duncan, John W., Bonham, Tex. Duplanty, Frank, Whittemore, Mich. Du Pro, J. F.C., Abbeville C. H..S. C. Dupuy, Charles E., Plaquemine, La. *Dupuy, H., Marksville, La. Dupuy, Nelson, North Adams, Mass. *Duran, Dana, Huron, Dak. *Duarbiv, J., Lisbon, Dak. Durfee, Owen, Brooklyn, N.Y. Durham, Dr. G. W., Thomson, Ga. Durkin Michael, Washington, D.C. Dury, Charles, Avondale, Ohio. Dusenberg, Mary R., Concord, N. C. Duvall, M. W., Cheraw, 8. C. *Dnvar, J. Hunter, Alberton, Priuce Ed- ward’s Island, Canada, THE ENGLISH SPAKROW IN AMERICA. *Dwelley, J. F., La Conner, Wash. Dwinelle, C. H., Berkeley, Cal. Eames, Frank M., Bay Ridge, N. Y. Earnest, F. W., Jonesborough, Tenn. *Eastgate, T. F., Larimore, Dak. *Hastland, Hi, Forest, Miss. Eaton, Caleb C., Montpelier, Vt. *Ebbs, F.C., Marshall, N.C. *Echols, W. T., Cotton Plant, Ark. *Eckhard, W. L., Victor, Iowa. “Eddy, Henry, Henrietta, Tex. Edmonds, W.F., Estillville, Va. *Edmondson, C. M., Williamsburgh, Miss. Edmondson, R. H., Halifax C. H., Va. Edwards, A. G., Kingsley, Mich. Edwards, A. J., Hillsborough, I]. Edwards, John F. T., Ironton, Mo. Edwards, P. J., Hillsborough, Ill. *Edwards, 8.M., Argusville, Dak. *Edwards, Thomas, Bath, Dak. Edwards, W. W., New Orleans, La. Egerton, J. L., Hendersonville, N.C. Eggleston, B. P., Smithville, Va. Egleston, D., Winnsborough, &.C. *Elder, M. W., Garfield, Kans. *Elder, W. A., Woodville, Miss. *Eley, Charles N., Smith’s Point, Tex. Elgar, William H., Platteville, Wis. Eller, W. H., Blair, Nebr. Elliot, N. A., Mansfield, Pa. Elliott, Henry W., East Rockport, Ohio. Elliott, R., Plover Mills, Ontario, Canada. Ellis, Alfred, Leicester, England. *Ellis, M. J., Encinal, Tex. Ellison, T. W., West Union, Ohio. Ellsberry, B. F., Ironton, Ohio. *Elson, Alex., Unionville, Mo. Elvins, Richard, Belleville, Ontario, Can- ada. Elwyn, A. L., Philadelphia, Pa. Ely, T. D., 4lma, Mich. *Kmbree, David L., Barclay, Kans. Emerson, Levi H., Vassar, Mich. Emerson, Oliver, Parma, Ohio. Emerson, T. W., Saint Clairsville, Ohio. Emerson, W. Otto, Haywards, Cal. Emery, Henry D., Chicago, Ill. Engle, E. B., Waynesborongh, Pa. Engman, E. J., Concession, La. *Ennis, John B., Monument, Kaus, *Kno, I. L., Indianola, Iowa, Enos, E., Waukesha, Wis. Erdice, Laselle R., Brookville, Pa, *Irnsperger, F. B., Cambria, Wis. Ernst, J, L., Petersburgh, Ohio, LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS. Escott, J.T., Big Rapids, Mich. “Espey, S.M., Windom, Minn. *Estes, W.C., Neligh, Nebr. Etheridge, Anthony, Norwood, Australia. *Etienne, A. B., Centreville, La. Ettmueller, Gustav, Hermann, Mo. *Kubank, C., Poncho Springs, Colo. Evans, G. J., Hastings, Nebr. Evans, H.C., Bloomfield, Iowa. Evans, John C., Saint Joseph, Mo. Evans, J. H., Wabasha, Minn. Eveland, F., Ferry, Iowa. *Everett, H.C., Forsyth, Mo. Everhard, A., Ripon, Wis. Everly, J.O., South Carrollton, Ky. Evermann, Prof. B. W., Terre Haute, Ind. *Everts, E. L., Menomonie, Wis. Ewart, Johu, Yarker, Ontario, Canada. *Fain, George, Elk Falls, Kans. Fairbanks, Arthur, Hanover, N. H. Fairbanks, Rev. Henry, Saint Johnsbury, Vt. Fairbrother, Thomas, Fullarton, South Australia. ‘ Fairchild, H. L., Midland, Mich. *Fallas, William E., Reinbeck, Iowa. Farley, P. R., Hicksford, Va. Farmer, Andrew J., Hartville, Mo. Farmer, H. H., Hillsville, Va. *Farmer, I. M., Le Sueur, Minn. Farnsley, A. P., Louisville, Ky. *Farrar, John H., Evans, Colo. Farrell, F. M., Barboursville, W. Va. *Farrow, A. U., Cuba, Mo. Faucette, E, W., Milton, N.C. *Fay, E., Moorhead, Minn. *Feamside, M. B., Tillamook, Oregon. *Fee, T., Mendota, Minn. *Feild, Julian, Fort Worth, Tex. *Feildes, John, Jackson, Minn. Fellers, Z., Princeton, W. Va. Fenn., E. D., Nevada, Iowa. Fenton, W.A., Morristown, Ohio. *Fergerson, W.R., Smithville, N.C. Fergus, R. A., Lewisburgh, Tenn. *Ferguson, D. A., Richmond, Tex. *Ferguson, J. A., Doniphan, Mo, *Ferguson, J. P., Augusta, Ark. Fernald, Prof. C. H., Orono, Me. Ferreira, Alexander, Fort Schuyler, New York Harbor. Ferriman, George, Albion, Il. Ferriss, Hon. John C., Nashville, Teun. Ferry, L, C., Northampton, Mass, South 367 Fiebig, Charles, Eureka, Cal. *Field, C. C., Puyallup, Wash. Field, John, Cloverdale, Cal. Filmer, Thomas, Glenelg, South Austra- lia. Fincher, W. J., Carnesvillo, Ga. Finden, Mr., Salisbury, South Australia. Finlay, John 8., Holly Springs, Miss. Finley, Edward, Hartford, Mich. *Finn, Jokn, Decorah, Iowa. Fisher, A. J., Ferdinand, Ina. Fisher, Dr. A. K., Washington, D. C. *Fisher, Charles A., Aberdeen, Dak. *Fisher, F. P., Onawa, Iowa. Fisher, Dr. George J., Sing Sing, N.Y. Fisher, Henry, Lee, Ohio. Fisher, H.L., York, Pa. Fisher, Morman, Huntingburgh, Ind. Fisher, T. Scott, Hast Brook, Pa. Fisher, William C., Patoka, Ind. Fisher, William Hubbell, Cincinnati,Ohio. *Fitzpatrick, C. J., Aplington, Iowa. Flagg, George H., Charlestown, W. Va. *Flamin, Henry, Rexburg, Idaho. *Fleming, W. J., Fort Smith, Ark. *Flinn, Samuel, White Cloud, Kans. *Florer, Dr. Thomas W., Waxahachie, Tox. *Flournoy, B. W., Bennington, Kans. *Floyd, F.C., Locksburgh, Ark. Floyd, H. H., Abilene, Kans. Floyd, Patrick W., Burlington, Kans, *Flynn, David C., Advance, Mo. *Flynn, John, Duluth, Minn. *Foote, J.A., Anoka, Minn. *Forbes, C. E., Saint Paul, Nebr. Forbes, Frank T., Fredericksburgh, Va. Forbes, Prof. 8. A., Normal, II. Ford, A., Bronson, Kans. *Ford, F. P., West Union, W. Va. *Ford, G. W., Baldwin, Fla. Forsyth, J. C., Northumberland, Pa. Fosdick, Weldon F , Hackensack, N. J. *Fosket, Mark, Howard, Minn. Foster, E. H., Traverse City, Mich. *Foster, J. A., Marquette, Kans. Foster, L. 8., New York, N.Y. Foster, Sarah H., Portsmouth, N. H. Foster, T. W., Palmyra, Nebr. *Foster, William, South Lake Weir, Fla. Fowlkes, J. M., Memphis, Tenn. *Frakes, David, Ouray, Colo. Francis, F. M., Davisborough, Ga. Francis, Nathaniel A., Brookline, Mags. Francis, W., Ackley, Iowa, 368 Frank, Jno. L. H., Dayton, Ohio. *Fraser, Alex., Irwin, Colo. Frazar, M. Abbott, Mount Auburn, Mass. Frazier, F. M., Lost Nation, Iowa. Freeman, C. W., Brookfield, Mo. Freeman, J.D. B., New London, Mo. Freet, Jacob H., Wrightsville, Pa. ¥reke, Percy Evans, Dublin, Ireland. *French, C. H., Lakeville, Minn. French, George H., Davenport, Iowa. French, Prof. G. H., Carbondale, Ill. *French, Mary F., Shawano, Wis. Fribley, E., New Philadelphia, Ohio. Friedman, J. F., Jasper, Ind. *Friend, Jno. C., Rawlins, Wyo. *Frierson, C. J., Frierson’s Mill, La. Frink, Harry A., Bucksport, Me. *Frink, J. O., Taylor, Tex. Fritz, A. S., Burdickville, Mich. Fritz, J. H., Somerset, Pa. Frye, F. W., Parsons, Kans. *Fryer, H. C., Blakely, Ga. Fuller, Charles B., Portland, Me. Fuller, 8. R., Haton Rapids, Mich. Fulmer, J. H., Muncy, Pa. *Fulton, L. J., Casselton, Dak. *Furguson, Adam, North Platte, Nebr. Furlow, W. C., Americus, Ga. *Furman, C. W., Bolivar, Mo. Furman, H. 8., Franklinton, N.C. Fytche, Lewis, Lincolnshire, England. Gaddis, Thomas B., Martinsville, Obio. Gaddy, R. B., Polkton, N.C. Gadsden, R. W., Dyersville, Iowa. *Gaffney, F. O., Lake City, Mich. *Gage, W. D., Gurdon, Ark, Galbraith, A. T., Flora, Ill. Gall, D. W., Philippi, W. Va. Gall, John, Wright’s Grove, Il. Gallagher, C. A., Cheboygan, Mich. *Gallagher, John, Minto, Dak. *Gallaway, C. C., Kildare, Tex. Gallup, J., Strongsville, Ohio. Gamble, Levi, Warsaw, Ohio. Gans, M. L., Moundsville, W. Va. *Gardiner, D. 8., Downs, Kans. Gardner, F. H., Columbus, Ky. Gardner, J. C., Big Rapids, Mich. Gardner, M. E., Jamestown, Pa. Gardner, R. M., Christiansburgh, Va. Garfield, Charles W., Grand Rapids, Mich. Garing, John F., White Sulphur Springs, W. Va. *Garlick, David, Independence, Wis, *Garner, R. M., Comanche, Tex. THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. *Garner, W. M., Quitman, Ark. *Garnett, L. M., Mathews, Va. *Garrett, I., Monroe, La. Garrett, L. S., West Point, Va. Garrison, C.F., Fort Branch, Ind. *Garrison, J. W., Sac City, Iowa. Garrison, Lloyd McKim, Orange, N. J. Garth, 8. D., Clinton, Mo. Gartside, D.D., O'Fallon Depot, Il. Garvin, W.0., Trenton, Mo. *Garwood, John W., Monticello, Fla. Gary, T. A., Galveston, Tex. Gault, B. T., Chicago, Til. Gault, W.S., Marysville, Pa. Gay, William M., Wilson, N.C. *Gaylord, George A., Tail Point Light Station, Wisconsin. Gaylord, H.J., Binghamton, N. Y. Geduldig, G., Norwich, Conn. *Gee, E., Urbanna, Iowa. Genung, A. G., Ithaca, N. Y. *George, John, Buffalo, Mo. George, R. H., Simpsonville, Ky. *Gerald, G. B., Waco, Tex. Gesner, Rev. A. H., Scarborough, N. Y. *Getty, Daniel, White Bear Lake, Minn. " Ghere, A. B., Frankfort, Ind. Gibbes, W. H., Columbia, 8.C. *Gibbons, Dr. C. H., Arbuckle, Cal. Gibbs, E. P., Grand Haven, Mich. Gibbs, Dr. Morris, Kalamazoo, Mich. *Gibbs, William, Helena, Mont. *Gibson, I.C., Bolinas, Cal. *Gibson, James R., Saint James, Mich, Gibson, Willian K., Jackson, Mich. Giddens, M.C., Trenton, N.C. *Giddings, George A., Wichita Falls, Tex, *Gidley, R.L., Malvern, Iowa. Gierschner, August, New Athens, Ill, Gies, John J., Reese, Mich. Gilbert, E.8., Canaseraga, N.Y. Gilbert, H. Roy, Rochester, N. Y. *Gilbert, J. B., Empire City, Oregon. *Gilbert, T. J., Lenora, Kans. Gilbreath, Charles L., Collinwood, Ohio. Gilehriest, O.8., Macksburgh, Ohio. *Gilchrist, L. W., Wahoo, Nebr. *Gilclea, C. A., Brackettville, Tex. Giles, F. W., Topeka, Kans. Giles, Norwood, Wilmington, N.C. *Gilleest, J. 8., Garden Plain, Kans. Gillespie, M. H., Aberdeen, Miss. *Gillespie, W. A., jr., White Sulphur Springs, Ga. *Gillette, R, B., Marionville, Mo, LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS. *Gilliland, J.M , Nashua, Iowa. *Gilman, William, Chamberlain, Dak. Gilman, W. W., Stoughton, Wis. Gilmore, D. §., Wilson’s Mills, Ohio. *Gilmore, Will A., Shosbone, Idaho. Gilmore, William E., Chillicothe, Ohio. *Gist, L. B., Beebe, Ark. Gittings, M. R., Carrollton, Mo. Gladwin, Francis, Akron, Ohio. *Glazier, Henry E., Maysville, Mo. *Gleason, C.R., Eau Claire, Wis. Glennan, M., Norfolk, Va. Glick, U. F., Newbern, Ind. *Glover, A. D., Olympia, Wash. “Glover, C. R., Long Pine, Nebr. Glover, L. H., Cassopolis, Mich. Goar, F. M., Tupelo, Miss, Gochling, M. D., Shell Lake, Wis. *Godbold, R. P., Summit, Miss. *Godes, N., Preston, Iowa. *Goff, J.B., Lincoln, Kans. *Gooch, J. F., Moline, Kans. Goodknight, T. M., Franklin, Ky. Goodman, L. A., Westport, Mo. *Goodner, G. D., Mount Ida, Ark. Goodrich, H. O., Jerseyville, Il. Goodridge, John, Montrose, Va. Goodwin, Ned W., Sharpsville, Pa, *Googe, W. R., Douglas, Ga. *Gordon, H. T., Morrilltown, Ark. Gordon, Stephen P., Keeler’s Bay, Vt. Gordon, U.G., Barry, Ohio. Gordon, William, New Castle, Pa. Gorman, O. D., Talbotton, Ga, *Goss, C.8., Palmer, Fla. Goss, Col. N.S. Topeka, Kans. *Gould, C. P., Estelline, Dak. Gould, Daniel W., Moline, Ill. Gowland, John, Philipsburgh, Pa. Graham, Thomas P., Tazewell, Tenn. Grant, D. D., Frauklin, Pa. *Grant, Jos. H., Bollinger’s Mills, Miss. *Graves, B. D., Bon Homme, Dak. Graves, B. Y., Mount Airy, N. C. Graves, Daniel, Provo City, Utah. Graves, G. C., Carthage, N. C. Graves, John, Wayland, Mich. Graves, M., Lenawee Junction, Mich. Gray, Andrew, Willoughby, Ohio. Gray, Dr. Ormsby, Shelbyville, Ky. Gray, Robert, Glasgow, Scotland. Gray, S., Norwalk, Ohio. Grayson, Albert L., Ratherfordton, N. C, Green, Dr. C. A., Harrisburg, Pa. *Green, D. L., English Lookout, La. 8404—Bull. 1 24 369 Green, Jas. B., Des Moines, Iowa. *Green, J. B., Cambridge, Iowa. Green, Morris M., Syracuse, N. Y. Green, R. C., Bland C. H., Va. Green, William W., Harrison, Mich. * Greenawalt, Davison, Vhambersburgh, Pa. *Greene, C. P., Northborongh, Iowa. Greene, Samuel B., Hare’s Valley, Pa. *Grecson, W. R., Clinton, Ark. Gregory, Howell J., Lancaster Court. House, 8. C. *Griffin, M., Springfield, Dak. *Griffin, William T., Nashville, N.C. *Griffith, D. G., Elkader, Iowa. “Grinder, Nancy, Newburgh, Tenn. Griuuell, F. W., Bay City, Mich. *Grisell, A. H., Menlo, Iowa. Grist, J. S., Tonganoxie, Kans. Griswold, Dean F., Northville, Mich. Griswold, H.C., Watkins, N. Y. Groesbeak, Willian, Independence, Mo. Groff, Dr. George G., Lewisburg, Pa. Groninger, F. C., Camden, Ind. *Groome, William, Vicksburg, Miss, *Grow, A. L., Colfax, La. Gruber, F., San Francisco, Cal. *Guernsey, George F., Qu’Appelle, N. W. T., Canada. *Guidry, P. L., Church Poiut, La. *Guthrie, T. A., Strawn, Tex. *Guthrie, W. L., Hamilton, III. Gurney, J. H., jr., Northrepps, Norwich, England. Gustin, Bert H., Bay City, Mich. *Gwynn, D. W., Tallahassee, Fla. Hadley, J.O., Grayling, Mich. Hagen, Fannie, Cheviot, Ohio. Hagen, Dr, H. A., Cambridge, Mass. Hager, John G., Foxbuargh, Pa. *Hager, S. E., Salyereville, Ky. Hagerty, Jas., Belle Vernon, Pa. Hagerty, J. H., Ridgway, Pa. *Haines, M. S., Eric, Colo. Haines, S. R., Tamaroa, III. *Haire, Daniel, Olivia, Minn. Hairn, John T. M., Lexington, Ga. Hale, Dayton, Columbus, Miss. Hale, Samuel Q., Tuskegee, Ala. Hale, W. P., Lufra, Ark. *Haleman, George H., 'arnsworth, Kans, Hales, Henry, Ridgewood, N. J. Haley, J. F'., Jasper, Ala. Hall, A., East Ruckport, Ohio. *Hall, E., Canyon City, Oregon, 370 *Hall, Henry R., Ash Grove, Mo. Hall, Israel, Ann Arbor, Mich. Hall, John A., Boone, Iowa. Hall, R. N., Grenada, Miss. Hall,S., Mount Carroll, Il. *Hall, Thomas, Preston, Minn. Hall, W. B., Wakeman, Ohio. Hall, W. M., Covington, Tenn. Haller, Alex. 8, Wytheville, Va. Haller, R. J.. Marion, Va. Halley, James, Washington, D. C. Halloman, W. D., Dawson, Ky. Hallowell, Henry C., Sandy Spring, Md. Halt, J. H., Knoxville, Ga. Haltes, J. L., Napoleon, Ohio. *Hamflet, F. M., Belen, Miss. Hamill, P., Oakland, Md. Hamilton, H. A., Emlenton, Pa. *Hamilton, John H., Eureka Springs, Ark. Hamilton, Dr. 8. M., Monmouth, II. Hammon, William A., Conncautville, Pa. “Hammond, A. W., Durand, Wis. Hampton, Will E., Harbor Springs, Mich. Hancock, E. M., Waukon, Iowa. Hancock, Frank B., Casky, Ky. Hancock, Numa F., Wentworth, N. C. *Hand, T. A., Charles City, Iowa. *Hanes, J. B., Canton, Tex. Haney, L., Sandy Hook, Ky. Hanks, H. T., Ripley, Tenn. Hannon, F. A., Clanton, Ala. Hapgood, William, Warren, Olio. Harbron, George, Hamilton, Ohio. Hardcastle, Charles, Marion, Kans. Hardeman, Thomas, Macon, Ga. *Harden, H. H., Abilene, Tex. Hardy, Manly, Brewer, Me. Hardy, Thomas, Adelaide, South Austra- lia. Hardy, W. V., Holman Station, Ind. Harger, Ezra, Cadillac, Mich. *Hargrave, Jesse, Laurel Hill, N. C. Hargrue, C.8., Crawford, Ga. Harkins, J. M., Calhoun, Ga. Harkness, D. L., Berlin, Wis. *Harlan, J. F., Pocahontas, Iowa, *Harper, G. W., Bazile Mills, Nebr. “Harris, D. W., Homer, La. Harris, Henry, Union Springs, Ala. Harris, H. G., Scottsville, Va. “Harris, John 8., La Crescent, Minn, Harris, R. G., Alamo, Tenn. Harris, 8.8., Cape Girardeau, Mo, Harris, Hon. W. A., Atlanta, Ga. Harrison, Henry, Rochester, N, Y, THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. Harrison, James, Heathlands, Hampstead, England, Harrison, John O., Franklin, N.C. *Harrison, J. M., Friendship, Wis. Harrison, Col. Randolph, Richmond, Va. Harrold, W. H., Mount Gambier, South Australia, Hart, A. W., Eureka, Kans. Hart, John, jr., Livingston, Teun. Hart, S. L., Rocky Monnt, N.C. Harting, James Edmund, London, Eng- land. *Harvard, Quinn L., Cochran, Ga. *Harvey, Prof. F. L., Fayetteville, Ark, Hasbrouck, Dr. Alfred. Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Hasbrouck, Edwin M., Syracuse, N.Y. Haskins, David E., Concord, Mich. Haslet, Samuel H., Tionesta, Pa. Hasson, James G., Ebensburgh, Pa. *Hastings, Fred H., Roma, Tex. *Hastings, Mrs. O. A., Port Gibson, Mias, *Hatch, H. P., Whittemore, Iowa. Hatch, Dr. P. L., Minneapolis, Minn. *Hatch, 8. W., Conejos, Colo. Hatch, W. H., Rock Island, Il. Hatcher, F. C., Pikeville, Ky. *Hatcher, R., Trader’s Hill, Ga. Hatcher, Thomas B., Grenola, Kans. *Hatfield, D. D., Monarch, Colo. *Hatfield, William H., Hollywood, Ga. Hauly, Jas. H., Winfield, W. Va. Haven, Martin, Albion, Mich. *Haviland, Jas. 8., Prescott, Wash. Hawes, C. O., Luverne, Minn. Hawley, A. H., Flushing, N. Y. Hawley, J., England. Haworth, George L., Pleasantville, Pa. Haws, J. C., Jonesborough, Ga. *Hayes, A. L., Cafion City, Colo. Hayes, E. B., Watrousville, Mich. "Haynes. H. C., Centerville, Iowa, Haynes, J. M., Wilmington, Ohio. Haynes, Thomas E., Franklin, Tenn. *Haynie, C. R., Bastrop, Tex. ~ Hayworth, A. B., San Saba, Tex. Hazard, R. G., 2d, Peace Dale, R. I. Hazen, Allen, Hartford, Vt. “Hazzard, P. A., Colorado, Tex. *Heard, George, Rocky Ford, Ga. *Hearv, Q. E., Marianna, Fla. Heath, William McK., San Francisco, Cal. *Hobert, O. P., Tallulah, La. Ilvemey, E., Severance, Kans. *Heffeman, John, Rives Junction, Mich, Heffley, Charles W., Bennet, Nebr. Hellier, Frank O., Grass Lake, Mich. Helm, William, Madison, Wis. Heltzel, William, Ifanover, Pa. Henderson, J. I*., Aledo, Ill. Henderson, Mary W., Oxford, Ga. *Henderson, W. M., Cameron, Ga. Hendricks, George R., Selin’s Grove, Pa. Hendrickson, W. F., Long Island City, N. Y. *Hendryx, Charles F., Sauk Centre, Minn. Henley, J. L., Tappahannock, Va. Henman, David H., Willows, Dak. *Hennessey, James, Carlisle. Ark. *Hennessy, J. J., White Sulphur Springs, Mont. Henning, George, Washington, D. C. Henning, G. C., Louisville, Ky. *Henry, Ira B., Mason, Tex. Henry, J. K., Chester, 8. C. *Henry, 8. P., Cameron, La. Henry, T. J., Kast Genoa, N. Y. Henshaw, H. W., Washington, D. C. *Hensley, W. N., Columbus, Nebr. Hepburn, A., England. Herbert, D. O., Newberry C. H., 8. C. Herbert, H. 8., Rolla, Mo. Herrin, 8. H., Cullman, Ala. Hervey, William 8., Carlyle, Il. *Herweg, Henry, Dakota, Nebr. Hess, Benjamin F’., Phoenix, N.Y. Hewins, C. A., West Roxbury, Mass. Hewitt, Henry J., Fairmont, Mo. *Hewson, Stephen, Oxford, Minn. *Hicks, A., Unionville, Iowa. *Hicks, Jas.