No. 20.] THE BIRDS OF CONNECTICUT, 323 



" Sparrows are accustomed to feed in close flocks, and when 

 thus assembled a large number can be killed by a charge of 

 No. 10 shot. The best way is to scatter grain over long, narrow 

 areas and shoot the sparrows at these baiting places. Where 

 sparrows infest poultry yards, the bait may be placed on a hor- 

 izontal board, supported at such an elevation that the birds can 

 be shot without danger to the poultry. 



" Since English Sparrows are a pest, and a reduction of their 

 numbers is important on economic grounds, there would seem 

 to be no reason why the birds, when trapped or shot, should not 

 be utilized for food in this country, as they have been in the 

 Old World for centuries. Their flesh is palatable and nutritious, 

 and in city restaurants they are often served under the name of 

 reedbirds. 



" Where the use of poison is not prohibited by law, it may 

 be effectively used to reduce the number of sparrows. Of the 

 different poisons tested, the most satisfactory is strychnfa sul- 

 phate. It is easily prepared and acts quickly. Wheat has proved 

 to be a good bait, as well as an excellent vehicle for administer- 

 ing the poison. The grain should be regularly supplied at the 

 baiting stations until the birds have become accustomed to resort 

 to the place. A good time to put it out is early morning, as the 

 birds are sure to be hungry for breakfast. The capacity of the 

 sparrow's crop and stomach is about 30 kernels of wheat, varying 

 according to the size of the kernels. In deciding the amount of 

 poisoned wheat to put out at one time, it is well to estimate the 

 number of sparrows frequenting a feeding place and to allow 

 about 20 kernels for each sparrow. 



" Although two kernels of wheat coated with the solution 

 described below have been known to kill a sparrow, 6 or 7 

 kernels are required to insure fatal results. Only as much poison 

 should be put out as is likely to be eaten in one day, as exposure 

 to moisture reduces its virulence. Furthermore, sparrows that 

 take less than a fatal quantity, or that become frightened by the 

 death of comrades, will forsake a feeding place if poison is kept 

 there constantly. It is better, therefore, to supply unpoisoned 

 wheat after each poisoning until the birds have recovered con- 

 fidence. An important advantage in having several feeding 

 grounds is that they may be used in rotation, the sparrows for- 



