FARMEKS" INSTITUTES. 50Y 



especially the Screech species, are destroyiug immense numbers annually, 

 and should be protected by man in every way possible. During the early 

 evenings of summer they are seen busily scanning the premises in search 

 of their prey. Not uncommonly, a sparrow hawk is seen to dart into a 

 covy of sparrows feeding on the ground, or in some berry patch or fruit, 

 tree and fly away with his victim. 



The Northern Shrike has been proven to be a very useful bird in de- 

 stroying them in parks and public gardens. So also, the crow-black bird 

 and blue jay have killed and devoured a share of these pests. 



In some places the scarcity of nesting places in our larger cities has 

 aided much in keeping them in check, but they have learned that they 

 can take to trees and elsewhere, so that but little is lost. 



At first upon their colonization in America, man's hostile influence to 

 them was practically nothing. The isolated opponents were aggressive 

 and did much to induce the biologists and others to systematically study 

 habits, multiplication and economic value. The tide of public opinion 

 gradually changed. The protective laws that had been enacted since his 

 importation were repealed. Later, laws were enacted legalizing his de- 

 struction and now 99 per cent, of our population can readily see the neces- 

 sity of his extermination. But can it be done? 



It is found that our foreign neighbors who were homesick for their 

 fatherland, in yeai-ning for the chirp and presence of the sparrow, have 

 helped to heap a curse upon us, instead of a blessing, by advocating and 

 assisting in its importation, and it is hoped that some means will be de- 

 vised to materially reduce their numbers. 



There have been many methods employed to check their icrease by 

 man, such as trapping, shooting, poisoning and destroying nests, but the 

 extreme cunning of these pests prevent much progress in this direction, 

 and some danger is attended shooting and poisoning to animals as well 

 as individuals. 



In Europe as well as America these birds have been used as an article 

 of diet, but it is believed that sparrow pot-pie will not become very popu- 

 lar, especially in this locality. 



The destructiveness of the sparrow to buds, blossoms, fruits, vegeta- 

 bles and grains is enormous, and from the following notes, the necessity 

 of immediate and systematic effort is necessary to abate the ravages of 

 these pests. 



Besides destroying the above, they seriously disfigure ornamental 

 vines, forest, shade and evergreen trees by their gregarious habits and 

 filth, and many a beautiful tree or vine is thus ruined. 



The destruction of buds and blossoms in winter and spring can not be 

 computed. Many observers, among which were those at the Department 

 of Agriculture grounds at Washington City, found the sparrows stripping 

 the flower buds from the ornamental bushes and the buds from the shade 

 trees throughout the city. As the peach buds began to unfold, with a 



