210 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 89 



to their ability to cling to the bark, the lack of which faculty 

 prevents the sparrows from interfering. 



In our part of Iowa, practically no seed eating birds are 

 seen in towns during the winter. It is therefore not worth 

 while to in efifect invite the sparrows by putting out grain of 

 any kind, especially as any such attempt is sure to be ren- 

 dered valueless by the pugnacity and persistance of the spar- 

 rows, who will eat or waste all the food put out. 



In conclusion, I believe I have demonstrated to my own 

 satisfaction that sparrows can be successfully combated, by 

 any one who can devote a small part of his spare time to the 

 work. It requires energy and persistence, but it can be done. 



In every locality, there needs to be a development of public 

 sentiment to a point where many will be become interested 

 enough to help. It is all well enough to talk and write about 

 conserving our native birds, putting up nest boxes for them, 

 etc., but in my humble opinion the crying need at present is 

 an active campaign against the sparrow. If we will reduce 

 the numbers of sparrows, native birds will certainly come in 

 of themselves, and have a chance to survive the increase in 

 towns and cities, which is denied them under present condi- 

 tions. 



Those of mature age can remember when the first visit of 

 the snow birds was a welcome event of the early winter. 

 When the lovely blue-birds, and vireos, and phoebes were 

 about our yards in town all summer. How sad it is that all 

 this is gone, perhaps forever, and we are compelled to listen 

 to the incessant chirp of the alien sparrows, and witness their 

 persecution of any hapless native birds that chance to stop 

 even for a day, in their migration. 



Lack of training and in doors occupation doubtless pre- 

 vents many members of the Wilson Club, as well as myself, 

 from following many lines of bird study we would enjoy; 

 these must be left to others. But there is a line of work we 

 can engage in, and one of the greatest importance. The des- 

 truction of the English Sparroisj. 



