32 THE HOUSE SPARROW. 



As the bird becomes older, its colors assume a richer 

 tint, until the wings and back become bright chestnut, 

 and bar in former is pure white." 



In view of the astonishing increase of this species in 

 Europe, are there no checks thereto, in the shape of 

 natural enemies? The last-mentioned writer, in his 

 history of this bird, says in England they are preyed 

 upon by the merlin, sparrow hawk, and weasel, and 

 perhaps by other quadrupeds, as well as by boys, cock- 

 ney sportsmen, and field naturalists. The mode of 

 capture employed by boys is thus described. For this 

 purpose a trap is constructed in this wise: two bricks 

 are placed parallel to each other, while a third is laid 

 across one of their extremities ; another brick, or a piece 

 of board or slab, is placed between the parallel bricks, 

 and supported by the aid of a vertical stick, the lower 

 extremity of which reposes upon the edge of a brick 

 arranged transversely. The trap being prepared, is 

 then baited with oatmeal, bread, or other edible sub- 

 stances. In attempting to get the bread, the prop be- 

 comes removed, the lid falls, and the sparrow remains a 

 prisoner. 



Immense numbers are also captured at night, while 

 perching among the ivy, their favorite roosting quarter, 

 by means of a net manufactured for that express pur- 

 pose. 



