THE SPARROW IN AMERICA. 39 



sparrow, now resound with the disagreeable noise of this 

 sparrow. 



The extraordinary salacity of these birds, which is 

 almost as conspicuous a feature of their existence during 

 cold weather as during the season of breeding, begets, 

 beyond the shadow of a doubt, a feeling of jealousy 

 which graduates into one of intense hatred towards other 

 species should they venture within forbidden grounds, 

 and even shows itself in a much lighter form towards 

 their fellow-companions. As a consequence of this ab- 

 normal sexual condition, the desire to nidificate com- 

 mences remarkably early, and continues rather late, 

 often lasting from February to ISTovember. 



Having dwelt upon the sparrow's treatment of other 

 species, at considerable length, it becomes necessary to 

 inquire whether our native birds do not occasionally 

 manifest a little of the spirit of pugnacity towards the 

 foreign invader. To do otherwise would seem unnatural. 

 Birds, like their human brethren, become strongly at- 

 tached to the homes of their nativity, and show a will- 

 ingness and readiness to protect them against assault. 

 Among many species there is apparent a friendly and 

 neighborly feeling, which tolerates others within their 

 territories. Instances of the existence of this noble trait 

 are not wanting. The robin, song and chipping sparrow, 

 have been known to fraternize with other species, and 

 to live upon the most amicable terms with them. The 

 same good and kindly feeling would be shown towards 

 the sparrow, were there a disposition to reciprocate it. 

 I have observed such a disposition upon the part of the 

 song sparrow, and its very near relative, the hair bird, 

 on scores of occasions, but there has always been mani- 

 fest a want of inclination upon the part of the house 



