526 NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS. 



however, in 1871, was more successful. One thousand birds were let loose 

 in the public squares of Philadelphia in the spring of 1869. In and about 

 Havana it is said to be common, as also about Great Salt Lake, where it 

 was recently introduced by the Mormons, according to Mr. J. A. Allen. 

 Habits. The common House Sparrow of Europe has, within the past few 



years, achieved a right to a place in the 

 avi-fauna of N'orth America by its com- 

 plete introduction, and its reproduction in 

 large numbers, in various parts of the 

 country, from Portland, Me., to Washing- 

 ton City, as also about Salt Lake. 



The first attempt to introduce these 

 birds, within ray knowledge, was made 

 by a gentleman named Deblois, in Port- 



were set at liberty in a large garden in the central part of the city. 

 They remained in the neighborhood through the winter, and in the shel- 

 tering porch of a neighboring church they found places of shelter and 

 security. In the following spring three nests were built in dwarf pear- 

 trees in the garden in which they were first set at liberty. One, at 

 least, of these nests, was successfully occupied, and six young birds were 

 reared from it. A second nest, with four young, was also hatched by the 

 same pair. Neither of these nests was globular in shape, but open and 

 coarse, built of hay and straws. These nests were taken, after their use, and 

 came into my possession. Since then I have been informed that these birds 

 increased and nmltiplied, and for a while were quite abundant in that portion 

 of the city, and a large colony of this Sparrow appeared in the winter of 

 1871 in Rockland, Me. 



Two years later, Mr. Eugene Schieffelin, of New York, imported and set 

 at_ liberty, near Madison Square, in that city, twelve of these birds, and this 

 he repeated for several successive summers. In 1864, fourteen birds were 

 set at liberty in Central Park, by the Commissioners. Otlier birds were also 

 brought from England, by different parties, in the Cunard steamers, and re- 

 leased at Jersey City. These have increased very largely, and liave spread 

 to the adjoining cities, until tliese birds have become familiar and social resi- 

 dents in all the large cities and towns within an extended area around New 

 York, as well as in all parts of that city. 



They were introduced into Boston by the City Government in 1868. Two 

 hundred birds were purchased in Germany, but unfortunately all died on 

 their passage except about a score. These were set at liberty in June, but, 

 weakened by their sea- voyage, several of them were found dead in the deer- 

 park, and the rest disappeared. The following summer more were imported, 

 but all died except ten. These were well cared for, and only released 

 when in excellent condition. For some months nothino- was seen of these 