“H., Wrightsville, Ga. Hicks, John D., Old Westbury, N. Y. Hicks, Percy, Port Washington, N. Y. *Higby, E. P., Mapleton, Kans. *Higgins, E. B., Hamline, Minn. *Highsmith, J. N., Waynesville, Ga. *Hightower, R. B., York Station, Ala. Hill, A. F., Grayson, Ky. *Hill, F. A., Weimar, Tex. Hill, Herbert M., Watertown, N. Y. Hill, Ivy, Pittsborough, N.C. *Hill, John E., Manor, Tex. Hill, John G., Hillsboro, Kans. Hill, John H., Goldsborough, N.C. Hill, Lewis H., Lockport, N. Y. *Bill, R. W., Jewell, Kaus. Hill, Will. T., Indianapolis, Ind. Hill, W. H., Manistique, Mich. Hillman, Charles L., Chester County, Pa. *Hills, J.M., Arcola, La. LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS. 371 Hills, Stephen, Windsor, Conn. Hilton, Edgar, Blue Hill, Nebr. Hilton, J. B., Plymouth, N.C. *Himrod, G. S., Boisé City, Idaho. Hinchman, Dalton, Vernon, Ind. Hinds, Jas. M., Cookville, Tenn. Hines, Florine A., Suffolk, Va. *Hines, P. J., Green River City, Wyo. Hinson, W.I., James Island, 8. C. Hirst, F., Echo City, Utah. “Hitchcock, R. P., Tomah, Wis. Hitchings, 0. P., Winfield, N. Y. *Hixson, Joseph, Mountain View, Ark. Hoadley, Dr. F. H., New York, N.Y. *Hobbs, George. Collins, Tex. Hobbs, J., East Marden, South Australia, Hodge, Eli, Columbia, Mo. *Hodges, R. B., Manifest, La. Hodgson, T. H., Berkeley Springs, W. Va. *Hodkins, James, Appleton City, Mo. Hodo, D.C., Carrollton, Ala. Hoeft, Hermann, Rogers City, Mich. Hoey, P., McDonald, Pa. Hofer, A. F., MeGregor, Iowa. *Hoff, T. L., Gloster, Miss. Holbrook, S. T., Norwich, Conn. *Holcomb, Beaton, West Granby, Conn. Holder, F. T., Yonkers, N. Y. Holder, Dr. J. B., New York, N. Y. Holladay, Prof. A. Q., Lake City, Fla. *Holland, R. A., Conwa, Iowa. Hollick, Dr. F., New York, N. Y. Hollis, George W., Brecksville, Ohio. Hollis, George D , Summerville, Ga. *Holman, D.S., Springtield, Mo. Holman, J. H., Sciotoville, Ohio. Holimead, William, Mount Pleasant.,D, C. Holmes, Dwyer, Adelaide, South Aus- tralia. Holmes, I’. H., San José, Cal. *Holmes, F. H., Wallisville, Tex. Holmes, George B., Fernwood, Ill. Holmes, J. T., Adelaide, South Australia. Holmes R., Natchez, Miss. Holmes, Mr., Magill, South Australia. Holsinger, Prof. J. M., Winona, Minn. Holt, John, South Jordan, Utah. *Holterhoff, G., jr., San Diego, Cal. Hooton, D.F., Bamberg, S.C. Hopkins, C.L., Washington, D.C. Hopkins, J., Glen Allen, Va. *Hopkins, K.E., Livingston, Ala. 2 Hopkins, Stephen, Onancock, Va. Hopkins, William C., Madison, W. Va. *Hopper, W., Walnut, Iowa. 372 *Horan, T. B., Addison, W. Va. Hornaday, Wm. T., Washington, D.C. *Hornbach, R, W., Saint Ignace, Mich. Horne, Laura E., Pittshorough, N. C. *Horneck, 8. N., Detroit City, Minn. Horstord, F. H., Charlotte, Vt. Hortan, Isaac, North East, Pa. Hough, C. A., Hastings, Mich. Houghton, John, Grinnell, Iowa. Houssels, J. H, Linden, Tenn. *How, Squire D., Marshall, Minn. Howard, A. M., Powhatan C.H., Va. *Howard, H. P., San Antonio, Tex. *Howard, Mrs. Lella, Dunlap, Teun. Howard, L. O., Washington, D.C. *Howard, O., Greeley, Colo. Howard, W. W., Dixon, Mo. *Howe, C.E., Greenleaf, Kans. *Howell, A. J., Springer, N. Mex. Howell, C. L., Grand Island, Nebr. Howle, W. H., Edwardsville, Ala, *Hoxie, Walter, Frogmore, S.C. Hoy, F. D., Point Pleasant, W. Va. Hoy, Dr. P. R., Racine, Wis. *Hubbard, L. W., Monmouth, Iowa. Hubbard, Melvin, Scottsburgh, Ind. Hubbard, Seth R., Bay Shore, N. Y. *Hubbard, W. H., Fairview, Dak. Huber, John L., Tell City, Ind. *Hubert, Hiram, Quitman, Ga, Hudson, G. H., Plattsburgh, N. Y. Hudson, Judge Wm. I., Hamilton, Ga. *THudspeth, B. F., Newton, Ga. Hughes, B. B., Morganfield, Ky. Hull, B. L., Chamois, Mo. Hull, tl. C., Meriden, Conn. Hull, J.8., Raleigh C. HL, W. Va. Hull, Walter B., Milwaukee, Wis. *Hulszir, E. O., Glendale, Mont. *Humphrey, N. W., Taylor’s Falls, Minn. *Huumphreys, Charles J., Argenta, Ark. Humphreys, Jas. W., Braxton C. H., W. Va. Hunley, R. R., Talladega, Ala. *Hunt, A. M., Phillips, Wis. Hunt, E. F., Richmond, Mich. Hunt, John C., Lexington, N.C. Hunter, C. E., Sacgerstown, Pa. Hunter, H. H., King George C. H., Va. *Hunter, James, Alberton, P. E. I., Can- ada. Hunter, Dr. M. A., Greenville County, S. Cc. Huntley, H.8., Little Valley, N.Y. Huntsman, A. F., Lonoke, Ark. THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. *Hurlburt, F. T., Arlington, Oregon. Hurlbut, W. D., Rochester, Minn. Hurst, N. B., Dover, Ohio. Hurt, William B., Chatham, Va. Huston, Thaddeus, Salem, Ind. Hutcheson, Jas. M., Young Hickory, Ohio. Hvoslef, Dr. J. C., Lanesboro, Minn. Hyde, Jas. F. C., Newton Highlands, Mass. Thle, C., Pomeroy, Ohio. lif, Joseph, Vinland, Kans. Ind, G. F., Adelaide, South Australia. Ingalls,Charles E., East Templeton, Mass, Ingersoll, Ernest, New Haven, Conn. Ingersoll, Seymour R., Cleveland, Ohio. Ingersoll, T. Dwight, Erie, Pa. Ingram, W., Odin, Il. Inman, Joku, Somerset, Ky. *Toor, Ella E., Bay Saint Louis, Miss. Iriou, Dr. John T., Paris, Tenn. Irwin, Bell, Bad Axe, Mich. “Irwin, David O., Lake City, Minn. Irwin, John W., Goshen, Ind. *Irwin, W. D., Palouse, Wash. Irwin, W.N , South Salem, Ohio. *Isensee, P. M., Whatcom, Wash. *Ivey, William T., Pomeroy, Iowa. Ivory, Theo. W., Glenwood, Iowa. Jackson, Eugene A., Atlanticville, N.Y. Jackson, Martin, New Bedford, Pa. Jackson, O. F., Ithaca, Mich. Jackson, R.M., London, Ky. Jackson, 8. D., Mountain City, Tenn. *Jacobs, C.M., Rosewood, Fla. Jacobs, Francis, West Chester, Pa. Jacobson, 1i., Redwood City, Cal. Jagersfeld, Carl von, Washington, Ark. *James, J. R., Columbia, Dak. James, S. R., Marden, South Australia. Jameson, Martin A., Lebanon, Ohio. Jamison, L. M., Wapello, Iowa. Jaques, J. U., Allerton, Iowa. Jeffrey, Jas. R., Elmdale, Kaus. *Jetfries, 8. D., Clark, Dak. *Jellison, Thos, J., Amity, Oregon. *Jenal, J. P., Hartington, Nebr. Jencks, Fred. T., Hills Grove, R. I. Jenkins, G. W., Crandall, Ind. ‘Jenkins, R. E., Port Royal, 8. C. Jenner, A. E., Belvidere, Il. Jennings, Dr. Geo. H., Jewett City,Coun. Jennings, H. M., Rochester, N.Y. Jennings, Jas. S., Waynesburgh, Pa. Jenson, Jas., Draper, Utah, *Jermy, Gustav, San Antonio, Tex, LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS. *Jerome, F. E., Russell, Kans. Jervois, Sir William Francis Drummond, South Australia. Jervy, Theo, D., Charleston, S.C. *Jessup, T. H., Waitsburgh, Wash. Jillson, S., Tuckerton, N. J. Johns, William, St. Mary Church, Devon- shire, England. *Johnson, A. F., Liberty, Kans. Johnson, A. I., Hydeville, Vt. *Johnson, A. J., Farrsville, Tex. *Johnson, B. l’., Mount Pleasant, Tex. *Johnson, Charles, Carver, Minn. *Johnson, Charles A., Saint Peter, Minn. Jobnson, C. P., Clinton, N.C. Johnson, C. S., Carthage, Ohio. *Johuson, Dr. F. W., Fort Smith, Ark. *Johnson, George, H. I’., Kelso, Dak. Johnson, Henry M., Sharpsburgh, Md. *Johnson, H. A. Dalhousie, N. B., Canada. Johnson, Jas., Springfield, Ohio. Johnson, James I., Marissa, Ill. Johnson, Jas. J., Johnsonville, Ill. Johnson, James L., Hartwell, Ga. Jobnson, John H., Netawaka, Kans. *Johnson, J. Frank, Peeryville, W. Va. * Johnson, J. H. Meridian, Tex. Johnson, J. N., Savannah, Ga. Johnson, J. R., Hardinsburgh, Ky. Johnson, J. T. Milnersville, Ohio. Johuson, J. W., Meriwether, 8. C. *Johuson, Marcus, Atwater, Minn. Johnson, M. B., Clarksville, Tenn. * Johnson, Prof. O. B., Seattle, Wash. Johnson, Robert, Manistee, Mich. Johuson, Hon. Sylvester, Irvington, Ind. Johnson, William W., Glenville, W. Va. Johnson, W. B. K., Allentown, Pa. Johnson, W. D. H., Pope’s Ferry, Ga. Johnston, D.C., Fulton, Kans. Jones, A.8., Bainbridge, Ohio. Jones, D. C., Harrison, Ohio. * Jones, Edward M., Walterborough, 8. C. *Jones, Evan G., Cherry Creek, Idaho. *Jones, E. B., Stephenville, Tex. Jones, George C., Brookfield Centre, Conn. Jones, Dr. Howard, Circleville, Ohio. *Jones, H. T., Green Castle, Mo. Jones, John R., Chatfield, Minn. * Jones, Jos. B., Herndon, Ga. *Jones, J. J., Le Beau, Dak. Jones, J. Matthew, Halifax, N.8., Canada. Jones, Lynds, Grinnell, Iowa. *Jones, R. G., Dawson, Ga. 373 *Jones, R. H., Saguache, Colo. *Jones, William J., Brandon, Dak. Jones, W. F., Lexington, Tenn. Jordan, D. A., Jackson, N.C. Jordan, H. A., Manchester, Va. Jordan, W. W., Harmony Grove, Ga. Judd, J. M., Emporium, Pa. *Judson, Hamilton H., Farmington, Minn. Kaehler, Conrad E., Louisville, Ill. Kalk, C. F., Cumberland, Wis. Karn, William C., Burkittsville, Md. *Karr, John, Little Rock, Ark. Kaucher, William, Oregon, Mo. Kear, R. W., Pottsville, Pa. Keays, H., Hyde Park, London, Ontario, Canada. *Keck, H. A., Cotulla, Tex. Keck, J. M., Mentor, Ohio. Keeler, Charles, Milwaukee, Wis. Keeney, W. H., Fox Lake, Wis. *Keerl, H., Mason City, Iowa. Keim, Edward T., Dubuque, Iowa. Keister, A. T., Blacksburgh, Va. Keiter, Josiah, New Winchester, Ohio. Keith, L. C., Norfolk, Mass. *Keith, P. W., Strawberry Point, Iowa. Kell, James, York, Pa. *Kellogg, C.S., McComb, Miss. Kellogg, H. C., Canton, Ga. Kells, Wm. L., Listowel, Ontario, Canada, Kelly, Henry, Adelaide, South Australia. Kelly, J. F., Coffeeville, Miss. *Kelly, M. W., Lake Crystal, Minn. Kelsall, George, Saint Mary’s, W. Va. Kelsey, Carl, Grinnell], Iowa. Kelsey, Eugene, Dickson, Tenn. Kemp, 8. W., Kempton, Ohio. *Kempe, E. L., Montevideo, Minn. *Kemper, Henry, Perham, Minn. *Kempker, John, jr., West Point, Iowa. Kendall, William M., West Liberty, Ky. *Kennard, Samuel J., Waldo, Fla. Kennedy, R., McMinnville, Tenn. Kennedy, ThomasS., Crescent Hill, Ky. Kenney, Jas. G., Provo City, Utah. “Kenyon, O. A., McGregor, Iowa. Kenyon, W. J., Brooklyn, N. Y. *Keoke, R. F., West Point, Nebr. *Kephart, W. H., Miller, Dak. *Kerwin, Jas. H., Glenwood Springs,Colo. *Kessler, Charles A., Schulenburgh, Tex. *Ketch, M.S., Alamota, Kans. Keyes, C. R., Des Moines, Iowa. *Keyes, John B., Friendship, Wis. Keys, J. M., Richland Centre, Wis. 374 *Kiblinger, Lee, Jackson, La. Kidder, Dr. J. H., Wood’s Holl, Mass. *Kiehble, D. L., Saint Panl, Minn. Kightly, Charles, Posey ville, Ind. *Kilgore, Fidelia, Longview, Tex. Killen, T. M., Perry, Ga. Killian, T., Escanaba, Mich. *Kilpatrick, J. R., Flagstaff, Ariz. Kimball, Dr. F. H., Rockford, Ill. Kimball, §.T., Ellington, Conn. *Kinalski, Benjamin, Brownsville, Tex. Kincaid, R.S., Clinton, Tenn. Kinchelve, Jas. M., Upperville, Va. *King, Charles L., Millbank, Dak. King, Dr. E. H., West Liberty, Towa. *King, E. P., Hawkiusville, Ga. King, Prof. F. H., River Falls, Wis. King, H. C , Oscoda, Mich. King, J. M., Knoxville, Tenn. *King, J. W., Murphy, N. C. King, Otis G., Kenosha, Wis. King, Richard, Brooklyn, Conn. King, 8. L., Bristol, Tenn. Kingsbury, Ethie Coe, Willow, Ohio. Kingsbury, Howard, Burlington, Iowa. *Kingsbury, H. H., Spencer, Mass. Kingsbury, J. G., Indianapolis, Ind. *Kingsbury, W. J., Linwood, Nebr. *Kingston, W. P., Warner, Dak. *Kinkler, August, Cat Spring, Tex. "Kinsey, B. L., Harlan, Iowa. *Kinthof, H., Dover, Ark. *Kirby, James H., Allapaha, Ga. Kirkley, D. C., Camden, 8. C. Kirkman, T. J., Santaquin, Utah. *Kitch, J. S., Lynnville, Iowa. *Kittle, John 8., Seward, Nebr. *Kleven, B., Culbertson, Nebr. Knapp, G. W., Leon, W. Va. Knaus, Warren, McPherson, Kans. Knight, E. L., Newport, Pa. *Knight, H. M., Carthage, Tex. *Knight, J. L. H., Lee Park, Nebr. *Knight, Miletus, Durand, Wis. Kuox, John, Taylorstown, Pa. Koch, H. A., College Hill, Obio. Koch, John, Alton Junction, I]. Koerner, Herman, Birdseye, Ind. Koffman, J. H., Humboldt, Tenn. Konkle, Kate, Caledonia Station, Mich. *Konz, John A., Marienfeld, Tex. Koons, Prof. B. F., Mansfield, Conn. *Kornce, W. C., Columbia, Ala. *Krasinsky, Theo. J., Garnaville, Iowa. Krider, Brittell, Madison C. H., Va. THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. Krom, 8. A., Plainfield, N. J. *Krueger, William, Ossco, Minn. Kruskopf, Max, Marshalltown, Iowa. *Kuhl, J. H., Earling, Iowa. Kuoni, C., Sauk City, Wis. Kupp, John, Bangor, Wis. Kuster, J. D., Nebraska, Ind. *Kyle, Jas., Hyde Park, Dak. *Labodic, T., Las Vegas, N. Mex. Lacey, Samuel S., Marshall, Mich. Laffer, H. Adelaide, South Anstralia. *Laing, James, Persia, Iowa. Laird, Francis, Saltsburgh, Pa. Laird, Mrs. Mary G., Scranton, Miss. *Lakes, Arthur, Golden, Colo. Lamar, Robert, Boousborough, Md. Lamb, J. C., Williams, Ind. Lamb, William F., Holyoke, Mass. Lambie, William, Ypsilanti, Mich. Lambright, Lewis, Middletown, Ohio. Lamkin, George, Norwalk, Ohio. *Lamkin, J. S., Booneville, Ark. Landers, E. J., Imlay City, Mich. Landis, H. K., Landis Valley, Pa. Landolt, Ulrich, Port Washington, Wis. ‘Lane, A. V., Austin, Tox. Lane, T. J., Greeneville, Tenn. Langdon, Dr. I’. W., Ciucinuati, Ohio. *Langford, S. W., Rolling Fork, Miss. *Langlie, H. A., Portland, Dak. Lanier, John R., Williamston, N. C. Lankford, B. C., Brevard, N. C. Lankheet, Hein, Allegan, Mich. Lanning, W. J., Corunna, Ind. Lantz, Prof. D. E., Manhattan, Kaus. Lantz, George, McArthur, Ohio. Larkin, J. B., Pittsburgh, Pa. *Larsen, Charles O., Sturgeon Bay, Wis. Larsen, Fred., Mendon, Utah. ; *Larsen, James, Nephi, Utah. Latham, George, Fairburn, Ga. Latimer, A. W., Lumpkin, Ga. Latimer, J. B., Lumpkin, Ga. *Laubersheimer, A., Wilmington, Cal. Lauffer, §. D., Irwin, Pa. ‘Laury, C. 8. M., Sheldon, Iowa. Lausen, Jas. D., Woodstown, N. J. Lavies, William, Santa Barbara, Cal. Law, B. C., Darlington C. H., 8. C. *Lawless, A. W., New Berlin, Fla. Lawrence, G. W., Fayetteville, N.C. Lawton, Charles H., Newport, & I. *Lay, H. C., Telluride, Colo. Lear, I. D., Salem, Ill. *Lee, Alfred C., Oriska, Dak. LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS. Lee, C. C., Shepherdsville, Ky. *Lee, Reuben B. Carl, Devall’s Bluff, Ark. Lee, W. J., Nashville, Ark, Leeds, Edward W., Union Bridge, Md. Lees, F. A., England. *Leftwich, D. C., Port Vincent, La. Leinart, A. L., Maynardville, Tenn. *Leonard, I. E., Socorro, N. Mex. Leonardson, John, New Haven, Mich. Leonardson, John B., Mount Clemens, Mich. Leue, Adolph, Cincinnati, Ohio. Levy, James M., Covington, Ga. *Levy, M.C., Lake Butler, Fla. *Lewellyn, Rees R., Fountain Green, Utah. Lewis, A. A., Gallatin, Tenn. Lewis, John B., Eubank, Ky. Lewis, M. D. L., Jackson C. H., W, Va. *Lewis, S. E., Fort Gaines, Ga. *Lewis, 8. G., Grass Valley, Cal. Lewis, William H., Pawtucket, R. I. Lewis, W.5S., Statesville, N.C. *Lieb, H. A., Alton, Iowa. Lightner, John §., Randolph, Wis. Lilford, Lord, London, Eng. Lincoln, L. A., Mazo Manie, Wis. Lind, William, Hillsborough, Wis. Linden, Prof. Charles, Buffalo, N. Y. Linderman, A. K., Troy, Pa. Lindly, B. F., Oskaloosa, Iowa. Lindsay, A. H., Portsmouth, Va. Lindsay, J. H., Kernersville, N.C. *Lindsey, W. M., Elmo, Tex. Lingafelt, James M., Hollidaysburgh, Pa. Linn, Robert, North Linndale, Ohio. Lintner, Prof. J. A., Albany, N.Y. Linton, Nathan M., Wilmington, Ohio. Linville, John C., Gap, Pa. *Litson, W. H.,jr., Benton, Kans. Little, Frank, Kalamazoo, Mich. Livingston, Clara K., Seneca, 8. C. Livingston, Jennic R., South Pittsburgh, Tonn. *Lloyd, William, Paint Rock, Tex. Lock, Thomas W., Louisiana, Mo. Lockhart, W. W., Lake George, N. Y. *Loforge,Charles A., New Madrid County, Mo. Logan, W. F., Williamsport, Pa. Logue, John C., Central City, Nebr. Lomax, W. P., San Francisco, Cal. *Long, C. W., Andrew, Iowa. *Long, Dr. F. A., Madison, Nebr. *Long, J. M., Primghar, Iowa. Long, M. H. L., Charlottesville, Va. 375 *Long, R. B., Tyler, Tex. Longyear, William D., Mason, Mich. , Loomis, P. B., Jackson, Mich. *Looney, James B., Hancock, Mich. Loor, W.C., Greensburgh, Pa. Lord, M.S., Saranac, Mich. Lorquin, E. F., San Francisco, Cal. *Lothrop, John, Dayton, Nev. *Love, George T., Huron, Dak. *Love, Jobn D., Macksburgh, Iowa. *Love, M.E., Carrollton, Miss. . Loveland, Elmer, Call’s Fort, Utah. Lovett, J. W., Brandon, Vt. Lowden, A. D., Noble, Ohio. Lowe, R., England. Lowell, George P., San Francisco, Cal. Lowry, J. N., Greenville, Ohio. *Lucas, C. H., Mound, La. Lucas, Frederic A.; Washington, D.C. Lugger, Otto, Baltimore, Md. Luikart, J.J., Nottingham, Ohio. Lumpkin, Thomas B., Buena Vista, Ga. Lyford, George A., Rouseville, Pa. Lyon, W. D., Elkhorn, Wis. *Lyons, John D., Benson, Minn. *Lytle, Samuel, Castroville, Tex. McAdams, Hon. Win., Alton, Ill. McAdoo, R. J., Waverly, Teun. McArthur, A., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Can- ada. McArthur, E. W., Meadville, Pa. *McAuley, Robt., Atlantic City, Wyo. *McAusland, John, Miles City, Mont. *McBride, A., Winnsborough, Tex. *McBride, W. D., Boonsborough, Ark. McBrown, Wnm., Fall River, Kans. *McCabe, C. A., Pomeroy, Wash. McCabe, Jas. W., Chilton, Wis. McCaleb, John D., Mount Pleasant, Pa. *McCall, H. J., Madison, Fla. McCallum, Dr. G. A., Dunnville, Ontario, Canada. McCampbell, W. C., Union City, Tenn. McCartney, J.S., Garnett, Kans. McCarty, Wm. G., Jefferson City, Mo. *McCauley, James, White Lake, Dak. *McCauley, John C., Searcy, Ark. *McClain, J. M., Catlin, Colo. McClellan, J. H., Oakland City, Ind. McClure, James O., Warsaw, N. Y.. McCollough, T. J., Alpine City, Utah. _*McCook, Jas. M. H., Robeline, La. McCormick, W. A., Morning Sun, Iowa, McCoy, Frank D., Sistersville, W. Va. McCrassen, W. M., West Branch, Mich. 376 McCrea, Dr. A. B., Berwick, Penn. *McCreless, Wm. A., Albertville, Ala, *McCulloh, R.L., Fort Assinaboine, Mont. McCune, J. A. C., Shippensburgh, Pa. *McDaniel, Jerry, Centreville, Tex. *McDaniel, W. B., Faceville, Ga. McDannold, John J., Mount Sterling, Ill. McDearman, T. R., Danville, Va. *McDonald, A., Glenmary, Tenn. *McDonnell, M. W., Alma, Wis. McDougall, R. A , North Branch, Mich. McElrath, J. J. B., Centre, Ala. McFall, Gid. B., Oskaloosa, Iowa. McFall, S., Fredonia, Ind. McFerran, S. S., Beaver Falls, Pa. McGee, Jas. S., Paris, Mo. *McGehee, I. M., Milton, Fla. *McGinnis, W. T., Minden, Nebr. McGlashan, P. J., Morantown, Kans. *McGoldrick, J. R., Coushatta, La. McGraw, H. H., Whitewater, Wis. *McGregor, R., River Falls, Wis. *McGuin, T. R., Rosedale, Miss. McHenry, Estill, Saint Louis, Mo. McHugh, T. J., Calvert, Tex. Mellwraith, Thomas, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Mcllyas, W. H. H., Cambridge, Ohio. *MclInness, W. F., Monticello, Miss. *McIntire, A. P., Warren, Minn. *Mclntire, 8. B., Houston, Minn. *McKee, R. J., Jasper, Fla. *McKeon, P., Rush City, Minn. *McKernan, Jolin Q., L’Ause, Mich. McKinney, J. B., Newburgh, Ind. *McKnight, J. H., Fort Shaw, Mont. McLachlan, Wm. M., Clyde, N. Y. McLanghiin, D., Waseca, Minn. McLaurine, H. Clay, Pulaski, Tenn. McLean, A., Augusta, Ohio. McLean, S. M., Canal Dover, Ohio. McLellan, Charles, Trenton, Ontario, Can- ada. *McLeod, Daniel, Leaksville, Miss. McLeod, E. A., Palmyra, Mo. *“McMannen, Dr. C. T., Houston, Fla. *MeMillan, James J., Caldwell, Tex. MeNair, S. N., Emmitsburgh, Md. MeNally, S. J., Harrisville, Mich. *McNamara, Geo. G., Port Townsend, Wash. McNichol, Harry E., North East, Pa, McNutt, W. H., Kingston, Tenn. *McPheely, J. L., Minden, Nebr. *McPherson, C. IJ.., Holly, Colo. THE ENGLISIT SPARROW IN AMERICA. McPherson, John W., Hopkinsville, Ky. *McPherson, L. 8., Sherman, Tex. *McPherson, Thos. B., Arapahve, Nebr. McQuesten, Dr. C. B., Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. *McReynolds, G. W., Nepesta, Colo. McShene, M., Campbelltown, S. Australia. *McSparran, J.8., Sloan, Iowa. McWhirter, A. J., Nashville, Tenn. *Mabbett, Gideon, Roducy, Miss. Macbeth, Alex., Georgetown, S. C. Mack, John T., Sandusky, Ohio. *Mac Kay, Prof. A. H., Pictou, N. 8., Can- ada. Mackay, Rev. Henry, Emporia, Kans. Macon, R. C., Orange C. H , Va. Madison, Wu. H., East Enterprise, Ind. Magill, C. M., Voleano, W. Va. Magruder, H. E, Keswick Depot, Va. *Maguire, John, Republic, Mich. Mahon, Charles, Duukirk, Ohio. *Malleis, Wm. B., Cedar Mill, Oregon. *Mallett, W. R., Chapel Hill, N. C. Mallory, B.H., Clarington, Ohio. Maloney, T. S., Quinnimont, W. Va. Mangum, Dr. W. L., Cullman, Ala. Manigault, Dr. G. E., Charleston, S. C. *Manix, P. A., Augusta, Mont. Manly, M., New Berne, N. C. *Mann, Julia A., Mann’s Harbor, N. C. Manning, Thomas, New York, N. Y. Marckres, George M., Sharon, Conn. Margraves, G. W., Sneedville, Tenn. Marker, C. F., Ligonier, Pa. Markham, W. G., Rochester, N. Y. Marriott, George, Sandy, Utah. Marrs, Jas. R., Danville, Ky. Mars, Willis, Denver, Mo. *Marsh, A. 8., Red Cloud, Nebr. *Marshall, Carl C., Arcata, Cal. *Marshall, J. A., Kaufman, Tex. Marshall, R. E., Booneville, Miss. *Marshall, William, Castlewood, Dak. Martin, C. R., Stuart, Va. *Martin, B. S., Terrell, Tex. Martiu, E. 8., Mechanicstown, Ohio. Martin, George W., Chattanooga, Tenn. Martin, Dr. G.A., China, Me. Martin, G. W., Charleston, Mo. Martin, N. A., Danbury, N. C. Martin, T. J., Waynesborough, Va. Martin, W. P., Cottonwood Falls, Kans. Mason, E. E., Accotink, Va. Mason, G. D., Corunna, Mich. Mason, Henry H., Farmington, Conn. Mason, H.H., Niles, Ohio, n LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS. Mason, Orville F., Stanton, Mich. Mason, Prof. Otis T., Washington, D. C. Mason, T. A. H., Sackville, N. B.; Canada, Mason, W.T., Pungoteague, Va. Mathers, Dr. J. R., Buckhannon, W. Va. *Mathys, George, Arcadia, Wis. Matson, Jas. B., North Bend, Ohio. “Matteson, F. 8., Aumsville, Oregon. Matthews, Robert J., Baldwin, Mich. *Matthews, Thomas M., Athens, Tex. Mattoch, C. P., Portland, Me. *Maughs, L. L., Denison, Tex. Mauney, W. A., King’s Mountain, N. C. *Maurer, William, Maiden, Mont. *Mawherter, D., Tin Cup, Colo. Maxson, B. F., Westerly, R. I. Mayberry, J., Burlingame, Kans. Mayer, Dr. I. H., Willow Street, Pa. Maynard, C. J., Boston, Mass. Mayo, A. C., Ashland, Va. *Mayo, H. M., Morgan City, La. *Mazyck, W. St. I., Waverley Mills, 8. C. Mead, E. C., Keswick Depot, Va. *Meadows, F. C., Caddo, C. N., Ind. T. Mearns, Dr. Edg. A., Highland Falls, N. Y. Meehan, Thos., Germantown, Pa. Meigs, General, M.C., Washington, D.C. Meily, R. W., Lima, Ohio. *Meirscheidt, Arthur, La Grange, Tex. Melzer, Jas. P., Milford, N. H. Menard, Augustine, Ste. Genevieve, Mo. *Menefee, C. A., Los Gatos, Cal. *Menefee, R. P., Bozeman, Mont. Menville, Dr. Charles, Napoleonville, La. *Merchant, I. T., Broken Bow, Nebr. Merony, Callie, Carthage, Tenn. Merrell, E. A., Carrollton, Ga. Merriam, Dr. C. Hart, Washington, D.C. *Merrick, P. D., Villisca, Iowa. Merritt, W. H., Des Moines, Iowa. *Merry, W. Y., Mandarin, Fla. Metcalf, F. H., Holyoke, Mass. Metsker, Chas., Yeoman, Ind. Metz, Manoah, Smithsburgh, Md. Micklem, H. Martyn, Variety Mills, Va. *Midgley, Jonathan, Wales, Utah. Mikesell, Thos., Wauseon, Ohio. Miles, M. W., Glenville, Ohio. Millar, Dr. Lawrence, Bellevue, Iowa. *Miller, Ada L., Mulberry