SPARROWS. 4QI 
quoted by Buffon, which not only followed its soldier-master every- 
where, but would recognise him from all others in the regiment, 
proves they are both intelligent and capable of affection. 
Sparrows are eminently sociable, seeking their food, and building 
their nests near each other, whether it be in crevices of walls or under 
the eaves of houses, in hedges or trees, or in the deserted nests of 
swallows, which they have the effrontery to appropriate. In their nest, 
which is a bulky, soft, and 
warm structure, lined with 
wool, bristles, and hair, the 
female deposits from four 
to six eggs three times a 
year; their fecundity is con- 
sequently very great. They 
are omnivorous, but prefer 
seeds and the larve of 
insects to all other food. 
Oceans of ink have 
flowed to prove the ravages 
committed by Sparrows on 
corn-fields, and to demon- 
strate that they should be 
exterminated by the farmer. 
But it is now generally 
agreed that the Sparrow is 
a benefactor, and belongs 
to the list of useful birds. 
Have we not seen in the 
Palatinate that after the 
Sparrow was proscribed and 
exterminated, the inhabi- 
tants were under the neces- Ea Oe eee 
sity of re-importing it in 
order to arrest the ravages of insects, which, in consequence of this 
bird’s absence, had multiplied in a frightful manner ? 
The Goldfinch (/ringilla carduelts, Fig. 209) is the most gentle 
and peaceful of birds, at the same time is one of the prettiest 
of European races. It has the back brown, the face red, with a 
_ bright yellow spot upon each cheek ; its voice is full, sweet, and 
harmonious ; it is exceedingly docile, easily tamed and raised as a 
cage-bird ; in the aviary it soon becomes familiar, testifying great 
attachment to those who take charge of it ; it readily learns to sing 
