THE SPARROW; ITS VIRTUES. 167 
This latter note is especially interesting, inasmuch 
as, probably owing to some ill flavour, the caterpillar 
of the currant moth is almost invariably refused by 
toads and insectivorous birds; and every gardener 
and fruit-grower knows the importance of keeping 
down its numbers. The gooseberry saw-fly, again, 
is at times peculiarly destructive ; and it is needless 
to enlarge upon the mischievous capabilities of the 
cabbage white butterfly. It is only fair to say, how- 
ever, that when other food, such as grain, is attain- 
able, the sparrow will frequently neglect these and 
other insects in its favour. 
I have also been told by another clerical friend, 
who was for many years a resident in Norfolk, 
that at one time he was the only inhabitant of his 
parish who protected the sparrow, the neighbouring 
farmers and gardeners persecuting it without mercy, 
as farmers and gardeners will. He himself, however, 
not only protected, but encouraged the bird, allowed 
it free access to his garden, and refused to allow such 
as took refuge therein to be in any way molested or 
disturbed. The sparrows took advantage of his 
indulgence, and made the garden their principal 
stronghold ; and yet the crop of fruit, year after year, 
was the finest in the neighbourhood. Even in 
seasons when, as not infrequently happened, the 
surrounding district was ravaged by destructive 
insects, his garden alone escaped—a clear and posi- 
tive proof that the presence of the bird is less detri- 
mental than is generally supposed. 
And I have seen much the same myself in the 