Grove, Kans. *Miller, Frederick, Washburn, Mivn. Miller, H. H., Sandy Spring, Md. *Miller, James, O’Neill City, Nebr. *Miller, John, Florence, Ariz. Miller, Johu J., Leland, Mich. 377 *Miller, J.C., Hawarden, Iowa. *Miller, J. P., Crocus, Ky. Miller, Mrs. Olive Thorne, Brooklyn, N. Y. *Miller, O. E., New Providence, Towa. Miller, P. D., Schoolcraft, Mich. *Miller, Samuel, Pontotoc, Miss. Miller, 8. T., Constableville, N.Y, *Millham, T. W., Hudson, Dak. Milligan, E. A., Moultrie, Ga. Milliken, F. M., Indianola, Iowa, Milner, Wm., Cartersville, Ga. Mines, Geo. P., Newport, Tenn. *Minnshall, Thos., La Crescent, Minn. Mitchell, D. A., Wichita, Kans. Mitchell, John B., New Albany, Ind. *Mitchell, Susman, Visalia, Cal. *Moershel, Wm., Homestead, Iowa. *Moir, M. W., Eldora, Iowa. *Moles, A. M., Clarksburgh, Mo. Molineaux, A., Adelaide, 8. Australia. *Monell, C. E., Kirwin, Kans. *Mong, W. H., Fletcher, Iowa. *Monroe, Wm. A., Jacksonport, Ark. Montague, W.Y., Clifton, Tenn. Montgomery, A. R., Bryn Mawr, Pa. Montgomery, J. W.,Coal Valley, W. Va. Montgomery, W. W., Radnor, Pa. Mooman, Caddie, Franklin, W. Va. Moor, Sidney, Hamburg, Iowa. *Moore, C. R., Birdsnest, Va. *Moore, D. J., Sedan, Kans. *Moore, E. H., Silver City, Idaho. *Moore, F. A., Saint Helen, Oregon. Moore, George, Steubenville, Ohio. Moore, Dr. H. D., New Lexington, Pa. *Moore, Jas. F., Prineville, Oregon. Moore, Janes H., Monongahela, Pa. Moore, J. Percy, Philadelphia, Pa. *Moore, J. U., Uniontown, Kans. *Moore, L. R., Morton, Miss. *Moore, M., Altoona, Kans, Moore, Ransom A., Kewaunee, Wis. Moore, Mrs. §. A., Dallas, N.C. *Moorhead, A. D., Sedgwick, Colo. Moran, George H., Morganton, N.C. Moran, James, jr., Waukegan, Ill. Moran, Wm. C., Adrian, Mich. *Morgan, A. H., Way Cross, Ga. *Morgan, D.L., Norwalk, Fla. Morgan, John, Mill Creek, Utah. *Morgan, J., jr., Weir, Kans, Morris, C. H., McCennelsville, Ohio. Morris, Rev. Francis O., Nunburnholme, Yorkshire, Eng. Morris, Jas. R., Woodsfield, Ohio. 878 Morris, R. G., Georgetown, Ga. Morrison, A. J., Marengo, Iowa. Morrison, E. A., Smithtield, Va. Morrison, Dr. E. M., Des Moines, Iowa. Morrison, H., Ithaca, Mich. Morrison, W. K., Bellaire, Ohio. Morse, Dr. 8. P., Omio, Kans. Morse, Martha V., Karns City, Pa. Morton, Thomas, Nebraska City, Nebr. Moseley, Alex. T., Buckingham C. H., Va. Moseley, A.M., Adairville, Ky. “Mosher, H.G., Iliff, Colo. *Mosher, John, Spirit Lake, Iowa. *Moss, Mrs. M. J., Sand Run, W. Va. Mottweiler, L. M., Georgetown, Ind. Mould, Matthew H., Baraboo, Wis. Muchmore, Jos. A., Madeira, Ohio. *Mueller, Jacob J., Ellensburgh, Wasb. Mugford, E. T., Hart, Mich. Moldragh, William J., Sand Hill, Mich. *Mullay, E. F., Rush Centre, Kans. *Miiller, Max, Jacksonville, Oregon. *Mumford, F.M., Bayou Sara, La. Mundt, A. H., Fairbury, Ni. *Munnerlyn, I. K., Clear Water Harbor, Fla. “Munroe, A. T., Industry, Kans. Munroe, Thomas, Staten Island, N. Y. *Munson, J. E., Foster, La. Murdock, Jas. E., Kingwood, W. Va. Murphy, Chris., Sandusky, Mich. Murphy, C.T., New Haven, Mo. *Murphy, D.}., Rushford, Minn. Murphy, J. F., Nantucket, Mass. Murphy, M.M., Ripley, Ohio. *Musgrove, M., South Haven, Kans. Musick, Mrs. M., Mount Carmel, Mo. Musser, J. W., Mission San José, Cal. *Myers, C. F., Rockford, Iowa. Myers, O. A., May, Mich. Myrick, B. H., Meriweather, Ga. Nall, J. B., Louisville, Ky. Napier, C. 0. Groome, London, Eng. *Nash, H. W., Pueblo, Colo. Natural History Society of Toronto, On- tario, Canada. *Nayer, Frederick B., Collins, Tex. Neal, A. D., Milton, W. Va. Neal, Charles, Plain City, Utah. Neal, J.T., Thomson, Ga. _ Neal, 8. F., Gallipolis, Ohio. Neese, George M., New Market, Va. *Nelnes, W.G., Vinita, Cherokee Nation, Ind. T. *Nelson, G. F., Goodwin, Dak. THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. Nelson, Joel, Davenport, Nebr. Nesmith, Charles E., Donaldsonville, La. *Neu, Peter, Templeton, Iowa. Newell, Mrs. Eva E., Plantsville, Conn. Newell, E.R., Plantsville, Coun. Newlon, Dr. W.S., Oswego, Kans. Newman, E. O., Roberts, Ill. Newman, George E., Bath, Me. Newton, Prof. Alfred, Magdalen Collez:, Cambridge, Eng. Newton, R. H., Rochdale, Mass. Newton, W. A., Mona, Utah. *Nicholas, W.T., Lyons, Kans. Nichols, D. A. A., Dunkirk, N.Y. Nichols, Fremont D., Berrien Springs, Mich. Nichols, George H., Des Moines, Iowa. Nichols, Jason E., Lansiug, Mich. *Nickerson, C. W., West Tisbury, Mass. Nickerson, H. O., Readfield, Me. Niesz, J. F., Canton, Ohio. *“Nimon, James, Denison, Tex. Nixon, W. T., Lawrenceburgh, Tenn. *Noll, J. N., Sheridan, Ark. Norgate, F., England. *Norman, James, Hockley, Tex. Norris, Dr. George D., Newmarket, Ala. *Norris, 8. R., Dwight, Dak. North, F. A., Montevallo, Ala. Norton, Arthur H., Saccarappa, Me. Nottingham, Leonard J., Eastville, Va. *Nowers, Willson G., Beaver, Utah. ‘Nowlin, S. H., Little Rock, Ark. *Nugent, J. C., Buffalo, Minn. Nunez, J. M., Swainsborough, Ga. Nutting, C.C., lowa City, Iowa. Nye, A. L., Morgantown, W. Va. Nye, Dudley 8., Marietta, Ohio. Oakey, W.8., Salem, Va. *Oathout, John M., Booneville, Ark. *Odell, W. H., Salem, Oregon. Odle, Fred. 8., Lapeer, Mich. Odlum, E., Pembroke, Ontario, Canada. O’Donoho, N. B., Cerro Gordo, Fla. “Oenning, John B., Fountain City, Wis. Oettinger, William, Dent, Ohio. *O’Grady, Daniel, Walkerville, Mont. *Olas, E. H., Albany, II. Olcott, Jas. B., Manchester, Conn. *Oldfield, J.G., Lake Providence, La. Oldridge, W. V.. Farley, Iowa. O'Leary, Jas. J., Peshtigo, Wis. Oliverson, James, Franklin, Idaho. *Oltorf, T. C., Marlin, Tex. Ong, P. L., Hennepin, Ill. LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS. *O’Niell, John A., Franklin, La. *Orcutt, C. E , Jamesport, Mo. *Orcutt, J. H., San Diego, Cal. Ormerod, Miss Eleanor A., Isleworth, Mid- dlesex, England. *Orndorff, L. H., Moundville, Mo. Orr, George H., Manistique, Mich. Osborn, A., Olmsted, Ohio. *Osborn, Prof. Herbert, Ames, Iowa. Osborne, George C., Westport, N. Y. *Osburn, F. W., Eugene City, Oregon. Osburn, J., Winchester, Ohio. Osterbaut, W.J.N., Providence, R. I. Osterhout, W. V., Providence, R. I. O’Toole, Dr. M.C., Berkeley, Cal. Ott, Joseph, West Beud, Wis. Overman, H. W., Waverly, Ohio. Overton, D. Y., Burlington, Iowa. Owen, C. P., Glover, Vt. Owen, J. R., Cuthbert, Ga. *Owens, Jobn W., Jonesborough, Ark. Owens, J. P., Scottdale, Pa. *Ozmun, Andrew, Baldwin, Mich. Packard, Edson, Benzonia, Mich. *Paddison, A. H., Burgaw, N.C. Page, M. A., Garnett, Kans. Paily, J. D., Delmont, Pa. Paine, C. 8., East Bethel, Vt. *Paine, Miss M. E., Royalston, Mass. Paintin, John Thomas, Coralville, Iowa. *Palla, Joseph, Marshall, Cal. *Palmer, A. H., Montagne, Tex. *Palmer, C. L., Baker City, Oregon. *Palmer, L. D., Yankton, Dak. *Palmer, Marcus N., Clearwater, Nebr. Palmer, T. S., Berkeley, Cal. Palton, R. W., Lewiston, Pa. *Pardee, J. E., Quincy, Cal. Parish, John H., Allen, Mich. Park, JuneB., Irvine, Ky. *Parker, Asa A., Ontonagon, Mich. Parker, A.K., Hillsdale, W. Va. *Parker, C.G., Mount Vernon, Tex. *Parker, E. E., Verndale, Minn. *Parker, G. A., Halifax, Mass. Parker, G.S., Barboursville, Va. Parker, John D, Fort Riley, Kans. Parker, T. W., Griggsville, Ill. Parkhurst, A. L., San José, Cal. Parmelee, P. W., Burton, Ohio. Parrish, Stephen D., Richmond, Ky. Parrish, T. J., Gainesville, Tex. *Parrott, J. M., Orchard, Colo. Parsons, E. A., Towanda, Pa. Parsons, Newell A., Enfield, Conn. 379 Paschall, 8. Edward, Doylestown, Pa. Patebiv, M. B., New London, Wis. *Patterson, C. H., Oak Lodge, Choctaw Nation, Ind. T. Patterson, I. R., Petersburgh, Va. Patterson, Jas. Y., Martin’s Ferry, Ohio. Patterson, T. H., Pine River, Wis. Patterson, Wm. D., East Wheatland, Il. *Pattison, R., Wall Lake, Iowa. Patton, Jas. A., Juda, Wis. Patton, J. Holmes, Brownsville, Pa. Patton, T. B., Altoona, Pa. Paul, Geo. H., Milwaukee, Wis. Paul, Norman, Woodstock, Vt. Paxton, J. T., Lick Run, Va. *Payne, E. C., De Soto, Iowa. Payne, Robt. T., Warm Springs, Va. Payton, James N., New Albany, IL. “Peabody, Mrs. A. L., Denver, Colo. Peak, Leoaard G., Bedford, Ky. Peake, J. Warren, Ionia, Mich. Pearce, H.C., Trenton, Tenn. Pearson, J.G., Gordon, Ga. Pearson, J. W., Newton, Mass. Pease, Henry A., Edgartown, Mass. Peck, J. B., Hampton, Iowa. Peckham, Byron J., Westerly, R. I. Peckham, John J., Newport, R. I. Peebier, Wm. M., Hardy, Nebr. *Peebles, Josephine, Harvel, Il. *Peek, William L., Conyers, Ga. Pelton, Edward D., Euclid, Ohio. *Pembaugh, Geo. C., Winfield, Kans, *Penbentry, E. R., Houghton, Mich. *Pender, Drew D., Groesbeck, Tex. Pendleton, Wm., Floyd C. H.,Va. Pepper, John, Boscobel, Wis. Percy, W.C., jr., Black Hawk, La. *Perkins, C.G., Onawa, Iowa. Perkins, Daniel W., Ogunquit, Me. Perkins, Geo. H , Burlington, Vt. Perkins, I.O., Auburn, Ky. Perry, Geo. B., Brooklyn, Pa. Perry, J. A., Buy Ridge, N. Y. Pertwee, James, Chelmsford, England. Peter, Dr. Robert, Lexington, Ky. Peterman, L., Clear Spring, Md. Peters, Edw. T., Washington, D. C. *Peters, Thos., Mokelumne Hill, Cal. Peters, W. F., Dublin, Va. “Pettigrew, Geo. F., Cabool, Mo. Pettitt, W.J., Benzonia, Mich. Peury, Thomas, Glenwood, Mo. Phelps, Albert H., West Pawlet, Vt. *Phelps, C., Mississippi City, Miss. 380 *Phelps, D. R., Sanborn, Iowa. Phelps, Ralph, jr., Detroit, Mich. *Phillips, G. L., Bethany, Mo. *Phlegau, A. M., Bodie, Cal. Pickering, Dr. Charles, Boston, Mass. *Pickert, John, Saint Charles, Minn. Piening, A., Manitowoc, Wis. *Pierce, David, Beaufort, N.C. *Pierce, Jennie R., Elizabeth, Colo. Pierce, J. B., Westmoreland, Kans. *Pierce & Co., Messrs., Rock Rapids, Iowa. *Pierson, M.S., Emory, Tex. Pike, Hon. Nicolas, Brooklyn, N. Y. Pilbeam, James M., Nashville, Mich. Pilkington, D. W., Wickham, New Bruns- wick, Canada. Pindar, L. O., Hickman, Ky. Piper, N. R., Kenton, Ohio. *Pipkin, W. H., Springfield, Mo. Pitkin, Mrs. William, Rochester, N. Y. Pitt, C., Adelaide, South Australia. Pitt, John, Adelaide, South Australia. Pitzer, John B., Covington, Va. Place, F.S., Alfred Centre, N.Y. Platt, Frank 8., New Haven, Conn. Playfuerd, Hon. T., Adelaide, South Aus- tralia. Plumb, C.8., Geneva, N. Y. Plumb, George, Fairport, N. Y. *Plumbe, Edward O., Hull, Iowa. *Plummer, E. J., Hanford, Cal. Plummer, Gordon, Brookline, Mass. *Poindexter, P. E., Dillon, Mont. *Polleys, J. W., Wells, Minn. Pomeroy, Jas. T., Robinson, Kans. *Ponder, W. F., Smelley, Ala. Ponton, William H., Belleville, Ontario, Canada. *Poore, J., Golden City, Mo. Porter, E. W., Marysville, Ohio. *Porter, Jumes H., Conway, S. C. Porter, William A., Alpharetta, Ga. Porter, W. C., Clinton, Ky. Post, William P., Middletown, Conn. Pustmasters at 278 localities (see Distri- bution by States). *Potter, Guy R., Granada, Colo. Potter, Minor R., Wellston, Ohio. Powel, Samuel P., Rogersville, Tenn. Powell, C. H., Goochland C. H., Va. Powell, George T., Ghent, N.Y. Powell, Irvin P., Montgomery City, Mo. *Powell, R. H., Troup, Tex. Powers, Frank M., Angola, Ind. *Powers, 8., Lawtey, Fla. THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. Prather, H. P., Greencastle, Pa. Pratt, Rev. George B., Oak Park, Ml. Pratt, W. H., Davenport, Iowa. *Prendergast, J. B., Webster, Dak. Prescott, George R., Galt, Ontario, Can- ada. *Preston, J. M., Madison, Dak. Preston, R. H., Woodbury, Tenn. *Price, I. G., Fort Lewis, Colo. Price, M. A., Gilberton, South Australia. Pringle, H.N., Thetford, Vt. Professor of Botany and Forestry, Agri- cultural College, Michigan. Prout, 8. C., Prout, Ohio. *Prouty, R. D., Shelby. Iowa. Prudden, 8. C., Eatonton, Ga. Pruett, M. E., Midway, Ala. *Pryor, Bennett A., Colusa, Cal. *Puffer, F. L., Bird Island, Minn. Pugh, Mary E., Broadway, Va. *Pugmire, V. M., Saint Charles, Idaho. Purdie, H. A., Boston, Mass. *Purinton, Prof. G. D., Fayetteville, Ark. Pursell, H. D., Washington C. H., Olio. Putzell, C. L., Martinsville, Va. Quellin, E. R., Clayton, Ala. Quick, H. C., Shiraz Vineyard, Marden, South Australia, Quimby, I. W., Lancaster, N. H. *Quinn, Bernard, Bingham Canyon, Utah. *Raber, A. S., Wiota, Iowa. Radcliffe, J. F., Hersey, Mich. *Radford, J. W., Ponea, Nebr. Ragan, W. H., Greencastle, Ind. Ragland, N. H., Appomattox C. H.,Va. *Ragsdale, George H., Gainesville, Tex. *Rain, Mr., Fort Dodge, Iowa. *Rainey, R. T., Browaville, Nebr. Randle, Prof. E. H., Jackson, Tenn. *Rankin, B. J., Dorrance, Kans. Rankin, James E., Elk Rapids, Mich. Rankin, William W., Lock Haven, Pa. Rardin, J. C., Catlettsburgh, Ky. Ratekin, J. R., Shenandoah, Iowa, Rathvon, Dr. 8.8., Lancaster, Pa. Ratliff, Joseph C., Richmond, Ind. *Ratliff, R. L., Poplarville, Miss. Rattigan, P. A., Barnhart’s Mills, Pa, Ray, C. W., Sharon, Pa. Raymond, C.M., West Brighton, N.Y. *Rea, T. W., Cedarville, Kans. *Ream, James §., Greenridge, Mo. Rearden, Geo., Shawneetown, Ill. Redding, R. J., Atlanta, Ga. Redfield, 8. D., Vinton, Iowa. : LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS. *Redmon, N., Le Mars, Iowa. Redpath, Geo., Martin, Mich. Reed, A. L., Centre Lisle, N.Y, Reed, Curtis, Menasha, Wis. Reed, D. W., Waukon, Iowa. Reed, Lloyd, Clarksburgh, W. Va. Reed, P. A., Tyrone, Pa. *Reemer, F. M., Dodge City, Kans. *Reese, L. E., Smith Centre, Kaus. Reeves, C., Gilbert-street, Norwood, South Australia. Reeves, Empson, Mount Healthy, Ohio. Reid, J. Henderson, Jacksborough, Tenn. *Reid, Marshall, Kel River, N. B., Canada. *Reimen, Olof, Marne, Iowa. Renshaw, Dr. 8., Sugar Grove, Ohio. Rentch, D.S., Shepherdstown, W. Va. Respess, A. C., Maysville, Ky. *Rettig, J. F., Baird, Tex, *Reverchon, Julien, Dallas, Tex. *Revill, A. J., Litchfield, Minn. *Reynolds, E., Franklin, Tex. Reynolds, E.L., Westville, Ind. Reynolds, Jesse, Poplar Bluff, Mo. *Reynolds, M.C., Ava, Mo. Reynolds, P.C., Rochester, N. Y. *Reynolds, W.T., Russellville, Ark. Rhines, Wallace D., Constantia, N. Y. Rhoades, Mary E., Coalville, Utah. Rhoads, Sam’ N., Haddonfield, N. J. Rhodes, Col. William, Quebec, Canada. *Rice, H., Albion, Nebr. *Rice, T. G., Clinton, Miss. Rich, F. B., South Richland, N. Y. Richards, E. E., Farmington, Me. Richards, E. H., Woburn, Mass. Richards, J. L., Buchanan, Mich. Richards, Thos., Stanford, Ky. Richards, W. W., Solon, Ohio. *Richardson, A. P., Charleston, Ark. Richardson, Dr. D. A., Osceola, Ark. Richardson, Geo., Fort Howard, Wis. Richardson, H., Janesville, Wis. Richardson, Jenness, Ratland, Vt. Richardson, J. H.,.Quiney, Ill. *Richardson, J.N., Richlield, Minn. Richmond, E. D., Hart, Mich. *Richmond, Joseph, Elliott, Il. *Riddell, Sam’! T., Fernandina, Fla. Ridgway, Robert, Washington, D.C, Riedy, M., Kewaunee, Wis, Rigg, Samuel E., Beatrice, Nebr. *Riggs, J. H., Marshall, Tex. *Rigney, L. R., Steilacoom, Wash. Riley, Prof. C. V., Washington, D, C. 381 Ringle, V.. Wausau, Wis. *Ripply, O. B., Ainsworth, Nebr. *Risedorph, D. E., Snyder, Cole. Rising, D.C., Wetmore, Kans. *Risley, Sawuel, West Plains, Mo. Ritenour, Win. H., Harrisonburgh, Va. Rittenhouse,C. Augustus, Collegeville, Pa. Ritzman, Jacob, Osceola Mills, Pa. Roach, F. P., Oceana, W. Va. *Roach, J. J., Camden, Ala. Robbins, Mont., Statesville, N. C. ‘Roberson, Victor, Fort Snelling, Minn. Roberts, A. C., Plainwell, Mich. “Roberts, A. P., Sioux Rapids, Iowa. Roberts, Geo. A., Shelbyville, Tl. Roberts, Prof. I. P., Ithaca, N. Y. Roberts, 8., England. *Roberts, Thos., Green Cove Springs, Fla. Roberts, Dr. Thos. 8., Minneapolis, Minn. *Robertson, Douglas, Blanchard, Dak. Robertson, G. Douglas, Chloride, N. Mex. Robertson, Jas. T., Culpeper, Va. *Robie, H. P., Rush City, Minn. Robie, Reuben E., Bath, N. Y. Robinson, F. D., Friar’s Point, Miss. Robinson, John F., Vineyard Haven, Mass. *Robinson, Rix M., Millview, Fla. Robinson, Russell, Richmond, Va. Robison, J. A., Albion, Pa. Robson, Prof. John W., Abilene, Kans, *Roby, C. W., Portland, Oregon. Rochester, J. G., Marion, Ky. Rockwell, C. B., Hamilton, HI. *Roddenberg, 8. A., Cairo, Ga. Rodeback, L. B., Cedar Valley, Utah. Rodgers, James, Mt. Vernon, Ohio. *Rodgers, J. W., Glyndon, Minn. Rodgers, R. 8., Trenton, Ga. Rodman, Dr. Hugh D., New Haven, Ky, Roessing, W. P., Butler, Pa. *Rogers, L. M., Refugio, Tex. Rogers, P. J., Piedmont, W. Va. Rogers, Thomas, Dodgeville, Wis. Roller, M. I1., Circleville, Kans, Roloson, J. P., West Berlin, Ohio. Roosevelt, Hon. Robt. B., New York, N.Y Rorick, J. T., Bad Axe, Mich. Roriden, Willard, Farmington, Mo, Rose, J. M., Abingdon, Va. Ross, F. A., Tuscumbia, Ala. *Ross, Newell A., Princeton, Minn. Ross, 8S. R., Portsmouth, Ohio. Ross, Thoinas C., Fairfield, Iowa. Roth, Elizabeth, Georgetown, Obio, Roush, Jacob, Mason, W. Va. 382 Rousseau, A., Wilkeshorough, N.C. *Rousseau, M. C., Rousseau, Dak. Routh, H. C., Dandridge, Tenn. Roys, J.8., Lyons, N. Y. Rucker, P. H., Jacksonville, IL. Rudall, John, Gawler, South Australia. *Rudolph, O. A., Canton, Dak. Rudy, J. A., Providence, Ky. Ruete, Theo. W., Dubuque, Iowa. *Runyon, Alex., Shellsburgh, Iowa. Russell, Col. Champion, Romford, Essex, England. Russell, Edward, Sidney, Olio. Russell, Jas. J., Museatine, Iowa. Russell, J. A., Centreville, Mich. Russell, J. H., Centreville, Tenn. *Russcll, J.S., Mountain Home, Ark. Russell, M. R., Carrollton, Ga. Russell, M. T., Billings,Mo. *Russell, Z.T., Carthage, Mo. *Ruth, J., Lansing, Iowa. *Rutherford, E, P., Clarksville, Tex. Rutter, M. A., Meyersdale, Pa. *Ryan, Jobn, Marion, Dak. “Ryan, M. W., Medford, Wis. *Safford, E., Magnolia, Miss. Sage, I, T., Agency, Iowa. Sage, John H., Portiand, Conn. *St. John, Alice A., Park City, Mont. St. John, Samuel P., Utica, Mich. *Sale, R. R., Colona Station, Ill. *Salisbury, Mary, Beacon, Iowa. Salom, M., North Adelaide, 8. Australia. Sampson, F. A., Sedalia, Mo. *Sampson, L. E., Tacoma, Wash. Sanborn, I. W., Lyndonville, Vt. Sanders, W. W., Ashland City, Teun. “Sandifed, L. G., Fairfield, Tex. Sandlin, J.M., Moulton, Ala. Sapwell, B. B., England. *Sarrett, H. J., Utica, Miss, *Sater, George R., Oak Valley, Kans. *Satterthwait, S.C., Aiken, 8. C, Saunders, Johu, Mexico, Mo. Saunders, William, Washington, D.C. Saunders, W. E., London, Ont., Canada. “Sawyer, W.H., Bayborough, N.C. Sayre, 8. B., Elizabeth, W. Va. Searce, J. B., Gisberion, South Australia, *Scheen, If. F., Sparta, La. : Schermerhorn, O, T., Cairo, N.Y. Schindler, Oswald, Galveston, Tex. *Schlichter, J. B., Sterling, Kans. Schmick, C.N., Leetonia, Ohio. Schoenanu, W. A., Mildmay, Ont., Canada. THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. *Schooley, Samuel W., Cozad, Nebr. *Scbringer, A., Fair Play, Colo. Schroeder, James, Guttenberg, Iowa. *Schrooten, John, North Star, Minn. Schultze, W.C., Reynoldsville, Pa. Schumacher, Ferdinand, Akrou, Ohio. *Schweiger, Thomas, Glenwood, Minn. “Scofield, L., Westside, Iowa. Scot-Skirving, R., Edinburgh, Scotland. Scott, Jas. N., Malden, W. Va. Scott, J.G., Westfield, Mass, *Scott, Kennedy, Rio, Wis. *Scott, O. L., Silver City, N. Mex, Scott, S.H., Chanute, Kans. Scott, Dr. S. M., Terra Alta, W. Va, *Scott, W. F., Mapleton, Iowa. Scott, W. L., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Scott, W.T., Murray, Ky. Scruggs, A. T., Iuka, Miss. *Seages, J. II., Gilman, Iowa. *Seaman, J. W., Loveland, Colo. Seaver, I’. W., Aaron, Ind. *Seavey, Stantou D., Mora, Minn. Secland, N. P., Gaines Station, Mich. *Selby, John W., El Dorado Springs, Mo, Seliger, Mrs. W., Hartford, Conn. “Seligman, A., Santa Fé, N. Mex. *Selover, George H., Lake City, Minn. *Selvig, O., Willmar, Minn. Setzer, F.M., Albany, Mo. *Sewall, J. A., Boulder, Colo. Sewell, T. M., New Athens, Ohio. *Seymour, F. A., Monroeville, Ala. ‘Shackleford, F. A., Warsaw, Va. Shade, J.S., McConnellsburgh, Pa. Shafer, L. W., Glen Rock, Pa. Shale, J. B., McKeesport, Pa. *Shailenberger, A.C., Osceola, Nebr. *Shalleuberger, Eugene, Bradshaw, Nebr, “Shambangh, J. H., La Grande, Oregon, Shank, J. H., Hickory, W. Va. *Sbanuon, Elmer S., Bayard, Iowa. *Shannon, F. P., Carbon, Wyo. Shannon, H.C., Erie, Pa. ~ Sharp, A. H., Nashville, Tenn. Sharp, Dr. A. P., Baltimore, Md. Sharp, F.C., Oconto, Wis. Sharp, Kate Dooris, London, Ohio. “Sharp, W.T., Brooklyn, Iowa. Sbarpless, Philip, West Chester, Pa. Shatto, Jos. M., Duncannon, Pa. *Shaver, R. B., Menlo, Iowa. Shaw, Andrew, Huron, Mich. Shaw, Charles