236 LAND-BIRDS AND GAME-BIRDS 



reddi'sh-broivn, black-streaked; but crown, rump, etc., ashy. 

 Forehead, loreSj and throat, black; other under parts, brownish 

 or graj'ish. 9 . Without black on the head ; brown of the 

 baclv ratlier grayish. 



(b). The eggs are often somewhat elongated, the length 

 being about 'So of an inch, and the breadth sometimes no more 

 than "55. They are dull white, or grayish, marked with ashy, 

 and sometimes purplish or dark brown. These markings are 

 commonly spread over the egg numerously and evenl^y. 



(c). The House Sparrows, or, as they are better known to 

 Americans, the English Sparrows, have been introduced into 

 the United vStates within twentj'' j-ears, and into Boston within 

 ten years. Tliey are now abundant in many cities and towns, 

 but the wisdord of their introduction is greatly to be doubted. 

 They are extremely prolific, and it is not improbable that a 

 pair ma}' often produce thirt}' 3'oung in one j'ear, for they begin 

 to build their nests even in winter. This disproportionate in- 

 crease, and their tj'rannical disposition, render them dangerous 

 to our birds, mau}^ of whom they have already driven from 

 Boston Common. So long, however, as they confine them- 

 selves to their present haunts, and do not invade the country, 

 the}' will not be insufi'erable. As to their value, though it is 

 said that they have greatly checked the ravages of canker- 

 worms, they are very destructive to fruit-blossoms, and they 

 are now too pampered by luxury to be efficiently useful, being 

 constantly provided with food and with lodgings. They are 

 regardless of cold, and nearly so of man, but, except in their 

 familiarity, they possess no charms, being unmusical. 



(cZ). Their only notes are chirps or twitterings, which may 

 be almost constantly heard. . 



XXV. PYRGITA 



(A) MONTANA. Tree Sparroio.'^ Ifountain Sparroio. 



"Not to be confounded with the American Tree Sparrow, XIV, B. Several 

 other European birds, such as the Serin Finch, and Goldfinch of that country, are 

 said to have occurred in Massachusetts, but they were, almost without doubt, 

 escaped from cages. 



