THE SPARROW IN AMERICA. 41 



sparrow, and expels it from its home, the doctor sud- 

 denly remembers that, in various instances, throughout 

 his experience, the former is always the aggressor. 



Mr. Galvin affirms substantially that our native birds 

 have nothing to fear from the sparrow. Not the least 

 animosity is manifested towards either the robin or the 

 bluebird. The little chipping sparrow is its friend, and 

 is often found feeding with it upon the same bit of 

 bread. Bluebirds, which were wanting on the Common 

 before the introduction of the sparrows, are now quite 

 plentiful. The martins, attracted by the number of 

 boxes, have wonderfully increased. These two species 

 we are informed are the inveterate enemies of the spar- 

 rows, treating them badly, seizing their boxes, and 

 breaking up their nests. These indignities, it is natural 

 to be supposed, would be resented ; but in the contest 

 which is provoked, we are told that the bluebirds "are 

 always too strong for them." Evidence is not wanting 

 to show that the reverse of this is equally true. In the 

 proper place the testimony both pro and con will be set 

 forth. 



The impudence of the sparrow has certainly not es- 

 caped notice. For boldness, this species of avis has no 

 parallel. The crow is a paragon of excellence when 

 brought into contrast. While the fowls are being fed, 

 flocks of fifty, and even more, assemble in the poultry- 

 yard, and wilfully defraud the occupants of their due 

 allowances. When detected and driven away, I will 

 not say frightened away, for they are strangers to fear, 

 they repair to a short distance, alight upon any neigh- 

 boring object, and, as if to show their utter disgust and 

 indignation, break forth in a full chorus of loud and 

 uncouth vociferations. With eyes intently fixed upon 

 4 