H., West Berlin, Ohio. *Shaw, C.G., Vermillion, Dak, LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS. “Shaw, I. Wilson, Milledgeville, Pa. Shaw, Wm. §., Sault de Ste. Marie, Mich. *Shawhan, W.T., Carleton, Nebr. *Shayer, G. G., Caton City, Colo. Sheild, F. M., Yorktown, Va. Sheldon, A.C., New Haven, Conn. Shell, W.M., jr., Elizabethtown, Tenn. Shelley, George M., Kansas City, Mo. *Shelsten, I., Farmersville, La. *Shelton, W. H., Malden, Mo. Shely, De Witt C., Nicholasville, Ky. Shepherd, J.N., Berryville, Va. Shepley, Henry, Nevada, Mo. *Sherman, Dan. J., Ashtabula, Obio. *Sherwood, Andrew T., Bismarck, Dak. *Shiekley, V.C., Geneva, Nebr. Shields, 8. W., Morristown, Tenn. *Shields, William, Austin, Mo. *Shier, John, Pioche, Nev. Shimer, Dr. Henry, Mount Carroll, Ill. Shircliff, C. H., Solon, Iowa. Shirley, M. A., Logan, Utah. *Shoemaker, A. H., Decatur, Tex. Shoemaker, Thomas H., Philadelphia, Pa. Shoftuer, M. M., Company’s Shops, N.C. Short, C. W., Greenville, Ky. *Short, W.G., Potterville, Kans. Showalter, John A., Latrobe, Pa. *Showell, M.F., Kimberly, Minn. Shower, Adam, Manchester, Md. Shroyer, Thomas, Preston, Ohio. *Shrum, W.F., Gilmer, Tex. Shryock, Thomas W., Louisville, Nebr. *Shufeldt, Dr. R. W., Cheyenne, Wyo. Shuford, Faunie, Oxford, Ala. Shurter, Jos. W., Gansevoort, N. Y. Shutz, Jas., Romney, W. Va. Sibbald, George, Aberdeen, Ohio. Sieg, W. H. H., Steclton, Pa. *Sigler, John A., Harold, Dak. Silcott, U. A., Youngsville, Ohio. *Simms, Rufus B., Blountsville, Ala. Simmons, C. C., Chariton, Iowa. *Simmons, M. D., Harrisburgh, Ark. Simon, J.H., Hartford, Wis. *Simonds, 8. C., Hudson, Wis. Simpson, E. W., Ripley, Miss. Simpson, J.T., Loudon, Tenn. Simpson, Robert, Wheeling, W. Va. *Singleton, B. D., College Mound, Mo. *Sissou, Nathaniel, Wray, Colo. Skavlem, H. L., Janesville, Wis. *Skeen, R. J.. Nemaha City, Nebr. Skinner, F. G., Hamilton County, Ohio, Slade, Elisha, Somerset, Mass, 383 Slater, H, H., England. Slater, H. N., England. Sledge, W.T., Lawrenceville, Va. *Sloan, C.G., Heppner, Oregon. Slocumb, D.M., Hernando, Miss. Slyer, J. P., Moorefield, W. Va. Small, H. B., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Smead, S. M., Fond du Lac, Wis. *Smethers, W. R., Starkville, Colo. Smeych, Daniel, Lancaster, Pa. *Smiley, A. R., Skowhegan, Me. Smith, A. E., Guyandotie, W. Va. Smith, A. J., Amherst, Wis. Smith, A.J., Garrettsville, Ohio. Smitb, B. B., Chillicothe, Mo. Smith, B. F’, Lawrence, Kans. Smith, Everett, Portland, Me. Smith, E. C., Ravenswood, W. Va. *Smith, E. R., Le Sueur, Minn. Smith, Dr. F. S.,West Hartford, Conn. *Smith, F. C., Kellerton, Iowa. Smith, F.8., Saginay, Mich. Smith, G., Cadiz, Ky. Smith, G. A. B., Wetumpka, Ala. Smith, Henry A., Spencer, W.Va. Smith, Henry E., Brownsville, Ky. Smith, Herbert C., West Union, Ohio. *Smith, H.G., jr., Denver, Colo. *Smith, James D., Dallas, Oregon. Smith, Jesse F., Suffield, Conn. *Smith, Dr. Joel W., Charles City, Iowa. *Smith, John J., Oroville, Cal. Snith, J. B., Fayetteville, N.C. Smith, L. E., Middlebourne, W. Va. Smith, L. H., Strathroy, Ontario, Canada. Smith, L. R., New Cumberland, W. Va. *Suwith, N. A., Neilly, Ga. Smith, O. C., North Adams, Mich. *Smith, P. A., Navasota, Tex. *Smith, Dr. Q. C., Austin, Tex. *Smith, R. H., Edwards, Miss. *Smith, Sherod, Homerville, Ga. *Smith, S. E., Witcherville, Ark. *Smith, Tenvy, Grand Junction, Iowa. *Smith, Wash. E., Purdy, Mo. *Smith, William J., Eureka, Nev. Smith, William R., Washington. D.C. *Smith, W. Egbert, Butte City, Mont. Smither, Herbert L., Saluda, Va. Snead, N.C., Gaffney, S.C. *Snell, C. W., Oconee, Ga. *Snoddy, John, Big Spring, Tex. Snodgrass, A., Scottsborough, Ala. Snow, B., Kalamazoo, Mich. Snow, Edward, Boonville, N. Y. 384 Snow, G.C., Penn Yan, N. Y. Snow, H. M., Central, Mo. *Suyder, A. C., Cheyenne City, Wyo. Snyder, Charles W., Hudson, N.Y. Snyder, Clarence, Racine, Wis. Suyder, Harrison, Rockwood, Pa. Snyder, H., Fairfield, Utah. “Snyder, John J., Murphy’s, Cal. Solberg, Mrs. L. 8., Salem, Ohio. Solly, George A., Springticld, Mass. *Solomon, M. E., Jeffersonville, Ga. Sommer, Frank, Dorr, Mich. Southall, G. H., Amelia C. H., Va. Southgate, W. T., College Hill, Ohio. Southwell, T., England, Southworth, La G., Schuyler’s Lake, N. Y. Sowers, A. J., Bedford, Iowa. Sparks, A. A., Mount Vernon, Ind, Sparks, J., Vanceburgh, Ky. Spearman, J. P., Papillion, Nebr. Speer, Henry, Butler, Mo. *Speir, E. W., Orlando, Fla. Spence, P. B., Newport, Ky. Spencer, George T., Kirksville, Mo. Spencer, Miss Letta, Hudson, Mich. Spencer, Thomas, Chariton, Iowa. Spencer, T. P., Cleveland, Ohio. Spencer, Walter, La Porte, Pa. Spencer, W. B., Murfreesborough, N.C. *Spilker, William G., Keatchie, La. Spindler, V., South Saint Louis, Mo. Spotts, Jas. C., Tazewell C. H., Pa. Sprague, M. A., Smethport, Pa. Spriggs, D. 8., Caldwell, Ohio. *Sproule, C. H., Elko, Nev. *Sprout, J. H., Blue Earth City, Minn. *Spurlock, James B., Versailles, Mo. Stacy, J. B., Pulaski, Tenn. Stafford, Pleasant, Sevierville, Teun. Stalker, John D., Hartsville, Tenu. Stamper, I. J., Ducktown, Tenn. *Stanles, 8. K., Northville, Dak. Stark, C. A., Belaloo, Wirrabara, South Australia. *Stark, H., Trinidad, Colo, Stark, W.B., Agricultural College, Miss. Starnes, Hugh N., Marietta, Ga. State Agricultural Dept., Auburn, Ala. Stausill, P. W., Rockingham, N.C. Stearns, Dan C., Berea, Ohio. *Stearns, H. K., Mapes, Dak. Stebbins, Charles D., Grand Rapids, Mich. *Steeir, A. E., Hamilton, Tex. Steele, F. K., Annapolis, Md. Steele, John H., Pottstown, Pa, THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. | Steele, L. A., Collamer, Ohio. *Steele, T. D., Cassville, Mo. Steele, W. A., jr., Camden, Tenn, Steere, J. B., Ann Arbor, Mich. Steinbeck, Will, Hollister, Cal. Stephens, J. E., Homer, Ga. Stephens, J. G., Stanardsville, Va. Stephenson, C. V., Wyoming, Ohio. Stephenson, William, Lovingston, Va. Sterling, Dr. E., Clevela: d, Ohio. Sterm, E., Jefferson, Tex. *Stern, J. T., Logan, Iowa. Sterrett, Mrs, P., Pleasant Grove, Utah. *Stetson, Ben, Plainview, Nebr. Stevens, Sidney, North Ogden, Utah. *Stevenson, E., Rristol, Dak. Stevenson, Henry, Norwich, England. *Stevenson, W.B., Manvel, Dak. Stevenson, W. J., Oshawa, Ont., Canada. Stewart, Alonzo H., Washington, D.C. *Stewart, C.W., Alma, Nebr. Stewart, Henry, Hackensack, N. J. Stewart, Henry L.,Middle Haddam, Conn. Stewart, John, Woodstock, N. B., Canada. *Stewart, T. J.. Newberry, Mich. Stewart, W. 4., Lawrencebargh, Tenn. *Stewart, W.71., Woodville, Tex. Stickney, Dr. P. L. B., Springfield, Mass. *Stiles, Dr. Kk. P., Austin, Tex. *Stinsou, J.M., Bobbin, Tex. Stiver, Petcr, Lapeer, Mich. *Stock, John, Fish Haven, Idaho. Stockton, J. B., Toronto, Kans. Stoddard, Mrs. G.S. F.,S8outh Woodstock, Conn. Stoddard, W.L., Evart. Mich. *Stokes, T. J., Macon, Miss. Stolworthy, George, Franklin Falls, N. H. Stone, D. D., Oswego, N.Y. Stone, 8S.L.P., Urbana, Ohio. Stone, Witmer, Germantown, Pa, Storms, Edm. B., Berrion Springs, Mich. Story, C.A., Tecumseh, Mich, Stonf, W.L., Albany, Ky. | Stont, J. H., Deeaturville, Tenn. Stranahan, J.J., Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Strange, John Q., Athens, Tenn. Stratford, William R., Vevay, Ind. *Stratton, N. L., Uvalde, Tex. Stratton, W. W., Ashley, Ohio. Strect, D.T., Savannah, Tenn. Street, George H., Malta, Ohio. “Streeter, A. T., Calumet, Mich. *Streitf, Joseph, Oakdale, Minn. Strickland, H, L., Owensville, Ind, LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS. Strickler, M., Bridgewater, Va. Strider, J. H., Halltown, W. Va. Strode, Dr. W.S., Bernadotte, Ill. *Strong, E. A., Dushore, Pa. *Strong, Harry B., Clay Center, Nebr. Strout, Noyes E., Bedford, Ind., *Stubbs, T. B., Baldwyn, Miss. *Stutman, 8. B., Windom, Minn. *Suddath, E., Natchitoches, La, Sugg, Jas. T., Snow Hil), N.C. Suils, Harry H., East Liverpool, Ohio. Suliot, Jas. W., Salem, Ohio. Sullivan, Mrs. C.C., Louisa, Ky. *Sullivan, C.M., Athol, Dak. *Sullivan, J., Ashland, Wis. Swaim, George M., Chatham, N. J. Swallow, C. W., Tyngsborough, Mass. Swan, John, Allegheny, Pa. Swan, John M., jr., Newport, R. I. Swaney, Rev. F.I., Wintersville, Ohio. Swartz, W.T., Hagerstown, Md. Swaysland, George, Brighton, England. Sweaney, P.C., Larkin, Kans. Swearingen, G. V., Sidney, Iowa, *Sweet, D. E., Pipestone, Minn. "Sweet, Eli, Millersburgh, Iowa. *Sweet, George A., Granby, Mo. Sweetland, L. R., Hamlin, W. Va. *Sweetser, Andrew J., Cavour, Dak. Sweiland, B. L., Mount Vernon, Ohio, Swetland, J.C., Sparta, Ohio. Swift, F.J.C., Falmouth, Mass. *Swiggett, A., Towanda, Kans. Swint, William, Booneville, Ind, *Taber, George F., Chaska, Minn. *Tabor, John Q., Bryan, Tex. *Taggart, J. H., Yuma, Ariz. Talmadge, W.G., Hartford, Conn. Tatem, C.E., Columbia, N.C. *Taylor, C.E., Bronson, Fla. “Taylor, C.N., Meckling, Dak. *Taylor, E. A., Beloit, Kans. *Taylor, F. H.G., Lake Providence, La. Taylor, Hawkins, Washington, D.C. ‘Taylor, H.F., Fulton, Ky. Taylor, I. A., Oxford, N.C. Taylor, John S., Cumberland C, H., Va. Taylor, J. E., Greenville, Mich. Taylor, J. N., Lynchburgh, Tenn. Taylor, J. P., Du Bois, Pa. Taylor, J. R., New Kent C. H., Va. *Taylor, 8S. W., Iuka, Kans. Taylor, W. J., Greensburgh, Ky. Teasdale, John, Potosi, Mo Telgheder, Henry, Mount Airy, Ohio. 8404—Bull. 1—-25 385 *Tennly, J. F., Federal Point, Fla. Terens, N. H., Mishicott, Wis. Terrell, John Allen, Bloomfield, Ky. Teulon, Jas. A., Bradford, Pa. Tevis, A. B., Home, Ind. Thalaker, H., Petersburgh, W. Va. *Thigpen, C. D., Sun Hill, Ga. *Thigpeun, James A., Wadley, Ga. Thistle, George P., Grantsville, Md. *Thomarron, M. E., Yadkinville, N. C. *Thomas, G. W., Canton, Miss. Thomas, John J., Grantsville, W. Va. Thomas, J. D., Jefferson, N. C. Thomas, N. O., Erin, Tepn. Thomlinson, J. R,. Mount Pleasant, 8. C. Thompson, Ernest E., Toronto, Canada. *Thompson, Jay, Gold Hill, Colo. Thompson, J. J., Lake City, Fla. Thompson, J. L., Redwood Falls, Minn. *Thompson, J. M., Thatcher, Colo. Thompson, M. S., Coudersport, Pa. Thompson, Robt. J., Holman’s Mills, N.C, Thompson, S. T., Pocahontas, Ark. Thompson, Waldo, Lynn, Mass. *Thompson, William, Hallock, Minn. Thompson, W. F., Happy Valley, 8. Aus. *Thomson, Matt, Alma, Kans. Thomson, Wm., jr., Granite City, Utah. Thorn, Z. E., Elizabeth, W. Va. Thornton, W. P., Cuckoo, Va. Thurston, W. J. Y., Clayton, N. C. Tibbits, F. L., Grand Rapids, Wis. Tillman, Walter, La Crosse, Wis. *Tinsley, A. D., Sibley, Iowa. Tisdall, C. J., Charlinch, Ont., Canada. *Titcomb, George H., Waterville, Kans, Toadvin, E. Stanley, Salisbury, Md. Todd, Sereno Edwards, Orange, N. J. *Tohim, Joseph W., Dadeville, Mo. Tolliver, J. B., Lebanon, Tenn. Tolman, John B., Lynn, Mass. ‘Tomlinson, H. E., Clarinda, Iowa. Tomlinson, J., Shelton, Conn. *Tomlinson, L, G., Hampton, Ark. Tomlinson, Thomas, Tate Springs, Tenn. Tompkins, W. H., Altoona, Iowa. *Topleff, Joseph J., Longmont, Colo. Townsen, Lebanah, Apollo, Pa. Townsend, B. C., Bay Ridge, N. Y. Tracy, C. O., Taftsville, Vt. Trappmann, C. M., San Francisco, Cal. Trask, R. 8., White Cloud, Mich. Traveller, Cornelius, Richmond, Utah. "Traynor, L. J., Scotia, Nebr. Treat, Willard E., East Hartford, Conn, 386 Trevett, Wesley, Highland, Kans. *Trimble, N. C., Rusk, Tex. *Trippe, T. M., Howardsville, Colo. Tristram, Rev. Canon Henry Baker, Hart- lepool, Durham, England. Trombley, Jerome, Petersburgh, Mich. Troop, Prof. James, La Fayette, Ind. Trotter, Charles P., Milltown, Ind. *Trovis, T. D., Holdrege, Nebr. Tubbs, William, Monticello, Minn. Tucker, C. D., Rockville, Conn, Tucker, R. C., Burning Springs, W. Va. Turner, E. W., Newton Falls, Ohio. *Turner, B. E., Statesborough, Ga. Turner, Prof. J. B., Jacksonville, Il. Turner, Jas. R., Poplar Grove, Ark. Tusk, John W., Bardwell, Ky. Tuttle, Mary E., West Windsor, Mich. *Twamley, Fred, Minto, Dak. *Tweedy, John, Aurora, Nebr. Tyhurst, Margaret A., Huntingdon, Pa. Tyler, A. L., Anniston, Ala. *Tyler, V. L., Brookhaven, Miss. *Tyner, E. S., Plant City, Fla. *Ufford, George M., Wa Keeney, Kans. *Ulmer, P., Houma, La. *Underhill, Dr. C. B., Salida, Colo. Urlwin, William, Salisbury, South Aus- tralia. Vail, David A., Atlanticville, N. Y. Van De Casteele, Edw., De Pere, Wis, *Vandegaer, J. B., Many, La. *Vanderhoop, Wm. A., Gay Head, Mass. *Vandiver, R. K., Eaton, N. Mex. Van Wye, G. P., Warren, Ohio. *Van Zant, J. P., Edmonton, Ky. Varjohar, H. H., Reading, Ohio. Varner, C. P., Senatobia, Miss. Varner, John A. R., Lexington, Va. THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. Wadsworth, Daniel S., Hartford, Conn. *Wagner, Flora Z., Crandon, Dak. Wagner, P. T., Calera, Ala. Wagner, Silas A., Elk Lick, Pa. Wagstaff, W. E., Cottam, Ont., Canada. *Waite, D. B., Springwater, N. Y. *Wakefield, John W., Apalachicola, Fla. Walden, C. J., Fayette, Mo. Walden, W. E., Watervliet, Mich. *Waldrou, E. H., Henry, Dak. Walker, Arthur, Hitchcock, Tex. *Walker, B. F., Dutch Flat, Cal. Walker, C. H., Frostburgh. Md. *Walker, H.N., Butler Centre, Iowa. *Walker, Dr. James R., Excelsi: r, Minn. Walker, Dr. R. L., Mansfield, Pa. *Walker, R.T., jr., ‘Triuty, Tex. Walker, Thomas, Rawdon, Ont., Canada. *Wa ‘ker, Thowas W., Croydon, Utah. *Walker, William, Scandia, Kans. Wall, A. A., Vernon, Ala. *Wallace, Henry C., Alta, Utah. Wallace, J. K. P., Andersonville, Tenn. Wallace, J. 8., Brunswick, Mo. *Wallace, R. B., Thomson, Minn. Walsh, J. F., Humboldt, Nebr. *Walters, Samuel, Rocky Comfort, Ark, Walton, J. A., Germantown, Ky. Walton, V. E., Byron, Ga. *Walworth, Cyrus M., Loup City, Nebr. *Ward, A. J., Beaumont, Tex. *Ward, A. L., Fairmont, Minn. *Ward, George W., Prattville, Ala. Ward, Horace, Clarendon, Ark, *Ward, S. M., Georgetown, S. C. Ward, Thomas, Montrose, Iowa. Warder, R. H., North Bend, Ohio. Ware, Walter, Boyne City, Mich. ’ *Warner, A. B., White Rock, Kans. *Venable, McD. R., San Luis Obispo, Cal. . Verbeek, William, Holland, Mich. Viallon, P. L., Bayou Goula, La. Vincent, I. P., Cottage City, Mass. Vogdes, Lieut, A.W., Fortress Monroe, Va, *Voet, J. E., Le Mars, Iowa. Vogt, Louis O., Salem, Ill. Voigt, Herman, San Francisco, Cal. Volkening, H., Lenzburgh, Ill. *Voorhees, A. W., Eckley, Colo. Voorhees, David C., Blawenburgh, N. J. Voorheis, Wm. G., South Frankfort, Mich. *Voss, John E., Cottondale, Fla. Waalkes, Martin, Muskegon, Mich. *Wade, Henry C., Backusburgb, Ky. Wade, Joseph M., Boston, Mass. *Warner, G.S., Coal Creek, Colo. Warren, Dr. B. H., West Chester, Pa. *Warren, J. L., Clear Lake, Wis. Warren, Col., San Francisco, Cal. Warson, Ed. L., Hillsborough, Ohio. *Warson, Samuel, Kast Surry, Me. Warwick, G. W., Smithville, Ga. *Wasser, E. A., Girard, Kans. Watkins, Albert, Lincoln, Nebr. Watkins, Z.S., Ooletewah, Tenn. Watlington, Thomas H., Stony Point, Ind. *Watson, E.R., Kearney, Nebr. “Watson, Harrie A., Wolsey, Dak. Watson, J. E., Fulton, Mo. Watson, L. F., Watseka, IL. Watson, Mary A., Kenansville, N.C. LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS. *Watson, Will W., Fairbury, Nebr, *Watson, W.I., Blandville, Ky. Watts, George, Perry, Ohio. Watts, S. R., Union, W. Va. Weathers, E. W., Elkton, Ky. Weaver, A. B., Clearfield, Pa. Weaver, W.C., Front Royal, Va, *Weaver, W. F., Will’s Point, Tex. Webb, A. H., San Francisco, Cal. Webb, Charles W., Anderson C. H.,8.C. Weber, Dr. William, Evansville, Ind. Webster, F. M., La Fayette, Ind. Webster, Fred. S., Washington, D.C. Webster, Jabez, Centralia, III. Webster, W. F., Oshkosh, Wis. Weeks, Rev. Leroy T., Osborne, Kans. *Weems, John A., Flora, Ala. *Weeener, H. F., Denver, Colo. Weir, Robert C., Manassas, Va. Weisbrod, A. W., Oshkosh, Wis. Welch, Ben M., New Martinsville, W. Va. *Welch, Noah, Glasco, Kans. *Welch, T. J., Welch, N.C. Wells, Oliver, Marshtield, Mo. Welman, Z. L., Stoughton, Wis. Welsh, F. R., Philadelphia, Pa. *Wendel, George, Audubon, Minn. Wentzell, C. B., Harper’s Ferry, W. Va. *Westcott, W. F., Duncansby, Miss. *West, D.C., Perry, Iowa. West, D.L , MeMillan, Mich. *West, E. E., Quitman, Miss, *West, William, Chehalis, Wash. Westbrook, M. H., Lyons, Iowa. *Westbrook, W. H., Pine Bluff, Ark. *Westergren, Charles, Marine Mills, Minn. Westwood, Herbert W., Pennington, N. J. Wetmore, E. P., Oxford, Ohio. Whaling, O. M., Milltown, Dak. *Wheat, B. P., Lewisville, Ark. Wheaton, Dr. J. M., Columbus, Ohio. *Whedon, F. L., York, Nebr. Wheeler, Leonard W., Westford, Mass. *Wheeler, Willard A., Atkinson, Nebr. *Wheelock, L. L., Owatonna, Minn. Wherritt, W. H., Lancaster, Ky. Whitaker, Thomas H., La Grange, Ga. Whitaker, T. L., Enfield, N.C. White, A. C., Jefferson, Obio. *White, C. W., Greeley, Colo. White, Frank, Murfreesborough, Tenn. *White, G. C., Carson City, Nev. White, G. H., Southampton, N. Y. White, H.G., Taunton, Mass. *White, J. H.C., Corpus Christi, Tex. 387 *White, L. W., Woodbine, Iowa. White, Wm.S., Winchester, Va. Whitehead, C. B., Bradford, Pa. Whitehead, C.C., Tobinsport, Ind. Whitehead, Jos. W., Fairfax C.H., Va. Whitehead, Hon, Thomas, Richmond, Va. Whitford, John D., New Berne, N.C. Whitlock, R. A., Jonesville, S.C. *Whitney, T., Billings, Mont. *Whitney, Wm., Cawker City, Kans. Whittaker, J.S., Corydon, Iowa, Whittemore, James O., Fairfield, Me. *Whittemore, Jno. A., Kingstree, S.C. “Whittlesey, L. C., Hemphill, Tex. *Wickershamn, R. J., Lebanon, Mo. Wicksov, E. J., San Francisco, Cal. Widby, J.R., Lenoir, N.C. Widmann, Otto, Saint Louis, Mo, Widmyer, J. R., Glendive, Mont. Widoe, John F., Hart, Mich. *Wieland, J. Leon; Beaver Falls, Minn. Wiestling, Eva Ross, Middletown, Pa. *Wilbur, D. B., Cumings, Dak. Wilcox, Geo., Lower Mitcham, S. Aus. *Wilder, George, Huron, Dak. *Wilds, W. H., Tuscaloosa, Ala. *Wilkinson, N. B., La Moure, Dak. Willard, Jesse, England. Willet, Prof. J. E.,. Macon, Ga. Willett, J.M., Moulton, Iowa. Willey, Dennis F., Charlestown, Ind. Williams, A. Lee, Owosso, Mich. Williams, A. N., Parkersburgh, W. Va. *Williams, Charles B., Marvin, Dak. *Williams, Edwin, Peterson, Utah. Williams, Jas. B., New York, N.Y. Williams, James E., New Bethlehem, Pa. Williams, J., Morgan, Utab. Williams, J. B., Toronto, Ont., Canada, Williams, J. H., Craig, Mo. Williams, Orrawell, Juab, Utah. *Williams, O, K., Waynesboro, Miss. ‘Williams, R. W., Indian Springs, Mo. Williams, Sue E., Ireland, Ind. Williams, T. C., Raleigh, N.C. Williams, T.S., Dupout, Ind. *Williams, Wallace, J., Nevada City, Cal. *Williams, W. M., Fresno City, Cal. *Williamson, Gibson, Oak Point, N. B., Canada. Williamson, Robt., Troy, Ill. Willingham, Jno. A., Sebree, Ky. Willis, A., England. *Willis, Walter D., Livingston, Tex. Willison, A., Cumberland, Md. 388 *Wills, O. B., Ansted, W. Va. Wills, W. H., Amherst C. H., Va. Wilson, A. H., Logan, Ohio. *Wilson, B. C., Wahpeton, Dak. Wilson, Chas. C., Sterling, Nebr. *Wilson, C. B., Buena Vista, Colo. Wilson, C. M., Tecumseh, Nebr. *Wilson, D. W., Solomon City, Kans, *Wilson, E. A., Gabion, Tex. *Wilson, E.C., Clay Centre, Kans. *Wilson, F. E., David City, Nebr. Wilson, Hugh, New Wilmington, Pa. *Wilson, John, Daphne, Ala. *Wilson, Joseph E., Hays City, Kans. Wilson, J. Harner, Cape May, N. J. *Wilson, 8. Otho, Vineyard, N.C. *Wilson, 8. V., Colfax, Iowa. Wilson, W. A., Cross Plains, Ala. Wine, E. T., Free Hill, Tenn. *Winfree, J.O., Leesville, La. Wing, Minerva E., Charlotte, Vt. *Winn, J. W., Jetmore, Kans. Wintle, Ernest D., Montreal, Q., Canada. Wirts, Stiles H., Coultersville, 11. Wise, J.N., Plattsmouth, Nebr. *Wisecarver, J. F., McMinnville, Oregon. Wiseman, J.J., Nunica, Mich. *Wiser, 8. L., Central City, Nebr. Wister, William Rotch, Germantown, Pa. *Witt, A.R., Conway, Ark. *Witters, George 8., Ida Grove, Iowa. Wolcott, Grove H., Jackson, Mich. Wolf, S.R., Williamsport, Md. Wood, A. H., Painted Post, N. Y. Wood, Buena V., Rock Hill, 8. C. Wood, Chas. W. Burlington, Wis. *Wood, C.E., Marble Rock, Iowa. *Wood, C. H., Moss Point, Miss. *Wood, Frank E., Ripley, Mich. Wood, Ira R., Huntington, W. Va. Wood, Rev. John George, Belvedere, Lon- don, England. “Wood, Julia A. A., Sauk Rapids, Minn. Wood, J. W., Marshall, Mich. Wood, M.L., Garden City, N.Y. Wood, Norman A., Saline, Mich. *Wood, William, Townsend, Mont. *Woodall, W. H., Huntsville, Tex. Woodburn, John