142 



INJURIOUS INSECTS OF 1904. 



THE ENGLISH SPARROW. 



Fig. 136. 



Our illustration is hardly needed, since this hardy and pugna- 

 cious bird has fought his way into every town and village of any 

 size in Minnesota. He is welcomed by some, possibly, on account 

 of his, cheerful chirpings in winter v/hen other birds have left us, 

 but disliked b}^ the majority not only because he defiles buildings 

 and walks, and by his persistence in nest building wears out the 

 patience of the house owner, who objects to the unsightly domicile 

 of straw under the eves of his home, but also because he drives 

 away other native birds whose presence is more desirable and more 

 advantageous than that of the English visitor. We will say here 

 that those seeking to encourage the wrens to build in bird houses 

 on their grounds should make the entrance exactly the size of a 

 silver quarter. This will admit the wrens, but keep out the unde- 

 sirable tenant. 



