HOUSE SPARROW. 345 



ascertain the distance to which it can move at a single leap, 

 as the incitements which induce men and the horse and other 

 animals to try their powers in this respect, cannot be applied 

 to it ; but it may frequently be seen to leap its own length 

 without apparent exertion. It is curious to observe how its 

 mode of progression and attitudes are modified by the condition 

 of the ground ; for, when the latter is dry, it moves about with 

 the tibio-tarsal joints much bent, and the tail depressed, where- 

 as, when it is wet, it keeps the leg extended, the body stretched 

 up, and the tail elevated. This circumstance brings to my re- 

 collection the pleasure I experienced on seeing a celebrated 

 painting, representing some cows in a meadow, by Cuyp, in 

 which a magpie had been figured walking about with its tail 

 elevated to keep it from contact with the moist grass, — a fact 

 which probably would have escaped the notice of at least nine- 

 tenths of those who undertake to represent nature on canvas. 



When in a state of activity, the Sparrow displays a neatness 

 and compactness of form, arising from the closeness of its 

 plumage, very difterent from the loose and bulky appearance 

 which it presents when at rest, or when perched in rainy 

 weather ; but in this respect it does not differ from other small 

 birds. Rustic sparrows are always more beautiful than those 

 residing in large towns, the latter generally having their plum- 

 age soiled by smoke and dirt. Indeed, the difference is strik- 

 ing, and the country sparrow is really a beautiful bird, having 

 none of that slovenly appearance which has gained for it in 

 towns the ajDpellation of a vulgar and dirty-looking creature. 

 But this is equally the case with our own species ; for the 

 farm-servant or field-labourer is a cleanly, robust, and healthy 

 animal, compared with the artizan of the city, begrimmed with 

 unwashed filth, pallid in countenance, feeble, bloated in frame, 

 and of unenduring constitution. 



In summer, it rolls itself in the dust, and basks in the sun, 

 like the domestic fowl. It also loves to lie on one side, in a 

 crouching attitude, on the sunny side of roofs, or on wall tops. 

 At all seasons, when the roads are dry, the Sparrows may be 

 seen fluttering in the dust, and casting it up around them with 

 their wings, often continuing this action for a long time. 