M., Newville; Pa. THE ENGLISH SPARROW IN AMERICA. *Woodbury, Ed. D., Fort Union, N. Mex. *Woods, J. F., Schuyler, Nebr. Woodward, George W., Shelby, Mich. Woodworth, Elihu, Kentville, Nova Sco- tia, Canada. Work, H. F., New Washington, Ind. Worthen, Charles K., Warsaw, II. Worthington, W. W., Shelter Island, N. Y. Wright, B. W., Marquette, Mich. Wright, Abel A., Griffin, Ga. Wright, A.S., Woodstock, Ill. Wright, C. A., Tecumseh, Mich. Wright, Prof. Elizur, Medford, Mass. *Wright, F. W., Livingston, Mont. Wright, M.D., Aurora Springs, Mo. Wright, N. W., Farmland, Ind. Wright, R. A., Louisburgh, Kans, Wright, R.G., Waynesborough, Va. *Wright, William A., Linkville, Oregon. Wright, W.A., Burlington, Ind. *Wright, W. L., Port Eads, La. Wright, W.R., Lewiston, Me. Wyckoff, George, Mears, Mich. Wyckoff, George A., Bevis, Ohio. Wylie, Henry H., Kent City, Mich. *Wylie, S., Winnsborough, La. Wyman, Henry 8S., Morenci, Mich. Wyman, L. E., Sycamore, Il]. *Wyman, O.B., Viroqua, Wis. Wynkoop, W.C., Denver, Colo. *Yaunly, Alma N., Stockton, Utah. Yenowine, Edwin, Edwardsville, Ind, *Yoakum, F.L., Tyler, Tex. *Yoden, E.M., Hutchinson, Kans. *York, J. E., Caddoa, Colo. Young, C. F., Columbia, Pa. z Young, D.S., Winona, Miss. Young, Dr. Frank, Weymouth, Ohio, “Young, F. W., Fort Stockton, Tex. *Young, John R., Hempstead, Tex. Young, M. A., Hollidaysburgh, Pa. Young, Dr. Rawlings, Corinth, Miss, *Young, R.L., Fairfield, N.C. Young, S. W., Spring Hill, Kans. Youngblood, J.N., Chester C. H., 8.0. Zellars, Simeon, Palmetto, Ga. Zevely, Van A., Cairo, W. Va. Zillier, Carl, Sheboygan, Wis. *Zorn, J., jr., Seguin, Tex. INDEX. Abundance of birds during migration, 97. Acanthis linaria, 80, 263. Accidental transportation, 23, 309. Accipiter cooperi, 32. velox, 32. Acer, 146. Acknowledgments, 9, 10. Aeridide, 131. Acts relating to sparrows in the United States, 167-173. Actual increase, 29. Africa, sparrows in, 302. Agelaius pheeniceus, 80, 266. Ailanthus worms, 306. Alabama, no sparrow law in, 167. AlJaska, no sparrow law in, 167. Albinism, albinos, 31. Algeria, House Sparrow in, 302. Spanish Sparrow in, 302, Amaranthus seeds, 311, 328. Ambrosia artemisiefolia, 146. American Naturalist, extracts from, 304, 305. American Ornithologists’ Union, 11, 304, 315-318. Verdict of, 315-318. Amount of grain consumed in France, 302. Ampelis cedrorwm, 80, 270, 272, 280. Ammodramus sandwichensis savanna, 80, 270, 280, 323. Ampelopsis veitchii, 41. Ancients, Sparrow known to the, 301. Angleworms, 292. (See Earthworm.) Anisoplia fructicola, 305. Anisopteryx (Paleacrita) vernata, 109, 110, 128, 129, 130, 131, 182, 285, 285, 291, 292, 293, 295, 299, 300, 301. Annual increase, 29. Ant, black, 296. red, 102, 291. Ants, 102, 112, 118, 114, 115, 128, 130, 138, 140, 141, 142, 287, 291, 295, 318. winged, 102, 130, 140, 291. Ants’ eggs eaten, 102. Antiopa butterfly, 291. Antrostomus vociferus, disappearence of, 283. Apple, pecked by Sparrow (figure), 58. Apple buds and blossoms plucked, 45, 46, 47, 240, 241, 242. Apple buds in stomachs, 242. Apple pulp in stomachs, 145. Apple pollen eaten, 344. Apple seeds not eaten, 57-58. Apple-tree worms, 102. Apple-trees and cankerworms, 109, 110, Apples attacked in America, 48, 54, 57, 58, 59, 244, 247, 248, 249, 250. Australia, 349, 351. Aphides, 102, 125, 129, 130, 289, 296, 328, 332, 345, 347, 348, ‘ Aphodius fimetarius, 112, 116. granarius, 112, 116. zs sp., 111, 116, 296. Apparatus for Sparrow-catching, 183, 191. Apricots, in America, 48, 244. To Australia, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353. Apricot buds and blossoms plucked, 45, 241, 351. Arachnids, 120, 121, 294. Arctiids, 112. Area ocenpied in the United States and Canada, 26-27. Aristotle mentions the Sparrow, 301. Arizona, no sparrow law in, 167, Arkansas bird Jaw, 167. Arkansas goldfinch, 80. Army worm, 99, 102, 128, 129, 130, 181, 287, 288, 289, 290, 294, 295. Fall, 118. Arsenic, 174, 175, 177, 233, 235, 238, 349, 351. Arseniate of soda, 174, 177. Arsenious oxide, 174. Arsenite of calcium, 174,177, of copper, 174, 178. Artichoke, 49, 66. Atriplex patulum, seeds eaten, 305. Attachment to young, 193. Attacks, made in squads, 94, 266-267, 269, 270, 271, ; 276, 277, 279, 280, 281, 282. Unprovoked, 92-94, 97, 263, 264. Australia, Sparrow in, 302-303, 320, 348-357. Grapes damaged in, 55-56. Poison used in, 132-133. Auxiliary barrel, 164. Avena sativa, 146. Bagworm, 102, 121, 131, 324-325. Bags torn from grapes, 54, 323-324. Baltimore Oriole, 60, 80, 81, 108-109, 265, 268, 269,271, 272, 278, 274, 275, 278, 282, 283, 324-325. Eats cherries and peas, 60. Eats hairy caterpillars, 108-109. Bank Swallow, 80. Barley, in America, 68, 72,73, 74, 253, 255, 256, 259, 260. In Australia, 349. 389 390 Barley, in England, 330, 344, 345. Barn Martin, 282. Barn Swallow, £0, 86, 89, 262, 266, 271, 272, 275, 277, 278, 282, 283. Bartlett pears, 55, 58. Buds eaten, 242. Beans, 48, 250, 344. Shoots eaten, 250. Bee-bird, Bee-martin, 80, 265, 271. Bee-miller in Sparrow’s nest, 320. Beef in stomach of young, 145. Bees, 102, 114, 115, 135, 138, 140, 141, 289. Bees and grapes, 49-50, 55, 246. Bees injure fruit, 50. Beet, leaves eaten, 48, 63, 64. Seed eaten, 48, 64, 65, 244. _ Sprouts eaten, 245, 248, 250. Beetle, elm-leaf, 130, 298, 298. Goldsmith, 102, 285. Tiger, 102, 130, 295. Beetles, 102,103, 124, 129, 135, 137, 139, 286, 290, 293, 296, 297, 299, 305, 325, 331,337, 844, 345, 347. Beneficial and injurious birds, 81, 327, 334. Beneficial and injurious insects, 101, 121, 287, 291. Beneficial insects in stomachs, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142. Bergerie, Rougier de la, 302. Bermuda, birds expelled from, 283. Sparrow in, 283. Berries, 57, 60, 244, 245, 247, 248, 249, 251, 345, Bewick’s Wren, 80, 264, 276. Bibliography, outline of, 301-304. Bindweed, black or corn, 348, 345. Seed eaten, 67, 348, 345. Bird laws in the United States, 167-173. Bird protection in England, 334. Birds, in cities, 99, 100. Killed by Sparrows, 84, 86, 87, 88, 90, 91, 93, 94, 95, 270, 276, 279, 283, 307, 339. List of those molested, 80. Preying on Sparrows, 150. Birds of prey, beneficial, 327. Bitter-sweet berries and thrusnes, 273. Bitterweed seed, 144, 146. Black ant, 296. Blackberries, 48, 55, 56, 57, 246, 248, 249, 327. Black-)illed Cuckoo, 108-109. Blackbird, Boat-tailed, 92. Crow, 32, 80, 92, 267, 268, 269, 271, 276. English (Merula), 335. Red-winged, 80, 266. Blackbirds, 70, 74, 76, 77, 80, 246, 254, 262, 265, 278, 279, 282, 290-291, 335. Blackbirds and army-worms, 290-291. Blackbirds and corn, 254. Blackbirds and cutworms, 290-291. Blackbirds and fruit, 246. Blackbirds and rice, 76, 77. Blackbirds protected in England, 335. Black-capped Titmouse, 80. Blaci-caps (raspberries), 57. Black cherries, 249. Black haw, 146. Black Martin, 80, 84, 261, 269, 278. Blades of grass in stomachs, 144, 312, 325, Blight and Sparrows, 334-335. INDEX, Blizzard of March, 1888, 33. Blossoms and buds destroyed, 40, 42-48, 240-243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 249, 250, 251, 310, 311, 312, 325, 327, 328. Blow-flies, 102, 118-119. Blue-backed Swallow (=Tree Swallow), 80. Bluebird, 80, 81, 82-87, 88, 91, 93, 94, 96, 97, 126, 261, 262, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 297, 320, 327. Eggs destroy ed, 83. Food of, 126, 290-291, 320. Nestlings killed, 84, 93. Robbed of food, 94, 297. Summary of evidence, 82-83. Bluebird, Western, 80. Blue-bottle flies, 112, 118, 138, 345. Blue-jay, Jay, 31, 32, 80, 233, 234, 264, 265, 267, 268, 269, 271, 272, 277, 282. Boat-tailed Blackbird, 92. Bobolink, 76, 80, 95, 280. Bomare, Valmont de, 302. Borers, 102. Bot-flies, bots, 102,128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 287, 289, 294, 299. Bounties, amount paid in Michigan, 162-163, By towns, 235, 238, 239. Cost of, 154-164. In Australia, 349, 350. In England, 98,.303, 348. In Germany, 321, In Michigan, 36, 150, 162-163, 235, 236. In Montana. 161-162. In Ohio, 150. Not expedient, 36, 153-164. Bounties and taxation, 160. Bounty-law, an ideal, 155. Bounty-laws, objections to, 158-161. Box-elder buds, 44. Box-inhabiters, 82-88. Boxes for nests, removed, 36. Brachymyrex heeri, 113, 116. Bread, rice, etc., in crops, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141) 143, 144, 145. Breeding age, 28, 30, 311. Breeding season, 27. Breeding in winter, 238. Brewer-Coues controversy, 303. British estimate of Sparrows, 39. British evidence, 330-348, Bronzy cutworm, 102, 286. Broods, late and early, 27, 30, 238. Number and size of, 27, 29-30, 232, 233, 234, 238, 317, 342. Brown Thrasher or Thrush, 80, 266, 278, 280. Brown Towhee, 80. Bruchus pisi, 128. Buckwheat, 68, 77, 255, 256, 257, 258. Buds, 40, 42-43, 45, 240-243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 249, 250, 251, 296, 310 311, 312, 325, 327, 328, Partial list of those eaten, 45. Buds and blossoms, 40, 42-48, 240-243, 244, 245, 246 247, 249, 250, 251, 296,310, 811, 312, 325, 327. Buds and insects, 42-43, 242. Buffalo-moth, 102. Bugs, 102, 135, 139, 142, 287, 288, 296, 297. INDEX. Bunting, Indigo, 274. Bunting, Painted = Painted Finch, q. 2. Butcher-bird, 31, 276. Buttercup, seed eaten, 343. Butterflies, 99, 102, 103, 129, 180, 131, 285, 286, 288, 291, 294, 299, 300, 301, 345. Butterfly, Antiopa, 291. Cabbage, 102, 130, 131, 288, 294, 300, 301, 335. Turnus, 102, 291, Vanessa, 102. Yellow, 102. Butterfly larvae, 102, 288, 299. Cabbage, heads pecked, 248. Leaves eaten, 48, 61, 63, 249, 251, 255, 344, 349. Plants eaten, 63, 249, 251, 252, 344. Seed eaten, 48, 64, 65, 244, 245, 247, 249. Cabbage butterfly, 102, 130, 131, 288, 294, 300, 301, 335. Cabbage moth, 102, 297, 345. Cabbage worm or caterpillar, 99, 102, 128, 129, 130, 131, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 292, 297, 299, 300, 344. California, no sparrow law in, 167. Caloptenus bivittatus, 329. differentialis, 111,119. Jemur-rubrum, 119, 127, 301, 313, 329. spretus, 119. sp., 111, 114, 119. Canada Tree Sparrow, 192. Canadian area occupied by Sparrow, 26. Canadian climate, 33, 308. Canary, Wild, 80, 265, Canker-worm, 99, 102, 109-110, 121-122, 128, 129, 130, 181, 182, 263, 285, 286, 291, 292, 293, 295, 299, 300, 301, 317. Spring, 121-122. Canker-worm moth eaten by Robin, 110. Canker-worms and Chipping Sparrow, 263. Canker-worms exterminate themselves, 110. Canker-worms, work of, 109-110. Cape of Good Hope, Sparrows at, 335. Carabide, 102, 127, 300, 328. Carabid larve, 102, 291. Caradrina cubieularis, 342. Cardinal Grosbeak, Cardinal, 80, 268, 280. Cardinalis cardinalis, 80, 268, 280. Carex seeds, 312. Carolina Dove, 280. Carolina Wren, 80, 276, 277,°280. Carpodacus frontalis, 80, 262. purpureus, 80, 263, 270, 276, 280. Carrot, seed eaten, 65. Sprouts eaten, 49, 64, 245. Catawba grape, 324, Catbird, 80, 264, 265, 266, 268, 269, 272, 273, 274, 275, i 276, 278, 279-280, 281, 283. Food of, 126. Mobbed, 278. Catching Sparrows, 178-191. Caterpillar, fall, 102. Grape-vine, 102, 287. Tent, 102, 129, 131, 288, 300. Tree, 102, 287. White, 129, 290. 391 Caterpillars, 96, 102, 124, 128, 129, 130, 131, 135, 139, 142, 284, 285, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 293, 294, 297, 299, 300, 306, 308, 330, 331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340, 342, 344, 345, 347. Caterpillars, hairy, 99, 107-109, 129, 130, 286, 290, 292, 295. Smooth, 99, 102, 131, 285, 286. In stomachs, 111, 114, 118, 141. Killed by rain, 108. Protected by Sparrow, 107-110. Catkins of poplar eaten, 44. Cats, effect of, on birds, 31, 95, 238. Killed by poison, 352. Mobbed by Sparrows, 278, £77. Cat-tailed millet, 252. Cauliflower, 49, 63, 249, 344, 349. Cecropia moth, 291. Cedar berries eaten, 250. Cedar-bird, Cherry-bird, 80, 270, 272, 280. Cedar trees, injured by filth, 241. Barked by Sparrows, 147. Cerambycid beetle in Cuckoo's stomach, 123. Céerasus avium, 146. Cerastiwm triviale, 343. Cereals, number of reports on, 68. Cereals in stomachs, 134, 135, 136, 137,138, 189, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146. Cheetocnema denticulata, 112, 113, 114, 115, 117. Cheetura pelagica, 80, 278, 282. Chaffinch destroyed in England, 333, 343. Change in nesting habits, 24. Change of public opinion, 35. Chats, 274. Checks on increase, in America, 31-40, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239. In Europe, 97-98. Chelidon erythrogaster, 80, 86, 89, 262, 266, 271, 272, 275, 277, 278, 282, 283. Chenopodium album, 343. bonus-henricus, 343. Chenopodium seeds, 311, 343. Cherries, 46, 48, 54, 55, 56,57, 59, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, 252, 349, 351, 353. Choke, 249. Wild, 48, 249. Cherries and insects, 250. Cherry-bird, Cedar-bird, 80, 270, 272, 280, , Cherry-buds and blossoms, 45, 46, 56, 146, 242, 243, Cherry-buds inclosing insects, 43. Cherry-tree worms, 102. Chewink, 80. Chickadee, Black-capped, 80. Chickadees, 80, 152-153, 267, 271. Chicken-corn, 75. Chickens and Sparrows, §1, 149, 256, 277. Chickens, mobbed, 277. Chickweed, 305, 343. Chimney Swift or Swallow, 80, 278, 282. Chinch-bug, 102, 129, 131, 288. Chipping Sparrow, Chippy, 80, 81, 87, 93, 95, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 269, 270, 271, 272, 277, 278, 279, 280, 282, 283, 306, 309, 327. Eggs destroyed, 271. Nestlings killed, 93. Chloride of mercery, 177. Choke-cherry eaten, 249. 392 Ohordeiles virginianus, 283. Chovy, 342. Chrysomelids, 111, 117, 296. Cicada septemdecim, 102, 129, 130, 286, 288, 289, 291, 297, 299. Cicada, seventeen-year, 102, 129, 130, 286, 288, 289, 291, 297, 299. Kind not specified, 99, 102, 129, 285, 290, 298. Cicindela, 102, 130, 295. Circular of American Ornithologists’ Union, 315- 316. Circulars of Department of Agricu'ture, 197-198. Cistern water fouled, 148. Clear-winged flies, 102, 294. Cliff Swallow, 80, 88, 89, 262, 268, 272, 273, 274-275, 276, 282, 283, 307, 327. Climate and increase, 32-34, 308. Climate of Canada, 308. Clinton grape, 324. Clivicola riparia, 80. Clover, red, 146. White, 146. Clover seed, 66, 68, 144, 145, 257, 311, 325, 328. Coccidee, 298. Coccinellide, 102, 291. Coccyzus americanus, 80, 108-109, 123, 324-325. erythr ophthalmus, 108-109. Cockchafer, 342. Cocoons of codling-moth, 319-320. Codling-moth, 102, 129, 131, 289, 290, 299, 300, 319-320. Codling-moth and Bluebird, 320. Codling-worm, 102, 129, 131, 289. Colaptes aurutus, 80, 269, 281, 282. Colaspis brunnea, 117. costipennis, 117. Aavida, 111, 113, 117. Cold, etfects of, 32-33, 308. Coleoptera (beetles), 102, 103, 116-118, 120, 121, 127, 129, 286, 289, 290 293, 296, 297, 299, 311, 328, 331. Collector's guns, 164. Colorado bird-law, 167. Combustion, spontaneous, 148. Common Sparrow, 80, 88, 269. Concord grape, 51, 53, 55. Connecticut bird-law, 168. Contents of Sparrows stomachs, 100-101, 111, 123- 125, 183-146, 296, 304, 311-314, 318, 320, 321-323, 325, 328-329, 331, 335, 336, 337, 342, 344-345, 347. Continuous egg-laying, 28. Contopus virens, 80, 277. Contributors, list of, 358-388. Convolvulus seeds, 312. Cooper's iIawk, 32. Corn, Maize, 48, 61, 62, 64, 66, 68, 72, 74, 75, 77, 134, 125, 186, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 148, 144, 145, 146, 244, 246, 248, 249, 253, 254, 255, 256, 259, 312, 322, 325, 344, 345. Number of reports on, 68. In the milk, green, 48, 61, 62, 64, 66, 75, 244, 249, 325. Sprouts eaten, 48, 62. Corn (grain) in England, 330, 336, 337, 339, 340, 341, 344, 345, 347, Corn-silk eaten, 62, 64. Corn insects (i. ¢., grain insects), not eaten, 348. Corn-bind weed, 343, 345. INDEX. Cornices protected by netting, 36. Cornell's Fancy (apples), 57. Corrosive sublimate, 175, 177. Corvus americanus, 80, 95, 283. Cost of bounties, 154-164. Cost of poison, 175. Cost of rabbit extermination in Australia, 353. Cottonwood buds, 44. Cotton-worm, not touched, 128, 129, 131, 287, 291,299. Coues-Brewer controversy, 303. Cowbird, Cow-blackbird, 246. Crambus culmellus, 345. vulgivagellus, 118. Crested Flycatcher, Great, 80, 266, 277. Crickets, 102, 128, 287, 300. Crocus eaten, 344. Croton-buga, 306. Crow attacked, 80, 95, 283. Crow Blackbird, 32, 80, 92, 267, 268, 269, 271, 276, Cuckoo, Black-billed, 108-109. Yellow-billed, 80, 108-109, 324-325. Food of, 123, 292. Cueumber blossoms eaten, 64. Curculios, 102, 111, 131, 288, 328. Currant buds and blossoms, 45, 46, 47, 242, 243. Carrant-moth, 102. Currants, 48, 56, 59, 245, 246, 248, 249, 251, 312. Currant-worm, 102, oo 181, 292, 295, 298, 301. Cutworm, Bronzy, 102, 286. Cutworms, 102, 112, - 114, 129, 181, 140, 142, 264, 280, 286, 287, 290, 297. Stolen from Robin, 264, 286. Cyanide of potassium, 175. Cyanocitta cristata, 31-32, 80, 233, 234, 264, 265, 267, 968, 269, 271, 272, 277, 282. Cynipide, 116. Daddy long-legs (Tipula), 338, 345. Dakota, no sparrow law in, 168. Dandelion seed eaten, 343. Dangerous poisons, 175. Data, methods of collecting, 11-12. Dead insects eaten, 132, 298. Delaware bird-law, 168. Delaware grapes, 53, 54, 55. Dendroica estiva, 80, 81, 270, 272, 279, 280, 282, 283, 387. coronata, 80, 283. Depredations in England, 308, 309, 330-348. Destruction of Sparrows by poison, 174-178. Destruction of Sparrows’ nests, eggs, and young, 37, 151, 180, 234, 287. Diffusion, method of, 23-26. Diplotaxis, 112, 116. Diptera, 118, 120, 128, 313, 329. Dipterous pup, 313, 329. Disappearance of Night-hawk and Whippoorwill, 283. Disappearance of Passenger Pigeon, 283. Disappearance of Span-worms, 109-110. Disease among caterpillars, 109-110. Disease among Sparrows, 31. Dissection of stomachs, 100-101, 105-106, 111-115, 123-125, 126, 127, 129, 130, 131, 1338-146, 242, 243, 287, 2h, 289, 290, 291, 298, 295, 296, 297, 298, 299, 811-314, 318, 320, 321-323, 325, 328-329, 331, 335, 336, 337, 338, 344-345, 347, INDEX, Dissection of stomachs, evidence derived from, 100-101. Methods of, 321. Dissections, showing many insects, 328-329, 331, 336, 337, 338, 344~345. Showing few insects, 127, 129, 131, 291, 296, 298, 299, 318, 320, 325, 331, 335. 347. Showing no insects, 126, 127, 129, 130, 287, 268, 289, 290, 291, 293, 295, 296, 297, 321-323. Tables of, 183-146, 311-314, 321-323, 344-345, Distribution, by States, 199-232. Distribution in America, 308. (Mapatend of Vol.) District of Columbia bird-law, 168. Diurnal lepidoptera, 130. Dolichonyz oryzivorus, 76, 80, 95, 280. Domesticated doves or pi.eons, 81, 95, 234, 264, 266. Dove, Carolina or Mourning, 280. Downy Woodpecker, 80, 266, 269, 272, 274, 275, 277, 279. Dragon-flies, 102. Drains choked with nests, 147-148, 352. Dry peas eaten, 60. Dryobates pubescens, 80, 266, 269, 272, 274, 275, 277, 279. villosus, 80, 266. Dung-beetles, 116, 135, 137. Dung-insects, 102, 116, 135, 137. Dutchess grapes, injured by birds, 53. Early colonies in America, 21. Early history at Saint Louis, 191-192. Early importations, 316-317. Earthworais, 86, 94, 102, 264, 275, 292, 298. Stolen from Robin, 86, 94, 264, 275. Earwigs, 331, 347. Eave Martin (European), 283. Eave Swallow (= Cliff Swallow), 88, 89, 262, 271, 276, 282. Eave troughs filled with nests, 148, 352. Echinocystes lobatus, 298. Ectopistes migratorius, 283. Edges of grain fields suffer most, 179, 256, 257, 258, 260, 319, 338. Effects of climate, 32-34, 232-233, 234, 236-237, 239. Effects of continued shooting, 37. Effects of legislation, 36. Effects of storms, 33-34, 232-233, 234, 236-237. Effects of temperature, 32-33, 236, 239. Effects on birds in Canada, 309. Effects on birds in Englagg, 330, 332, 333, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340, 346, 348. Effects on insects, 98-133. Effects on native birds, 78-79, 82-93, 260-283, 317,320. Amount and character of evidence, 78-79. Synopsis of evidence, 79. Bluebird, 82-87. Chipping Sparrow, 93. House Wren, 87-88. Martins, 82-87. Mockingbird, 91. Robin, 90-91. Swallows, 89-90. Vireos, 92. Egg-laying, continuous, 28. Eggs of insects eaten, 102, 180, 285, 292, 295, 300. Eggs of native birds destroyed, 83, 84, 90, 194, 271, 277, 279. 