308 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 89 



experience, but because it affords a really constant menace to 

 tlie sparrows. Poisoning, shooting and trapping by other 

 means are effective only when attended to by some one. The 

 nest box trap, once put up, is always set, and if the receiving 

 sack be fairly large, needs visiting only once or twice a sea- 

 son, though common humanity will direct attention to it at 

 frequent intervals to prevent unnecessary cruelty. 



PREVENTION OF INCREASE. 



Sparrows are not allowed to roost anywhere on our prem- 

 isis ; at intervals of not more than a few days, we make the 

 rounds of the house and grounds, and by poking with a fish 

 pole in corners and above windows, and shaking vines and 

 awnings, any birds present are driven off; if disturbed more 

 than once, the same birds will not return. This undoubtedly 

 discourages to a large extent any attempt to build in these 

 places. 



Boxes made of boards are put up only for wrens, the hole 

 being made too small for sparrows. Any board box contain- 

 ing an ordinary sized hole, and especially if fitted with a perch 

 or ledge, will certainly be occupied by sparrows and not a 

 chance afforded the birds for which it was erected. 



Several boxes in the von Berplesch style hung on our trees 

 have been successfully occupied by wood-peckers, and are 

 now in use by nuthatches and possibly chickadees as winter 

 c[uarters. Early last spring the sparrows reconnoitered nearly 

 all of these boxes, but made no attempt to occupy them and 

 have not annoyed the rightful tenants. It may be too soon to 

 be sure, but indications point strongly to the immunity of this 

 style of nest boxes from occupation by the sparrows. If this 

 is so, they certainly deserve a wide sale. 



Our martin house has to be carefully watched, even for 

 some time after arrival of the martins. At least one pair of 

 sparrows will be allowed to rear broods without objection by 

 the martins, and it has been necessary each spring to climb 

 up several times and tear out nests. If the owner of a mar- 

 tin house is not persistently watchful, young sparrows will be 



