150 



of sparrows have been introduced into ike United States and Canada 

 a considerable number direct from Europe, and a much greater number 

 from their progeny in this country. The places and dates of the first 

 importations, so far as known, are as follows : — 



Brooklyn, N.Y., 1851-52 ; Portland, Maine, 1854-58 ; Peace Dale, 

 Rhode Island, 1858; Boston, 1858-1868; New York City, 1860; 

 Philadelphia, 1869, and not long afterwards into nearly every State of the 

 Union. In Canada they were first introduced at Quebec in 1864, 

 Montreal 1870, Ottawa the same year, Hamilton 1872, Toronto 1875, 

 Halifax 1875-76. 



The English or House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) is common 

 over nearly the whole of Europe, the northern parts of Africa, and a 

 large part of Asia. It has also been introduced into New Zealand and 

 Australia, and has become, like the rabbits, a great pest in those coun- 

 tries. It is known to have been quite common in eastern countries 

 before the beginning of the Christian era. Aristotle mentions it as 

 being a common bird in Greece in his day. Dr. Charles Pickering, of 

 Boston, states that in hieroglyphic times the picture of a sparrow indi- 

 cated an enemy or one ready to fight. I think most of you who are at 

 all familiar with the habits and disposition of their latter day descend- 

 ants will agree with me that they are no unworthy sons of their ancient 

 pugnacious sires. In an old and highly venerated book, which some of 

 you may occasionally see, it is stated that the current price of sparrows 

 some two thousand years ago or thereabouts was two for one farthing, 

 a pretty sure indication that sparrows were either very plentiful at that 

 time and place or that farthings had a higher commercial value than 

 they now have. 



As has already been stated the consensus of opinion among 

 observers, regarding the habits and food of sparrows, is unmistakably 

 against them so far as agricultural pursuits are concerned, and the 

 verdict has gone forth that it would be better if they were made to go. 

 Accepting this dictum as final, the que tion naturally enough arises, can 

 they be made to obey ] It has been said by some that they could " call 

 spirits from the vasty deep," but the reply to the question, " Will they 

 come 1" has never been satisfactorily answered ; so it may be with our 

 little fellow-emigrants. The question of their going may not be very 