393 Eggs of Sparrow: Bounty on, 161. Description of, 161. Destroyed by native birds, 274, 275, 282. Methods of destroying, 165. Number laid, 27, 41, 161. _ Eggs and young destroyed, 37, 151, 180, 234, 237. Egyptian rice, 74, 75. Elder-berries, 311, 328. Elm buds and blossoms, 44, 45, 46, 47,48, 242, 243, 328. Elm-leaf beetle (Galerwea), not destroyed, 121, 122, 1380, 293, 298, 324. Elms stripped by canker-worms and tussock moth, 108, 109-110. Elm-tree worms, 297, 300. Empidonax minimus, 80, 269. Enemies, natural, 31-32, 97-98. ~ England, food of Sparrows in, 325, 328-329, 330-332, 335, 336, 337, 338, 342, 344-345, 347, 348. Habits of Sparrows in, 97-98, 308, 309, 330-348. English farmers’ opinions, 39, 40, 308, English ivy, 41, 42, 240. English peas, 245, 247. English Skylarks pull grain, 341. English Sparrow, figure of, 16. ‘The name a misnomer, 17. Ennomos subsignaria, 109, 125, 180, 131, 294, Replaced by Orgyia, 121. Ephemerce, 130, 286, 293, 297. Epidemics unknown, 31. Epilachna borealis, 130, 298. Eragrostis, seeds eaten, 304. Ermine moth, 345. Erythroneura, 112, 113, 118. Fuchistus, 118. European Blackbird, 335. European Chaffinch, 333, 343. European Greenfinch, 343. European Martins, 98, 330, 332, 333, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340, 346. European Skylark, 341. European Starling, 333. European Swallow, 335. European Tree Sparrow, at Saint Louis, 191-194. European Thrushes, 335. Evergreens injured, 41, 45, 241, 243. Evidence, excluded, 12. In detail, 197-357. Samples of, how selected, 13. Summaries of, 17-149, Summaries, misleading, 13. Evidence versus opinion, 12-13, 99, Examination of stomachs. (See Dissection.) Experiments with grain, spoiled, 252, 253, 254, 318, 320. Experiments with poisons, 174-178, Explanation of omissions, 12, 199. Explanations relating to evidence, 197-199. Extension into country, 24-26. Extermination, recommendations for, 151-153. Extermination of span-worms in Philadelphia, 109. Extracts, from American Naturalist, 304-305. From Science, 305. From Forest and Stream, 305-318. 394 Extracts from newspapers, 318-319. From periodicals, 318-324. Falco columbarius, 32, 309. sparverius, 32, 309. Falcons, 309. Fall army-worm, 118. Fall caterpillar, 102. Fall web-worm, 100, 102, 107, 118, 128, 129, 130, 131, 286, 288, 297, 298, 324-325. r Fecundity, 28-29. Field, the American, °. Field corn, 62, 74-75, 253, 254, 255, 256, 259. Field mustard, 343. Field Sparrow, 80, 267, 270. Fig buds or blossoms, 45. Figitine, 116. Figs, in America, 48, 59. In Australia, 349, 350, 351, 352. In New Zealand, 320. Filth, injury by, 36, 40, 41, 146-147, 240, 241, 242, 243. Finch, Grass, 80, 270. House, 80, 262. Painted, 80, 264, 280. Purple, 80, 263, 270, 276, 280. Western House, 89. Yellow, 267. Finches, 80, 152-153, 269, 281. Food of, 323. Fines, for bird-killing, 167-173, For nest-robbing, 167-173. Fin-leaved ivy, 42. Fire-arms, forbidden in cities, 37. Suggestions as to use of, 152, 164-165. Fisher on Poisons, 174-178. Flax, flax-seed, 49, 65, 66, 250. Flea-beetles, 112, 113, 11¢, 117, 184, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 148. Flea-bugs, 102. Flemish Beauty pear, blossoms placked, 46. Flicker, Yellow-shafted, 80, 269, 281. Flies, clear-winged, 102, 294- Horse, 102, 129, 289. House, 102, 299. Ichneumon, 102, 294, 300. Stable, 102. Kinds not specified, 102, 103, 128, 129, 180,188, 285, 287, 291, 292, 293, 295, 299. Florent Prévost, 302. Florida, no sparrow law in, 168. Flower-beds destroyed, 249. Flower-seed eaten, 48, 65, 128, 245. Flowers eaten, 65. Flycatcher, Great Crested, 80, 266, 277. Least, 80, 269. Tyrant (=King-bird), 269. Flycatchers, kinds not specified, 80, 88, 263, 269, 271, 275, 280. Foliage, injury to, 40, 41, 42, 146, 240-243. Food, Sparrows used for, 38-39, 182, 319. Food of Bluebird, 126. Food of Cathird, 126. Food of native birds, 99, 304, 323. Food of Robin, 126. Food of Sparrow: As shown by dissection, 296, 321-323, 325, 328, 329, 331, 335, 336, 337, 338, 342, 344-345, 347. INDEX. Food of Sparrow: By months, 344-345. In winter, 32-35. Seasonal variation in, 124-125. Tables of, 133-146. Food of young Sparrows, 305, 330, 331, 335, 336, 337, 338, 340, 342-343, 344-345, 347. Food-habits of Sparrows in England, 330-348. Food-supply and increase, 32-35, Forbes on food of native birds, 99, 304. Forest and Stream, extracts from, 305-318 Formule for poisons, 174-175. Formicide, 116. Forsythia viridissima, 44. Foul cistern water, 148. Fowler's solution (of arsenic), 174,177. Fowls, killed by poisoned wheat, 352. Fox-tail grass (Setaria), 67, 145. France, Sparrows in, 302. Freezing of Sparrows, 32-33, 233, 234, 238, 239, Frost grapes, eaten, 55. Fruit buds, injury to, 40, 42-48, 240, 241 242, 243, 320, 347. Fruits, injury to, by Sparrows, 42, 43, 48-60, 243- 252, 255, 310. By wasps and bees, 49-50, List of those injured, 43. Fruit-seed in stomachs, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 145. Galeoscoptes carolinensis, 80, 126, 264, 265, 266, 268, 269, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 278, 279-280, 281, 283. Galeruca calmariensis, 121-122. vanthomelena, 130, 293, 298, 324, Garden corn, 62, 246, 248, 249. Garden pea, 146. Garden seeds, injury to, 61-66, 243-251. List of those injured, 48. Scratched up, 64. Garden vegetables, injury to, 60-64, 243-252. Gas-lamps, nests in, 147. Gastrophilus larvee, 132. Gentry on House Sparrow, 303. Geographical distribution, 23, 199-232, 302-303. In America, 199-232, and map at end of vol- ume. Geometrid larvae, 109, 128, 131, 311, 328. Georgia, no sparrow law in, 168. Germany, Sparrows in, 97-98. Gnats, 102, 287. e Golden-crow ned Kinglet, 80, 94, 263, 267. Golden-winged Woodpecker, 80, 269, 281, 282. Goldfinch, 80, 81, &8, 91, 263, 265, 267, 270, 271, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 280, 281. Arkansas, 80. Goldsmith beetle, 102, 285. Gooseberries, 48, 57, 247, 249, 251, 344, Gooseberry buds and blossoms, 46, 248, 328, 334, 344, 347. Gooseberry caterpillar or worm, 334, 339. Goosefoot, 343. Grackle, Purple, 32, 80, 92, 267, 268, 269, 271, 276. Grackles, kind not specified, 80, 279, 281. Grain, experiments with, spoiled, 252, 253, 254, 318, 320. Tn America, 68-78, 252-260. In Australia, 348, 349, 350, 351. INDEX. Grain—Continued. In England, 309, 330-348. In the milk, 319, 330, 337, 347. Th the stack, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260. Injury to, 68-78, 252-260. Kinds injured, 68. List of States reporting greatest loss, 68. Number of reports on, 68, -Grain-cars transport Sparrows, 178, 309. Grain-fields, edges injured most, 179, 256, 257, 258, 260, 319, 338. : Grapes, bags torn from, 54, 323-324. Buds and blossoms of, plucked, 45, 46, 47, 146, 240, 241, 243, 325, 327. In Australia, 55, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353. In California, 49. In New Zealand, 320. Injury to, 48, 49-56, 57, 53, 59, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, 252, 320, 323, 327, 319, 350, 351, 352, 353. Kinds of, most injured, 54, 55. List of States reporting most damage to, 53. Seeds and pulp of, taken, 51, 53, 55, 245, 248. Wild, 55, 250. Grapes and bees or wasps, 49-50, 55. Grapes and native birds, 49, 270. Grape-vine caterpillar, 102, 287. Grape-vines, effects upon, 41, 42, 43. Grass in Sparrows’ stomachs, 144, 312, 325. Grags-bird, 80. Grass Finch, 80, 270. Grasshoppers, 78, 99, 102, 103, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 184, 141, 142, 143, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 292, 293, 295, 296, 297, 299, 300, 301, 304, 306, 310, 312, 313, 328, 329, 347. Grass seed, consumption of, 64, 65, 66-68, 76, 253, 257. In stomachs, 134, 135, 186, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 311, 312, 322, 325. Graybird, 271. Great Carolina Wren, 277. Great Crested Flycatcher, 80, 266, 277. Great Northern Shrike, 31, 150, 233, 238. Greenfinch (European), 343. Greenlets (= Vireos), 280. Green vegetables destroyed, 61-64. Grosbeak, Cardinal, 80, 268, 280. Rose-breasted, 323. Grosbeaks, 80, 266, 268, 280, 323. Food of, 323. Ground bird, 271. Ground sparrow, 80. Ground squirrels, 161-162. Grubs or larve, 43, 78, 102,103, 129, 180, 135, 285, 286, 257, 288, 289, 290, 292, 293, 294, 295, 296, 297, 298, 299. In peach buds, 43. Grub-worms in crop, 78. Gryllotalpa, 118, 119. Gun, restriction by, 37-40. Guns for Sparrow shooting, 164. Gutters choked by nests, 147-148, 352. Habia ludoviciana, 323. 395 Habit of insect-eating, 98-99. Habits of European Tree Sparrow, 192. Habits of House Sparrow in England,308, 309, 330- 348. Habits of insects concerned, 115-120. Hail storms, effects of, 234, 237. Hair Sparrow. (See Chipping Sparrow.) Hair-worms, 345. Hairy caterpillars and Sparrows, 99, 107-109, 129, 130, 286, 290, 292, 295, 306. Hairy caterpillars and native birds, 108-109. Hairy Woodpecker, 80, 266. Hairy worms, 100, 122, 130, 290. Halictus, 114, 115. Haltica afinis, 305. Hanging-worm (Ennomos), 294. Harmless English birds, 334. Harpalus vagans, 102, 300. Harporhynchus rufus, 80, 266, 278, 280. Haw, black, 146. Buds and blossoms of, 144, 325, Hawk, Cooper's, 32. Pigeon, 32, 309. Sharp-shinned, 32. Sparrow, 32, 150, 309. Hawks, kind not specified, 309. Hedges injured by filth, 41, 243. Helix alternata, in Cuckoo’s stomach, 123. Hemiptera, 112, 120, 289, 296. Hemp, hemp-seed, 49, 65, 248. Hens attacked by Sparrows, 81, 149, 276, 277. Hen and chickens driven from food, 149. Herbemout grape, 324. Hermit Thrush, 80, 273. Tlessian-fly, not attacked, 288. Heteroptera, 113, 114, 118, 121. Hexapoda, 120. Tigh-holder (= Golden-winged Woodpecker), 282. Hill on Sparrow-catching, 178-191. Hirundo urbiea, 330, 332, 333, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339 340, 346. Hoadley's work, 11. Homoptera, 112, 118. Honey-bees, 49-50, 102, 289. Honeysuckle, berries eaten, 250. Hornets and grapes, 49. Horse-chestuut, defoliated by Orgyia, 108. Horse-droppings, importance of, to Sparrows, 84, 104. Horse-flies, 102, 129, 289. House Finch, 80, 262. Western, 89. House flies, 102, 113, 119, 139, 299. House Martin, 267, 270, 271, 272. Eurvupean, 98, 330, 332, 333, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340, 346. House Sparrow = English Sparrow, 17. European, at Saint Louis, Mo. 191-194. Indian, 303. House (Chipping) Sparrow, 93, 264. House Swallow, 266. House Wren, 80, 82, 83, 85, 87-88, 93, 96, 97, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 280, 282, 283, 309, 327. Hummingbird, Ruby-throated, 80, 95, 277. 396 Hungarian grass, 76. Hylaspis americana, 116. Hymenoptera, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115-116, 120, 121, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142. Hyphantria cunea (textor), 100, 102, 107, 112, 114, 118, 121, 126, 128, 129, 130, 131, 286, 288, 297, 298, 324-325. textor (cunea), in Cuckoo's stomach, 123 Icterus galbula, 80, 81, 108-109, 265, 268, 269, 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 278, 282, 283, 324-325. spurius, 80, 83, 268, 278, 280. Ichneumonids, 112, 114, 116, 136, 141. Ichneumon flies, 102, 294, 300. Idaho, no sparrow law in, 168. Ideal bounty-law, 155. Illinois bird-law, 168. Importation, 17-21, 316-317. Direct from Europe, 19. Tables of, 19-21. Inch-worm (Measuring-worm), 295. Increase, actual and theoretical, 29. Annual, 29. Checks on, 31-41. Rapidity of, 29-30, Rate of, 27-31, 252, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239. Relation of climate to, 32-34. Relation of food to, 33-35. Increase and public opinion, 35. Increase and storms, 33, 34, Increase of native birds explained, 96. Incubation, period of, 27. Indiana bird-law, 168, Indian corn, 68, 74, 312, 322, 325. Indian House Sparrow, 303. Indian Territory, no sparrow law in, 168. Indifferent insects in stomachs, 135, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143. Indigo Bird or Bunting, 80, 274. Inexpediency of bounties, 153-164. Injuries, miscellaneous, 146-149. Injurious and beneficial insects, 101, 287, 291. Injurious insects in stomachs, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141. 142, 143. Injury by filth, 36, 46, 41, 146-147, 240, 241, 242, 243. Injury to buds and blossoms, 40-48, 240-243. To foliage, 40, 41, 42, 146, 240-243. To fruits, 42, 43, 48-60, 243-252, 255, 310. To garden seeds, 48, 64-66, 243-251, To grain, 68-78, 179, 252-260, 309, 316, 319, 820, 330-348, 349, 350, 351. To trees and vines, 40-48, 240-243. To vegetables, 48-49, 60-64, 243-252. Insect contents of stomachs, 111-115, 123-128, 134, 135, 186, 137, 138, 189, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 305. : Insect defoliators of shade-trees, 324, 325. Insect diet of young, 99, 103, 104, 132, 317, 320, 331, 335, 336, 337, 338, 340, 342, 345, 347, Insect eggs eaten, 102, 130, 285, 292, 295. Insect food of Sparrow, 98-133, 256, 310. General summary of evidence, 98-100. Percentage in stomachs examined, 104, Seasonal variation in, 105-106. Table showing variation in, 106. (See Corn.) INDEX. Insectivorous birds, 43, 80, 348. Insectivorous habits, 43, 98-133, 255, 256, 283-301 303, 306, 317, 349. Insects, bensficial and injurious, 99, 101, 987, 291. Comparative abundance of, at different seasons, 105. In Australia, 349. In buds and blossoms, 42-43, 299. In cherries, 250. In England, 330-348. In wheat, 102 List of those said to be eaten by Spar- rows, 102. Stolen from Bluebirds, 94. Supposed destruction of, 78. Introduction to America, 17. Investigation in South Australia, 303. Iowa bird-law, 168. Israella grape, 53. Ivy, English, 41, 42, 240. Fin-leaved, 42. Japan plum (loquat), 59. Japanese jessamiue, buds eaten, 44. Jay, Blue-jay, 31-32, 80, 233, 234, 264, 265, 267, 268, 269, 271, 272, 277, 282. Jug Swallow (= Clif Swallow), 88. Juncos, 80, 262, 269, 270. June-bug, 102. Kansas bird-law, 168-169. Katy did, 102, 119, 121, 300. Keritucky bird law, 169. Kekuka Lake vineyards, 52. Kingbird, 80, 92, 94, 265, 268, 269, 271, 275, 276, 277 278, 281. Kinglet, Golden-crowned, 80, 94, 263, 267. Kinglets, 152, 153. Knot-grass, 343, 345. Lace-wing flies, 300. Lachnosterna fusca, 112, 113, 114, 116 Lady-birds (Epilachna), 298. Lady-bugs (Coceinnellidee), 102, 291. Lanius borectlis, 31, 233, 238, 276. Laphygina frugiperda, 114, 115, 118. Lark, Meadow, 80, 274, 277. Shore, 80. Larve or grubs, 102, 103, 129 130, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 292, 293, 204, 295, 296, 297, 298, 299. Lawn-grass, seed and shoots eaten, 67. Laws, now in force in United States, 167-173. Repealed, 236. Repeal of, advocated, 150. Leaf-hoppers, 113, 118, 138, 142. Leaf-rollers, 102, 129, 289, 295. Least Flycatcher, Least Pewee, 80, 269. Leaves, of trees and vines plucked, 41, 42, 46, 145. Of vegetables injured, 48, 61, 62, 63, 64. Lecanium hemisphericum, 130, 298. Legislation, affecting Sparrows in United States, 150-151, 167-173. Effects of, 36. Recommendations for, 150-164. Suminarys of, 150-151. Lepidoptera, 118, 120, 121, 128, 130, 306. Lepidopterous larve, 329. Lettuce, plants or leaves destroyed, 48, 61, 63, 64, 245, 246, 248, 250, 336, INDEX. Lettuce seed eaten, 40, 64, 65, 66, 245, 246, 249, 250. Lilac buds or blossoms, 45, 47. Lima-bean, 146. Linnet, 80. Lintner on caterpillar protection, 107-110. Liopus, 118, 117. List of: Contributors, 358-388. Fruits injured, 48. Garden seeds injured, 48. - Grains injured, 68. Insects said to be eaten, 102. Native birds molested, 80. Placeswhere Sparrows were introduced, 19- 21. States infested by Sparrows, 26. States reporting most injury to fruits and vegetables, 48. States reporting most injury to grain, 68. States reporting most injury to grapes, 53. Vegetables injured, 48. Weed-seeds eaten (in England), 343. Locust, seventeen-year (Cicada), 286. Locustide, 119, 181. Locust-leaves picked off, 41. Locusts (grasshoppers), 111, 114, 115, 119, 127, 132. Locusts, kind not specified, 102, 131, 132, 288, 297, 29%. London purple, 174, 177, 178. Longicorn beetles, 113, 117. Loquats, 59, 349, 351, 353. Louisiana bird-law, 169. Lucerne damaged, 349. Luna moth, 102, 291. Lycosa scutellata, 112, 120. Maggots, 102, 119, 131, 299. Maine bird-law, 169. Maize, Corn, injury to, 68, 72, 74-75, 244, 253, 254, 255, 256, 259, 312, 322, 325, 344, 345. Number of reports on, 68, Man, increase checked by, 35-40. Mangel-wurzel, leaves eaten, 344. Map. See end of volume. Maples, buds and blossoms eaten, 44, 45, 146, 241, 242, 243, 311, 328. Leaves picked off, 41, 290. Ruined by filth, 41. Maple-moth, 290. Maple-worm, 129, 290. Market, Sparrows in, 39, 319. Martin, Barn, 282. Bee (=Kingbird), 80, 265, 271. Black, 80, 84, 261, 269, 278. Eave or Win low, 283. European, 98, 283, 320, 332, 333, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340, 346. House, 267, 270, 271, 272. Purple, 80, 82-87, 96, 193-194, 261, 262, 264, 265, 266, 269, 270, 272, 275, 276, 278, 279, 280, 281. Suwmer, 267. Martins, kind not specified, 80, 81, 82, 87, 88, 93, 261, 262, 263, 265, 266, 267, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, 276,277, 278, 280, 231, 282, 285, 320. 397 Martins, nests and eggs destroyed, 83, 84, 86, 194, 333. Nestlings killed, 84, 86. Sparrows and their young and eggs de. stroyed by, 274. Martins and Sparrows in England, 330, 332, 333, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340, 346. , Maryland, no sparrow law in, 169. Massachusetts bird-law, 169. Mauritius, Sparrows introduced at, 335. May-beetles, May-bugs, 102, 115, 135, 136, 138, 141, 288, 300. May-flies, 102, 130, 142, 286, 293, 297. Maynard on food of Sparrows, 321-323. Meadow grasshoppers, 119, 132. Meadow Lark, 80, 274, 277. Measuring-worms, span-worms, 99, 100, 102, 109, 110, 128, 129, 13C, 131, 132, 285, 286, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295, 297, 300, 301, 311, 317, 328. Measuring-worm moth, 102, 293. Megascops asio, 82, AMelanerpes erythrocephalus, 80, 264, 265, 282. Melanopus femur-rubrum, 129, 289. Melon-bugs, 102, 129, 289. Melospiza fasciata, 80,81, 94, 264, 267, 270, 272, 278, 279, 280, 283, 295, 323. Merula migratoria,80, 86, 88, 90-91, 93-94, 95, 97, 108- 109, 126, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 297, 305, 309, 324-325. Mespilus, 59. Meteorus hyphantrie, 325. Methods of catching Sparrows, 183-191. Methods of coliecting information, 11-12. Methods of diffusion of Sparrows, 23-26, Methods of examining stomachs, 321. Methods of restriction recommended, 150-166, 174- 178, 354-357. Michigan bounty act, 162-163, 169-170. Migrating Thrush (=Robin), 268. Migration, abundance of birds during, 97. Migration of European Treo Sparrow, 341. Migration of House Sparrow, not known, 341. Millers or moths, 102, 103, 129, 130, 131, 138, 141, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 294, 295, 297, 299, 300. Millet, 68, 75, 76, 253, 254, 255. Pearl, 75. Russian, 75, 76. Millo maize, 68, 75, 76, 253. Mimus polyglottos, 80, 81, 88, 91-92, 261, 264, 265, 266, 268, 269, 272, 276, 280. Miner's seedling (grape), 55. Minnesota, no sparrow law in, 170. Minnesota winters, 33. Miscellaneous injuries, 146-149. Mississippi bird-law, 170. Missouri bird-law, 170. Mobbing native birds, 93-94, 273, 276, 277, 278, 279. Mocking-bird, 80, 81, 88, 91-92, 261, 264, 265, 266, 268, 269, 272, 276, 280. Nestlings killed, 91. Mole-cricket, 113, 119, 140. Mo’estation of other birds, 78-98, 260-283, 330, 332, 333, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340, 346. Monomorium pharaonis, 113, 115, 116. 