46 The Wilson Bulletin — No. 78. 



far off when they will become as obnoxious as the omnipresent 

 Passer domesticus is to us now. 



They have several characteristics which in themselves are 

 very admirable. Prominent among these are their usefulness 

 as disposers of refuse and their pugnacity towards the exotic 

 sparrows. On the other hand, they roost in the shade trees 

 over the sidewalks, under cornices of buildings, and in many 

 places which are detrimental to pedestrians' clothing and to 

 the outward appearance of our buildings caused |by the un- 

 sightly marks due to their excretions. In line with the above, 

 they g'ive voice to a monotonous wheezing call which lasts 

 from sunrise to sunset and is very tiresome even 'to the most 

 confirmed bird lover, not considering the ,enforc2d unsophis- 

 ticated listener who will be only too apt to condemn them for 

 this alone. 



The next decade will, however, settle all controversies re- 

 garding these birds and positively prove their value to us. 

 It is sincerely hoped that at the end of this period the balance 

 will be " on the credit side of their account " as, aside from 

 the above not over serious objections, they are a magnificent 

 bird and one which the community at large may be proud to 

 have in their midst. 



