Feb. 3, 1908.] Agricultural Gazette of N.S.TF. 129 



If these two methods were carried out thoroughly for three or four seasoi,s 

 there would be no Sparrow pest worth mentioning ; and a little timely work 

 in looking after the breeding haunts would, in pi-ev'enting the production of 

 young, stop any great increase for the immediate future. 



Introduction of Foreign Birds. 



With regard to tlie indiscriminate introduction of l)irds to this country, a 

 suggestion was once made to us (February, 1905) "that a little green bird 

 (a nice whistler) from Hongkong, whose food is the nnjth (?), should be 

 introduced here as likely to l^e of use in keeping down Codling Moth." 



Without knowing something about the habits of any bird in its native 

 home, it would be folly to introduce it into a new home ; for it might prove 

 to be of no real use and perhaps a positive pest. 



In New South Wales, under the Stock Act, there is no restriction placed 

 on the introduction of foreign birds. For regulations, &c., as to importation 

 of other animals, see page 41, Stock Act. The Birds Protection Act gives 

 no protection to Sparrows or Starlings. Originally Starlings were protected, 

 but the protection was removed under Gazette notice 17th February, 1905. 



Native Birds suflieient as Insect-checks. 



We do not neetl the sparrow as an insect-destroyer. The nati\e birds are 

 numerous as to species and also as individuals, and are quite sufficient for our 

 needs. The available feeding-grounds are admirably divided amongst the 

 ■different groups : the ground providing food for many, others attending to 

 the bark of trees ; others, again, to the leaves and lesser twigs ; whilst flying 

 insects are mainly looked after by fly-catchers. Small plants, as vegetables, 

 are attended to by certain of the ground-feeders, as the Chats, also some of 

 the Tits (Yellow-tail) and the Silver Eye. The customary food habits are 

 varied at times for change of food, much to our annoyvnce ; for instance, in 

 the case of the Silver Eye. The small birds should be encouraged and 

 attracted under all circumstances, by not shooting or disturbing them, and 

 l)y providing occasional food and a water supply. At the times when they 

 are likely to be destructive we must watch them and drive them away. 



General Suggestions with regard to the Sparrow. 



Certain matters need to be strongly emphasized here if there is to be any 

 •effort made to reduce in numbers this increasing pest. Circumstances in 

 this country are such as to allow it to increase to enormous projiortions. It 

 has entered into a position here with tremendous possibilities before it in respect 

 ■of space, food, sparse population, and absence of enemies for the present. 



We cannot afford to wait until such time, if ever it arrives, when our 

 native flesh-eating birds have come to the front and, as in other countries, 

 act as a sufficient check : it takes time for them to become accustomed to a 

 new article of food. 



It is difficult to give any idea as to what the bird will Ijreed up to if left 

 alone for another five years. Let us as-iume that with us each breeding pair 

 raises sixteen young in a year, and that these are half males and half females ; 