398 Montana bird-law, 170. Montana bounty-law on prairie-dogs and ground- squirrels, 161-162. Mosquitoes, 102, 299. Moth, buffalo, 102. Cabbage, 102, 297. Canker-worn), 110. Cecropia, 291. Luna, 102, 291. Moths or millers, 102, 103, 129, 180, 131, 188, 141, £85, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 294, 295, 297, 299, 300. Eaten after singeing, 131. Mourning Dove, 280. Mouse-ear chickweed, 343. Mud Swallow (= Cliff Swallow), 80, 273, 274. Mulberries, 48, 250. Mullein, 120. Multiplication. (See Increase. ) Musca cesar, 112, 118-119. domestica, 113,119. Muscide, 102, 128, 291. Mustard, 49, 249. Field, 343. Mutilated or dead insects eaten, 131, 132. Myiarchus crinitus, 80,266, 277. Myrmicide, 116. Myrtle Warbler, £0, 283. Killed by Sparrow, 283. Afyzine 6-cineta, 111, 113, 114, 115. Native birds, effects on, 78-98, 179, 260-283, 309, 317, 320. Encouragement of, 152-153. Food of, 99, 323. Killed by Sparrows, 84, 86, 87, 88, 90, 91, 93, 94, 95, 270, 276, 279, 283, 207, 359, List of thoso molested, 80. Neglected, 100. Native sparrows, 80, 90, 323. Natural checks, in America, 31-35 In Europe, 97, 98. Natural enemies, 31-32, 97-98. Nebraska bird-law, 170. Nectar from blossoms, 344 (foot-note). Nectarines in Australia, 349, 351. Negative evidence, on bird-molestation, 86-87. On bud-destruction, 42-43. On fruit destruction, 49-51. On grain destruction, 77-78. Neglect of native birds, 100. Nephelodes violans, 102, 286, Nestiny boxes removed, 36, Nesting habits, change in, 24. Nestiuy places, scarcity of, 34, 95. Nesting rubbish chokes gutters, spouts, etc., 147- 148, 352, Nestlings of native birds, killed by Sparrows, 84, 86, 87, 88, 90, 91, 93, 276, 279. Nestlings of Sparrow, killed by native birds, 274, 282. Food of, 103, 104, 124, 125, 1£8, 129, 132, 287, 209, 290, 291, 292, 293, 295, 296, 297, 299, 300, 395, 331, 337, 338, 340, 342, 344, 345. Stomach, contents of, 103-104, 124. Nestlings in August, 237. INDEX. Nests of native birds at Cleveland, Ohio, 277. Nests of Sparrow, in gas-lamps, 147. In gutters, spouts, ete , 147-148. Tn trees, 24. Nests and eggs, destruction of, 36, 37, 38, 41, 165. Nets and their use, 151, 165, 183-191. Netting, over fruit and vegetables. 47, 65. Netting Sparrows, 178-191. Neuroptera, 119, 120, 289. Nevada bird-law, 170-171. New Hampshire bird-law, 171. New Jersey bird-law, 171. New Mexico, no sparrow law in, 171. New York bird-law, 171 New Zealand, habits of Sparrow in, 302-303, 320, 357. Poison used in, 132. New-sown grain damaged, 255, 259. Newspapers, extracts from, 318-319. Nezara hilaris, 123. Niagara grape injured by birds, 53. Night-hawk, disappearance of, 283. Noctuide, 112, 297. Noctuid larvae, 113, 114, 115, 131. Noise of the Sparrow, 149. Nonpareil, Painted Finch, 80, 264, 280. North Carolina, no sparrow law in, 171. Northern Shrike, Butcher Bird, 31, 233, 238, 276. Norton grape, 324. Notes of the Sparrow, 149. Noxious insects in Sparrows’ stomachs, 134, 135, 136, 137, 128, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, Noxious and innoxious insects, 121. Number of broods and young reared by Sparrow, 27, 192, 193. Number of eggs laid by Sparrow, 27, 193. Nuthatch, White-bellied, év. Nuthatches, 80, 152-153, 279. Nuttall Ornithological Club, 303-304. Nux vomica, 174, 177, 350. Oats, injury to, 68, 71, 72, 73-74, 77, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260. In stomachs, 1384, 135 136, 187, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146. Number of reports on, 68. Objections to bounties, 158-161. Observation, data derived from, 101. (Edipoda caralina, 127, 301, 313, 329. Official Sparrow-killers, 150, 151-152. Ohio, bounty-law in, 150, 171-172. , Estimated cost of exterminating Sparrows, in, 154-161. Estimated number of Sparrows in, 154, Old-field Sparrow, 279. Olives injured, 349, Omissions explained, 12, 199. Opinion versus evidence, 12-13, 199. Orange buds and blossoms injured, 45, 47. Orange peel in stomach, 145. Orchard Oriole, 80, 83, 268, 278, 280. Oregon, no sparrow law in, 172. Organized attacks on native birds, 86-87, Oryywie leucostigma, 100, 102, 107, 109, 121, 125-126, 129, 130, 131, 291, 292, 293, 294, 324-325. INDEX. Orygia leucostigmar eplaces Ennomos and Palela- crita, 109, 121. Original testimony in detai!, 198-301. Oriole, Baltimore, 80, £1, 108-109, 265, 268, 269, 271, 272, £78, 274, 275, 278, 282, 283, 324-325. Orchard, 80, 83, 268, 278, 280. Orioles, kind not specified, 80, 263, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 273, 274, 275, 279, 282, 283. Orioles and grapes, 324. Ornamental trees or vines injured, 40, 41, 42. Ornitbologists’ Union, American, 11, 304. Orthoptera, 102, 119, 120, 121, 127, 289. Otocoris alpestris, 80. Outline of Sparrow history, 301-304. Owl, Mottled or Sereech, 32, 150, 238. Painted Finch (Nonpareil), 80, 264, 280. Pairing of young Sparrows, 28. Pale-flowered persicaria, 343 Paleacrita vernata, 99, 102, 109, 110, 121-122, 126, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 285, 286, 291, 292, 293, 295, 299, 300, 201. Replaced by Oryyta, 121-122. Panicum sanguinewm, 304. Paper bags and grapes, 55, 323-324. Papilio turnus, 102, 291. Parasites of caterpillars, 109-110. Parasites of Sparrows, 31. Paris green, 174, 178. Parkman's Wren, 80. Parsnips damaged, 49, 64. Parus atricapillus, 80. Passenger Pigeon, disappearance of, 283. Passer domesticus, figure of, 16. hispaniolensis, 302. indicus, 303. montanus, in Saint Louis, Mo., 10, 191-194. Migrant in Europe, 341. Passerina ciris, 80,264,280. cyanea, 80, 274. Peaceful relations with native birds, 85, 86, 91, 96, 266, 267, 268, 273, 274, 275, 278, 279, 280, 283. Peach buds or blossoms destroyed, 44-45, 46, 47, 1938, 240, 241, 242, 325, 327. Peach buds with grubs in them, 43. Peaches, injury to, 48, 58, 244, 249, 270, 349, 353. Pear buds or blossoms, destroyed, 43, 45-46, 144, 146, 240, 241, 242, 299, 318, 325, 327. With insects, 43, 299. Pearl millet, 75. Pears, injury to, 48, 54, 55, 58-59, 60, 247, 248, 249, 270, 349, 351, 352. Peas, blossoms eaten, 48, 61, 64, 247, 251. Dry, eaten, 60. English, eaten, 245, Found in Sparrows’ crops, 61. Green, eaten, 48, 54,61, 62, 65, 124, 244, 245, 246, 248, 249, 250. In Australia, 349, 353. In England, 330, 331, 332, 336, 339, 340, 344, 345, 347. Sweet, 64. Vines eaten, 48, 61, 63, 6, 146, 245, 250, 251, Pennsylvania Sparrow law, 172. Pepper, 49. Blossoms of, 64. 399 Percentage of animal matter in food of uestling Sparrows, 103, 124. Percentage of insect food in stomachs exam- ined, 103, 104, 124, 304, 305, 335, 336, 387, 338, 342, 345, 347. Percentage of insect food in young Sparrows, 103, 124, 305, Percentage of insectivorous Sparrows, 314. Percentage of stomachs containing insects, 314, 328-329, Period of incubation, 27. . Periodicals, extracts from, 318-324. Perlids, 115, 119. Persicaria, pale-flowered, 343. Persimmon trees, insects eaten from, 297. Petitions, 236. ‘ Petrochelidon lunifrons, 80, €8, 89, 262, 268, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 282, 283, 307, 327, Pewee, Pheebe, 80, 88, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 274, 276, 277, 282, 283, 309. Pewee, Least, 80, 269. Wood, 80, 277. Phaseolus lunatus, 146. Phleum pratense, 146. Phebe, Pewee, 80, 88, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 274, 276, 277, 282, 283, 309. Phosphorized wheat, 350. Phosphorus, 175, 349. Phyllopertha horticola, 342. Phytonomus, 117. Pieris rape, 294. Larva of, 131, 2&8, 309. Pigeon, domesticated, attacked, 81, 95, 264, 266. Feeding on army- worms, etc., 290-291. Passenger or Wild, disappearance of, 283. Pigeon grass, 304. Pigeon Hawk, 32, 309. Pine buds eaten, 241. Pines injured by filth, 41, 241. Pipilo erythrophthalmus, 80. Pisum sativum, 146. Plantain seeds eaten, 345. Plant-lice, 102, 129, 130, 289, 296, 328, 345, 347, 348. Plum blossoms without insects, 46. Plum buds and blossoms, 45, 46, 146, 242, 243, 320, 325, 327. Plum curculio, 102, 131, 288. Plum, Japan, 59. Plums eaten, 48, 54, 56, 57, 58, 244, 248, 249, 349, 350, 351, 352. Podisus, 118. Poison, administered improperly, 38. Cost of, 175. Danger of, to native birds, 239. Destruction by, 37, 88, 151, 165, 174-178, 233, 234, 235, 236, 238, 239, 324, 349, 350, 351, 352, 357. Suggestions and precautions as to, 151, 165, 175-176. Use of, forbidden in cities, 37. Use of, in winter advocated, 38. Usedin Australia, 132, 349, 350, 351, 352, 357. Used in England, 239. Poisoned grain, cost of, 175. Poisoned water, 349, 350. 400 Poisoned wheat in Australia, 132-133. Poisons, formul# for preparation of, 174-175. Pollen eaten, 344. Polygonum aviculare, 343. convolvulus, 343, 345. lapathifolium, 343. Polygonum seeds eaten, 67, 304, 312, 343, 345. Poocetes gramineus, 80, 270. Poplar buds and catkins, 44. Potato beetle, Potato bug, 102, 129, 130, 288, 293. Potentilla, beetle found on, 117. Poultry robbed of food, 149. Prairie-dogs, bounty on, 161-162. Precautions in use of poison, 175-176. Prefatory letter, 9. Premiums, advocated, 153, 238. By clubs, 166. In Australia, 349, 350. In England, 239, 251-252, 260. In Germany, 302, 321. Prévost, M. Florent, 302. Prizes for Sparrow-killing, 153. Progne subis, 80, 82-87, 96, 193-194, 261, 262, 264, 265, 266, 269, 270, 272, 275, 276, 278, 279, 280, 281. Proportion of animal focd in Sparrows’ stomachs, 120. Proportions of different foods in Sparrows’ stom- achs, 124. Protection of caterpillars by Sparrows, 107-110. Protective laws, 150-151. Repeal of, 35-36, 150-151. Prunes destroyed, 244. Prunus domestica, 146. Prussia, premiumns in, 302, Psocus, 114, 115, 119, 140. Public opinion, change of, 35. Publications, extracts from varions, 324-357, Partial list of, 301-304. Published testimony, 301-357. American, 304-329. Foreign, 330-357. Purplo Finch, 80, 263, 270, 276, 280. Mobbed by Sparrows, 276; Purple Grackle, 32, 80; 92, 267, 268, 269, 271, 276, Purple Martin, 80, 82--87, $6, 193-194, 261, 262, 264, 265, 266, 269, 270, 272, 275, 276, 278, 279, 280, 281. Pyralids, 118. Pyranga (see Tanager), 80. Pyrgita (Passer) domestica, 305. Pyrus communis, 146, ‘ Quarrels, unprovoked, 92-94, 97, 263, 264. Quince buds and blossoms destroyed, 45, 46, 242. Quiscalus quiscula, 32, 80, 92, 267, 268, 269, 271, 276. Rabbits in New South Wales, 353. Radish, beds destroyed, 336. Leaves and sprouts eaten, 48, 63, 250, 344, Secd eaten, 48, 65, 246, 247. Wild, 343. Rag-weed seed eaten, 250. Range of Sparrow in America, 199-232, Rape-seed eaten, 65. Raphanus raphanistrum, 343. Rapidity of increase, 29-30. Raspborries eaten, 48, 54, 55, 56, 57, 59, 70, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 251, 327. Raspberry buds destroyed, 46. INDEX. Rate of increase, 27-31, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 339. Rate of spread, 26-27, 191-192. Recommendations, for legislation, 150-164. To the people, 164-166. Red ants, 102, 291. Redbird, 80, 264, 265, 266, 2&0. Red clover, 146. Red-eyed Vireo, €0, 265, 269. TIed-headed Woodpecker, 80, 264, 265, 282. Ted June apple, 57. Red maggot on grain, 348. Redpoll, 80, 263. Red spider, 345, Red squirrel mobbed by Sparrows, 273. Redstart, 80. Red-winged Blackbird, 80, 266. Regulus satrapa, 80, 94, 268, 267. Relation to canker-worms, 109-110. Relation to caterpillars, 107-109. Relation to insects, 98-133, 283-301. Relation to native birds, 78-98, 260-283. Relation to span- worms, 109-110. Removal of nesting boxes, 36. Repeal of protectivo laws, 35-36, 150. Replacement of Ennomos and Paleacrita by Or- gyia, 121-122. Replacement of smooth worms by hairy caterpil- lars, 121-122. Replacement of Sparrows by native birds, 152-153. Report of Sparrow investigation in Australia, 348- 252. Resolutions adopted in Australia, 355. Restriction and prevention, 164-166. Restriction, by shooting, 179, 236. By trap and gun, 37-40, In Australia, 354-357. In England, 334. Results of dissection, 133-146. Résumé of dissections in Europe, 123-125. Rewards for eggs and heads in Australia, 349, 350. Rhode Island sparrow law, 172. Rice, attacked in the field, 76, 77. Eaten from stack, 259. Injury to, 68, 76-77, 259. Rice, Egyptian, 74, 75. Wild (Zizania), 76. Rice, bread, ete., in stomachs, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 143, 144, 145. Rice-birds and rice, 70, 76, 77. Riley on insectivorous habits, 3, 111-182. Ripe cherries fed to young, 56. Ripe pears eaten, 247, 248, Roaches eaten, 306. Robin, 80, 86, 88, 90-91, 93-94, 95, 97, 108-109, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 309, 324- 325. Destroys fruit, 60, 270, 324. Eats hairy caterpillars, 108-109. Eats moth of canker-worm, 110. Eggs aud young destroyed, 90, 279, Food of, 126. Killed by Sparrow, 95, 277. Robbed of insects and worms, 6, 94, 264, 275, 297, 305, \ INDEX. Robin, Wood (= Wood Thrush), 278. Romaleum atomarium, 123, Rose aphis, 125. Rose-breasted Grosbeak, food of, 323. Rose- bug, 102, 131. Rose-slugs, 102, 125, 128, Roosts and filth, 40. Roosts raided at night, 36. Rough-winged Swallow, 80. Rougier de la Bergerie, 302. Ruby-throated Hummingbird, 80, 95,277. Rumex crispus, 343. Russian Empire, Sparrows in, 23. Russian millet, 75, 76. Rye, injury to, 68, 74, 253, 254, 256, 260, 330. In Sparrow's craw, 74. Sagacity of Sparrows, 181, 235. Saint Louis, House and Tree Sparrows at, 191-194. Salsify, 49, 248, 249. Samples of evidence, how selected, 13. Sand Swallow (= Bank Swallow), 80. Sap-sucker, 80. Sassafras seeds eaten, 250. Savanna Sparrow, 80, 270, 280. Food of, 323.. Sayornis phoebe, 80, 88, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 274, 276, 277, 282, 283, 309. Scale insects eaten, 130, 131, 297. Scandinavia, Sparrows in, 23. Scarabeida, 115. Scarcity of nesting places, 34. Science, extracts from, 305. Scoliide, 115. Scottish thistle in Van Dieman’s Land, 308. Scratching up seed, 64-65, 66, 67, 69, 244, 246, 250, 255. Screech Owl, Mottled Owl, 32, 150, 238. Seasonal variation in food, 124-125. Seasonal variation in insect diet, 105-106. Secale cereale, 146. Seckel pears, 55. Sedge (Carex), 312. Seed-eaters sometimes insectivorous, 99. Seed gardens, injury to, 65, Seed oats injured, 74. Seed pods eaten, 64. Seeds in stomachs. Selandria, 125, 128. Setaria glauca, 146, 304. verticillata, 305. viridis, 304. Setaria, seed eaten, 67, 76, 145, 146, 304, 305. Setophaga ruticilla, 80. Seventeen-year cicada or locust, 130, 286. Shad flies, 286. Shade trees, buds or blossoms plucked, 45, 241,242, Freed from worms, 43. Leaves plucked, 42. Shade trees and their insect defoliators, 324, 325. Sharp-shinned Hawk, 32. Shocked grain injured, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260. Shooting, allowed in city, 38. Expense of, 38. On grain-fields, 74. Restriction by, 179, 236. Shooting-clubs, 166. 8404—Bull. 1——26 (See Stomach contents.) 401 Shooting matches, 166. Shoots of vegetables, 61, 62, 63, 64, 244, 245, 246, 247, 249, 250, 251. Shore Lark, 80. Shrike, Great Northern, 31, 150, 233, 238, 276. Shrikes, 234, 309. Sialia mexicana, 80. sialis, 80,81, 82-87, 88, 91,93, 94, 96, 97, 126, 261, 262, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 278, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 288, 290-291, 297, 320, 327. Sinapis arvensis, 343. Singed insects eaten, 131, 298. Sitones flavescens, 117. Sitta carolinensis, 80, 279. Skylark, English, 341. Slugs on rose-bushes, 102, 125, 128. Small fruits injured, 48, 56-57, 58. Small grain, number of reports on, 68. Smartweed (Polygonum), 304. Smooth caterpillars or worms, 99, 102, 131, 132, 285, 286. Replaced by hairy worms, 121-122. Snail in Cuckoo’s stomach, 123. Snails, scarcity of, 285. Snapping-bugs in Sparrow's nest, 320. Snout-beetles, 111, 112, 117-118, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139 140, 141. Snow-birds (Junco), 80, 262, 269, 270. Solenopsis, 112, 116. Song of the Sparrow, 149. Song-birds, effects upon, 80, 91, 270, 274, 320. Song Sparrow, effects upon, 80, 81, 94, 264, 267, 270, 272, 278, 279, 280, 283, 295, 323. Food of, 295, 323. Killed by Passer, 94. Sonnini’s ‘‘Dictionaire,” extract from, 301. Sorghum, injury to, 68, 75-76, 259. Varieties of, 75. South Australia, distribution of Sparrow in, 348. South Carolina bird-law, 172. Spanish Sparrow in Africa, 302. Span-worms, measuring-worms, 99, 100, 102, 109, 110, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 285, 286, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295, 297, 299, 300, 301, 311, 328. Disappearance of, from Philadelphia, 109. Replacement of, by Orgyia, 121-122. Sparrow, Canada Tree, 192. Chipping, 80, 81, 87, 93, 95, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 269, 270, 271, 272, 277, 278, 279, 280, 282, 283, 306, 309, 327. Common, 80, 88, 269. English, the term 2 wisnomer, 17. European Tree, 191-194. European House, the proper name of Passer domesticus, 17. Field, 80, 267, 270. Ground, 80. House (= English), 17. House [Chipping], 264. Indian House, 303. Native, 80, 90, 276. Old-field, 279. Savanna, 80, 270, 280, 323. Song, 80, 81, 94, 264, 267, 270, 272, 278, 279, 280, 283, 295, 323. ‘ A02 Sparrow, Spanish, 302. Summer, 276. Tree, 80, 270, 271, 272, 280. Vesper (= Grass Finch), 80, 270. Sparrow-clubs, 166, 239, 334. Sparrow Hawk, 32, 150, 309. Sparrow hauts, 166, 238. Sparrow-hunters in Prussia, 302. Sparrow-killers, official, 150, 151-152. Sparrow-trapping, 178-191. Sparrows as food, 38-39, 160, 166, 182. Sphenophorus parvulus, 112, 113, 114, 117-118, robustus, 118. sculptilis, 118. 13-punctatus, 118. zee, 112. Sphinz carolina, 102. Sphyrapicus varius, 95. Spice-wood seeds eaten, 250. Spiders, 102, 168, 112, 120, 129, 130, 138, 189, 285, 291, 293, 294, 295, 299, 300, 339, 345. Spinach, injured, 49, 64. Wild, 343. Spinus psaltria, 80. tristis, 80, 81, 88, 91, 263, 265, 267, 270, 271, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 280, 281. Epizella monticola, 80, 192, 270, 271, 272, 280. pusilla, £0, 270. socialis, 80, 81, 87,93, 95, 262, 263, 265, 266, 267, 269, 270, 271, 272, 277, 278, 279, 280, 282, 283, 306, 309, 327. Spontaneous combustion in nests, 148. Sporting purposes, Sparrows for, 178-191. . Spouts choked with nesting rubbish, 147-148, 352. Spread, into country, 23-26, 259. Manner of, 18-26. Rate of, 26-27. Spring canker-worm, 121-122. Sprouting grain pulled, 259, 260, 341, 344. Sprouts of vegetables eaten, 61, 62, 63, 64, 244, 245, 246, 247, 249, 250, 251. Squads of Sparrows attack other birds, 86, 87, 94, 266-267, 269, 270, 271, 276, 277, 279, 280, 281, 282. Squash blossoms destroyed, 64. Squash-bug, 102. | Squirrel mobbed, 273. Stable flies eaten, 102. Stacked grain injured, 69, 70, 71, 72, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260. Staphylinid beetle, 296. Starling, European, 333. State laws on bird protection, 167-173. States, distribution of Sparrow in, 199-232. States, list of those— Occupied by Sparrow, 26, Reporting most injury to fruits and vegeta- |. bles, 48. Reporting most injury to grain, 68. Reporting most injury to grapes, 53. Statues defaced by filth, 147. Stelgidopteryx serripennis, 80. Stellaiia media, 305, 343, . Stomach contents ot Cuckoo, 128. Stomach contents of Sparrows, 100-101, 111, 123- 125, 133-146, 296, 304, 311-814, 318, 320, 321-323, 325 328-329, 331, 335, 336, 337, 342, 344-345, 347, INDEX. Stomach contents of Sparrows—Continued. Method of determining, 111, 133, 321-322. Tables of, 133-146. Stomachs, number examined, 100-101. f With few insects, 127, 131, 291, 296, 298, 299. With many insects, 328-329, 331, 336, 337, 338, 344-345. With no insects, 126,127,129, 130, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 293, 295, 296, 297. Storms, effects of, 32-34, 232-233, 234, 236-237. Strawberries, 48, 54, 55, 56, 57, 60, 63, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, 327. Street refuse, importance of, to the Sparrow, 34. String-beans, 146. Strychnine, 174, 175, 176, 177, 234, 236, 238, 324, 349, 351, 352. Experiments with, 176. Sturnella magna, 80, 274, 277. Sugar-corn, 62, 249. Suggestions as to poisons, 175. Sulphur fumes at roosts, 349. Summaries of evidence, 17-149. Why misleading, 13. Summary of food in England, 345, Summary of insects in stomachs, 120. Summary of reports on insects, 98-110, 128-131. Summer Martin, 267. Summer Sparrow, 276. Summer Warbler, 282, 283. Summer Yellow-bird (= Yellow Warbler), 270, 272,279. Sunflower, seed eaten, 48, 64, 65-66, 245, 247, 248, 251, 304. Wild. seed eaten, 66. Superabundance of nesting places, 96. Swallow, Bank, 80. Barn, 80, 86, 89, 262, 266, 271, 272, 275, 277, 278, 282, 283. Blue-backed=Tree Swallow, q. v. Chimney (see Swift), 80, 278. Cliff, 80, 88, 89, 262, 268, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 282, 283, 307, 327. Eave (=Cliff Swallow), 88, 262, 271, 276, 282. European, 335. Fork-tailed (= Barn Swallow), 88. House, 266. Jug or Mud (=Cliff), 80, 88, 273, 274. Rough-winged, 80. Sand (=Bank), 80. Tree, 80, 82, 84, 85, 86, 88, 90, 96, 97, 262, 265, 269, 270, 272, 282, 283, 327. Violet-green, 80. White-bellied or White-breasted. Tree.) Swallows, kind not specified, 80, 81, 86, 88, 89, 90, 262, 264, 265, 266, 268, 269, 271, 272, 273, 276, 278, 279, 282, 307. Killed by Sparrows;'90, 307. Sparrows killed by, 282. Swede turnip buds destroyed, 344. = Sweet apples, 250. Sweet corn, 62, 66, 244, 246, 249, 254, 255, Sweet peas, 49, 64. (See Swift, Chimney, 80, 278, 282. INDEX. Sycamore pollen eaten, 344. Synopsis of evidence relating to native birds, 261, Synopsis of replies relating to insectivorous hab- its, 284. Synopsis of replies relating to trees and vines, 240, Synopsis of testimony relating to fruits and veg- etables, 213-244. Synopsis of testimony relating to grain crops, 252. Tables showing— Approximate spread of the Sparrow, 27. Cost of bounties, 158. Distribution of Sparrow in the United States and Canada, with dates of first appearance, 199-232. Injury to buds and blossoms, 45. Injury to fruits and vegetables, 48. Injury to grain, 68. Places and dates of introduction, 19-21. Probable effects of bounties, 157. Seasonal variation in insect diet, 106. Stomach contents, 133-146, 3)1-314, 322, 344-345, Theoretical increase, 29. Tachycineta bicolor, 80, 82, 84, 85, 86, 88, 90, 96, 97, 262, 265, 269, 270, 272, 282, 283, 307, 309, 327. thalassina, 80. Tanagers, 80, 270. Taraxacum officinale, 343. Tarentula, 112, 120. Taxes recommended in Australia, 352. Temperature, effects of, 236, 239. Tender shoots eaten, 244, 245, 246, 247, 249, 250, 251. Tennessee bird-law, 172. Tent caterpillar, 102, 129, 131, 288, 300. Eggs of, 300. : Teras contaminana, 345. Termes flavipes, 130, 291. Termites, white-ants, 102, 129, 130, 291, 294. Testimony, amount of, 12. Methods of collecting, 11-12. Original, in detail, 198-301. Published, American, 304-329. Foreign, 330-357. Tettiz, 111,119. Texas bird-law, 173. Thatched roofs destroyed, 148-149, 338. Theoretical increase, 29. Thrasher, Brown, 80, 266, 278, 280. Thrips, not eaten, 348. Thrush, Brown, 80, 268, 278, 280. Hermit, 80, 273. Migrating (=Robin), 268. Wood, 80, 274, 275, 278. Thrushes, kind not specified, 80, 265, 268, 272, 273, 275, 278, 280, 335. Protected in England, 335. Thryothorus ludovicianus, 80, 276, 277, 200. bewickii, 80, 264, 276. Thunder-stormg, effects of, 33-34, 232-233, 234, 236- 237, Thyridopterys, 121, 324-325, Tiger-beetle (Cicindela), 102, 130, 295, Timothy, 146, 311, 325. Tiphia tnornata, 112, 113, 114, 115. Tipula, 338, 345. 