46 



YARRELL'S BRITISH BIRDS. 



Many of our readers may have read the observations on 

 the Sparrow in the second volume of this work, the fourth 

 edition of which is just completed. As the work is in 

 deserved esteem, and the editor, Professor Newton, is a 

 very accurate observer, the following short extract is 

 taken : 



' It may freely be admitted that in many instances the 

 damage done to peas and ripening grain is incalculable ; 

 but equally incalculable is the service as often performed 

 by the destruction of insect-pests. Not only are the 

 young, during the earlier part of the breeding-season, 

 mainly fed on destructive caterpillars, but the parents, 

 for their own sustenance, then capture, even on the wing, 

 a large number of noxious insects in their perfect stage.' 



Most of the readers of this little book will probably 

 think that Mr. Gurney and Colonel Russell have well 

 reckoned up the 'incalculable service' rendered by 

 sparrows in the destruction of injurious insects. Per- 

 haps Professor Newton himself might admit that Mr. 

 Gurney and Colonel Russell have bestowed more time 

 and labour in the investigation of the habits of this 

 ;particidar bird than Professor Newton has found 

 possible. 



In a note on page 96 of Yarrell, Professor Newton 

 refers to the introduction of the sparrow in North 

 America, New Zealand, Australia, etc., and adds, ' in 

 most of these places it will of course oust some of the 

 indigenous species, and will most probably in a few years 