403 Titmouse, Black-capped, 89.: Kind not specified, 80, 269. Tobacco seed, 49. Tobacco-moth, 129. Tobacco-worm, 102, 128, 131. Tomato, injury to, 48, 59, 247, 249, 25%. » Tomtit, 80, 280. Towhee, Chewink, 80. Towhee, Brown, 80. Towns forsaken by Sparrows, 70. Transportation, accidental, in cars, 23, 309. Trapping Sparrows, 37-40, 178-191. Traps and nets, suggestions as to use of, 151, 164~ 165. Trap-shooting with Sparrows, 178-191. Tree caterpillar, 102, 287. Tree hopper, 140. Tree lice, 102, 299. Tree Sparrow, 80, 270, 271, 272, 289. Canada, 192. European, 191-194. Tree Swallow (=White-bellied Swallow), 80, 82, 84, 85, 86, 88, 90, 96, 97, 262, 265, 269, 270, 272, 282, 283, 327. Killed by Sparrow, 270. Trees, injury to, 40-48, 240-243. Trifolium pratense, 146. repens, 146, Triticum vulgare, 146. Trochilus colubris, 80, 95, 277. Troglodytes aédon, 80, 82, 83, 85, 87-88, 93, 96, 97, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 280, 282, 283, 309, 327. aédon parkmannii, 80. Tuberose buds destroyed, 49, 64. Tulips destroyed, 49, 249. Turdus aonalaschke pallasit, 80, 273. mustelinus, 80, 274, 275, 278. Turnip leaves or sprouts eaten, 48, 63, 245. Turnip seed eaten, 48, 64, 65, 244, 245, 246, 247, 218. Turnips pecked, 245. Turnus butterfly, 102, 291. Turpentine as poison, 349. Tussock-moth (Orgy ia), 100, 102, 107-109, 121, 129,, 130, 131, 291, 292, 298, 294, 324-325. Tyrannus tyrannus, 80, 92, 94, 265, 268, 269, 271, 275,. 276, 277, 278, 281. Tyrant Flycatcher (=King-bird), 269. Ulmus americanus, defoliated by Orgyia, 108. Undetermined vegetable matter in stomachs, 134,. 135, 186, 187, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142; 143, 144, 145. Unprovoked attacks on native birds, 92-94, 97, 263, 264. Unusual nests of the Sparrow, 307, Useful birds in England, 334. Utah, no sparrow law in, 173. Valmont de Bomare, 302. Value of Sparrows for food, 182. Van Dieman’s Land, Scottish thistle in, 308, Vanessa antiopa, 102, 291. Vanessa butterfly, 102, 291. Vaporer-moth. (See Tussock-moth ) Vegetables, injury to, 60-66, 243-252. List of those injured, 48. Seed eaten, 64-66, 244-252. 404 Venango grape, 55. Verbascum thapsus, 120. Verbena hastata, seeds of, in stomach, 312. Verdict of American Ornithologists’ Union, 315- 318. Vermont bird-law, 173. Vesper Sparrow (= Grass Finch), 80, 270. - Vines, buds of, eaten, 40-42, 43, 45, 46, 47, 243. Injury to, 40-42, 43, 45, 46, 47, 240-243. Vineyards badly damaged, 51, 54. Vineyards of Western New York, 52-53. Violet-green Swallow, 80. Vireo gilvus, 80, 92, 264, 282. noveboracensis, 80, 92. olivaceus, 80, 265, 269. Vireo, Red-eyed, 80, 265, 269. Warbling, 80, 92, 264, 282. White-eyed, 80, 92. Vireos, kind not specified, 80, 81, 88, 92, 270, 327. Nestlings killed, 92. Virginia, no sparrow law in, 173. Virginia Yellow-bird, 283. Vitis, 146. Voice of English Sparrow, 149, 192. Voice of European Tree Sparrow, 192. Warbler, Myrtle, 80, 283. Summer, 282, 283. Yellow, §0, 81, 270,272, 279, 280, 282, 283, 327. Yellow-rump (=Mpyrtle), 80, 283. Warblers, kind not specified, 80, 262, 263, 264, 266, 267, 269, 275, 281, 327. In England, 335, 337. Warbling Vireo, 80, 92, 264, 282. Nestlings killed, 92. Wariness. (See Sagacity.) Washington Territory, no sparrow law in, 173. Wasps, 49-50, 102, 115-116, 134, 135, 136, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 289. Wasps and grapes, 49-50. Wasps injure over-ripe fiuit, 49-50. Water-beetles, 342. « Water-pipes choked with nests, 148. Web caterpillars, 126, 308. Web-worm, fall web-worm, 100, 118, 123, 128, 129, 130, 286, 288, 297, 298, 324-325, Number eaten by Cuckoo, 123. Weed seed, destruction of, 52, 65, 66-68, 124, 250, 258, 311, 312, 322, 325, 328, 336, 343, 345. In Sparrows’ stomachs, 52, 136, 187, 138, 189, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 146. List of kinds eaten in England, 343. Weeds, 2 protection in vineyards, 52. Weevils, 102. Western Bluebird, 80. Western House Finch, 89. West Virginia bird-law, 173. Wheat: Damaged by Sparrow, 69-73, 74, 76, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260, 323. Distant from town, 69. Experiments spoiled, 73. Found in stomachs, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146. In Australia, 349, 351, 357. INDEX. Wheat: In barns, 71. In England, 330, 331, 332, 336, 337, 339, 340, 344, 345, 347. In the milk, 71. In shock, stack, and crib, 69, 70,71, 72, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260. Late-sown, 69. New-sown, 69. Number of reports on, 68. Scratched up, 69. Wheat, Clawson, 73. Diehl Mediterranean, 73. Martin Amber, 73. Wheat-fields, edges damaged, 70, 72. Wheat insects, 102. Whippoorwill, disappearance of, 283. White of Selbourne, 333, 346. White ants, 102, 129, 130, 291, 294. White arsenic, 174, 177. White-bellied Nuthatch, 80. White-bellied Swallow (=Tree Swallow), 80, 82,84, 85, 86, 88, 90, 96, 97, 262, 265, 269, 270, 272, 282, 283, 307, 309, 327. White-breasted Swallow (=White-bellied Swal- low), 309, 327, 307. White cabbage butterfly, 130. White caterpillar, 129, 290. White clover, beetles feeding on, 117. Seed eaten, 146. White elm, buds eaten, 242. White-eyed Vireo, 80, 92. White grubs, 116, 280, 297. White-marked tussock-moth, 12], 324-325. see Tussock-moth ) Widmann on European Sparrows at Saint Louis, 10, 191-194. : Wild Canary (=Goldfinch), 80, 265. Wild cherries, 48. Wild grapes, 55, 250. Wild radish, 343. Wild rice, 76. Wild spinach, 343. Wild sunflower, 66. Willow-moth, 342. ‘Window casings soiled, 147. Window Martin, European, 283. Winged ants, 102, 126, 130, 140, 291. Winter-killed Sparrows, 32-33, 233, 234, 235, 238, 239. Winter weather, effects of, 33, 308. Wire-worms, 345. Wisconsin bird-law, 173. Wistaria buds eaten, 45. Woodpecker, Downy, 80, 266, 269, 272, 274, 275, 277, 279. Golden-winged, 80, 269, 281, 282. Hairy, 80, 266, Red-headed, 80, 264, 265, 282. Yellow-bellied, 0, 95. Woodpeckers, kind not specified, 80, 91, 152-153, 267, 275. Nestlings killed, 91. Wood Pewee, 80, 277. Wood Pigeon, harmful in England, 335. Wood Robin (= Wood Thrush), 278. (Also INDEX. ‘Wood Thrush, 80, 274, 275, 278. Worms, apple-tree, 102, Hairy, 100, 130, 290. wind not specified, 102, 129,284, 288, 289,290, 293, 294, 295, 297, 299, 300, 301. Sparrows driven out by, 308. Stolen from Bluebird, 94. Stolen from Robin, 275, 305. ‘Wounded grasshoppers eaten, 289. Wren, Bewicks, 80, 264, 276. Carolina, 80, 276, 277, 280. Great Carolina, 277. House, 80, 82, 83, 85, 87-88, 93, 96, 97, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 280, 282, 283, 309,327. Parkman's, 80. Wrens, 80, 81, 83, 85, 86, 87-88, 96, 97, 262, 264, 265, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282. Nestlings attacked, 87. Nestlings killed, 88, 93. Wrens in England, 335. Wyoming, no sparrow law in, 173. Xiphidium, 111, 119. ‘ Xylaspis, 112. Yarrell’s figure of Sparrow, 16. ‘Yellow-bellied Woodpecker, 80, 95. Killed by Sparrow, 95. Yellow-billed Cuckoo, 80, 108-109, 324-325. Eats hairy caterpillars, 108-109. Yellow-bird, 66, 80, 88, 91, 265, 267, 270, 271, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278. Eats sunflower seed, 66. Nestlings killed by Sparrow, 91. Summer (Yellow Warbler), 270, 272, 279, Virginia, 283. Yellow butterfly, 102. 405 Yellow Finch, 267. Yellow-jackets and grapes, 50. Yellow-rumped Warbler (=Myrtle Warbler), 80, 283. Yellow-shafted Flicker (=Golden-winged Wood- pecker, 269, 281, 282. Yellow Underwing (moth), 345. Yellow Warbler, 80, 81, 270, 272, 279, 280, 282, 283, 327. Eggs and young destroyed, 327. Young birds killed by Sparrows, 90, 91, 276, 307, 339. Young grapes damaged, 47, 249. Young Martins starve in dry seasons, 193. Young plants eaten by Sparrows, 244, 245, 246, 247, 249, 250, 251. Young seed-pods eaten, 64. Young Sparrows, age at which they begin to breed, 30, 234, 311. Date of hatching, 27, 105, 237. Destruction of, 165, 180. Food of, 61,99, 103, 124, 125, 128, 129, 132, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293, 295, 296, 297, 299, 300, 305, 317-318, 320, 328-329, 330, 331, 335, 336, 337, 338, 340, 342, 344, 345, Insect food of, 99, 103, 124, 125, 128, 129, 132, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293, 295, 296, 297, 299, 300, 305, 330, 331, 335, 336, 337, 338, 340, 342, 344, 345, Killed by Martins, 274. Nomber hatched and reared, 27, 30, 232, 233, 234, 236. Vegetable food of, 61, 331, 337, 345. Young turnips eaten, 245. Young vegetables destroyed, 63-64. Zea mays, 146. Zenatdura macroura, 280. Zizania aquatica, 76. c OF THF. ENGLISH SPARROW (PASSER DOMESTICUS) at the end of the year 1886. PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION .| OF THE ORNITHOLOGIST \ by F.E.L.Beal (SECOND EDITION) U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. HAWKS AND OWLS FROM THE STANDPOINT OF THE FARMER, BY A. K. FISHER, M. D., Assistant Ornithologist, U. S. Department of Agriculture. [Reprinted from the Yearbook of the U. S. Department of Agriculture for 189.4.] WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1895. CONTENTS. Page Cause of the prejudice against birds of prey.......-.-... 2.200022 2e eee eee eee 215 Some characteristics of rapacious birds.....-..--......2. 02.2 022202 eee eee eee 216 Food habits of the principal birds of prey...-... .......2.-..2.22.-22-222---- 217 Harmless species of hawks and owls .-.......-.------. 2222 cee eee eee eee ee ee 218 Wholly beneficial hawks eccceesecoucs velsece wees 25 ncaccu ceseseciimnesense seen 219 Hawks and owls mostly beneficial.....-..-....2..0. 202. 022 eee eee ee eee eee 220 Harmful hawks and owls... 2.222222 002 cece cee cee cee tees cee cee eee eens 229 ILLUSTRATIONS. Page Plate I. Red-tailed hawk (Buteo borealis) ....-........-02 0.200. cece eee eee 224 Plate II. Sparrow hawk (falco sparverius) ...........-2-2.0----2- 2-2-2222 e ee ee 224 Plate III. Barred owl (Syrnium nebulosum)...-..---.-.22-- 2-22-0222 222 eee eee 224 Fig. 21. Swainson’s hawk (Buteo swainsoni) ........---- 2-222 -222ee eee eee eee 218 Fig. 22. Burrowing owl (Speotyto c. hypogwa)..--.. .--- 2-2-2222 222-2 eee e ee 226 Fig. 23. Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) ......-...-2---. 2-20-22 222 eee eee 228 Fig. 24. Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperi) .....---. 02222. eee ence cee eee eee 230 HAWKS AND OWLS AS RELATED TO THE FARMER. ; By A. K. Fisurr, M. D., Assistant Ornithologist, U. S. Department of Agriculture. CAUSE OF THE PREJUDICE AGAINST BIRDS OF PREY. The old saying that “a little knowledge is a dangerous thing” is exemplified in the way our hawks and owls are looked upon by a large majority of mankind. The farmer sees a hawk strike a fowl which has wandered from the farmyard; the sportsman, while planning the cap- ture of a covey of quail, finds the mutilated remains of a game bird and feels sure it is the unlawful prey of a thieving owl—without further investigation both men condemn birds of prey as a class, and lose no opportunity to destroy them and their eggs and young. The ill feeling has become so deep rooted that it is instinctive even in those who have never seen any depredations. How are we to account for this hatred against birds of prey by the class of men who should be the first to clamor for their protection? The prejudice is largely due to lack of discrimination. Since they know that hawks and owls attack poultry, they do not stop to think that these depredations may be made by a few species only, but make a sweeping condemnation of the whole family. The reasoning is much the same as that of an Indian or fron- tiersman, who, being wronged by one individual, condemns a whole race. It would be just as rational to take the standard for the human race from highwaymen and pirates as to judge all hawks by the deeds of a few. Even when the industrious hawks are observed beating tirelessly back and forth over the harvest fields and meadows, or the owls are seen at dusk flying silently about the nurseries and orchards, busily engaged in hunting the voracious rodents which destroy alike the grain, produce, young trees, and eggs of birds, the curses of the majority of farmers and sportsmen go with them, and their total extine- tion would be welcomed. -How often are the services rendered to man misunderstood through ignorance! The birds of prey, the majority of which labor day and night to destroy the enemies of the husbandinan, are persecuted unceasingly, while that gigantic fraud—the house cat— is petted and fed and given a secure shelter from which 1t may emerge in the evening to spread destruction among the feathered tribe. The difference between the two can be summed up in a few words—ouly three or four birds of prey hunt birds when they can procure rodents for 215 216 YEARBOOK OF THE U. 8. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. food, while a cat seldom touches mice if she can procure birds or young poultry. A cat has been known to kill 20 young chickens in a day, which is more than most raptorial birds destroy in a lifetime. It is to be lamented that the members of the legislative committees who draft the game laws of various States have not a better knowledge of the life histories of raptorial birds. It is surprising also that gun clubs should be so far behind the times as to offer prizes to those who kill the greatest number of birds of prey; for in clubs of any impor- tance, there must be naturalists whose counsel ought to prevent such barbarity. That the beneficial species of hawks and owls will eventu- ally be protected there is not the slightest doubt, for when the farmer is convinced that they are his friends he will demand their protection; and already the leading agricultural papers and sportsman’s journals are deprecating their indiscriminate slaughter. SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF RAPACIOUS BIRDS. The rapacious birds are slow breeders, rearing only one brood a year, though of course if the first set of eggs is destroyed another will be deposited. The young grow slowly and need a relatively large amount of food to develop properly. To satisfy their enormous appetite requires constant foraging on the part of the parents, and the strain of bringing up the family is probably twice that of any of the other land birds. Even the adults are large eaters, gorging to the utmost when the opportunity presents; and as digestion is very rapid and assimilation perfect, a great quantity of food in relation to the body weight is con- sumed each day. Taking more food than necessary for immediate wants enables them to store up force for future emergencies, for they are often required to withstand great exposure and long-protracted fasts, especially during inclement weather. Hawks and owls are complementary to each other. While hawks hunt by day and keep diurnal mammals in check, owls, whose eyesight is keenest during twilight and the early hours before dawn, capture nocturnal species which the former is not apt to obtain. Again, the owls are less migratory than the hawks, and during the long winter nights they remain in the land of ice and snow to wage incessant war- fare against the little enemies of the orchard, garden, and harvest fields. Although much may be learned about the food from observing the habits of the live birds, the only way to find out the full range and relative percentages of the food elements is by examination of the stomach contents. Sometimes, in the case of birds of prey, a moder- ately complete and reliable index to the food can be obtained by exam- ining the “pellets.” Hawks and owls often swallow their smaller victims entire and tear the larger ones into several pieces, swallowing each fragment as it is detached. After the nutritious portion of the food has been absorbed, the indigestible parts, such as hair, feathers, scales, bones, and other hard parts, are rolled into a solid ball by the HAWKS AND OWLS AS RELATED TO THE FARMER. 217 action of the muscles of the stomach. These masses, known as ‘“pel- lets” are regurgitated before fresh food is taken. The movements of the stomach so shape the “pellets” that the sharp pieces of bone which might otherwise injure the mucous membrane are carefully enveloped in a felty covering of hair or feathers. The pellets contain everything necessary to identify the food, and in the case of some of the owls which have regular roosting places the vast number of pellets that collect underneath give an almost perfect record of the results of their hunting excursions. FOOD HABITS OF THE PRINCIPAL BIRDS OF PREY. It is the object of the present paper to review more or less briefly the food habits of the principal birds of prey of the United States, so that those who are most interested in the subject may be able to distinguish between enemies and friends, and hence be saved the humiliation of wronging the latter while endeavoring to destroy the former. Hawks and owls may be divided arbitrarily into four classes, accord- ing to their beneficial and harmful qualities: (1) Species which are wholly beneficial. (2) Those chiefly beneficial. (3) Those in which the beneficial and harmful qualities about balance. (4) Harmful species. It should be stated here that several of the species may belong to one or another class according to the locality they frequent. A hawk or owl may be locally injurious because at that place mice, squirrels, insects, and other noxious animals are scarce, and consequently the bird has to feed on things of more or less value to man, while in other regions where its favorite food is obtainable in sufficient quantity it does absolutely no harm.