42 THE HOUSE SPARROW. 



the much coveted fare, they bide their time, although 

 rather impatiently, and when the disturber of their meal 

 has turned his back and is out of sight, repair with all 

 possible speed to the feeding ground, and there gorge 

 ihemselves to satiety. All the while they are thus oc- 

 cupied, they do not permit themselves to be surprised; 

 for, with half-averted look, the stealthiest approach is 

 noticed, and the flock is off in the twinkling of an eye. 

 In this respect, there is a manifest dilference between 

 this species and others which relax this general vigilance 

 by appointing a few individuals to act as guards. 



The chickens evidently do not entertain the highest 

 feelings of regard for these gamins, as shown by the 

 fierce attacks which they make upon them whenever 

 they insinuate themselves into their presence. These 

 assaults subserve but a temporary purpose, for the spar- 

 rows hop carelessly aside, or fly to a short distance when 

 vigorously pressed, and subsequently resume their labors 

 as though nothing had happened. Instances have oc- 

 curred, in the writer's experience, of this boldness being 

 carried to extremes. A case in point I will now pro- 

 ceed to mention. 



In the summer of 1877 I raised several broods of 

 chicks, which it was the custom to feed at six o'clock in 

 the morning, and at the same time at the close of the 

 day. While thus occupied, the sparrows, as if by a sort 

 of intuition, would come in vast numbers, and very 

 contentedly perch upon the adjoining trees, preparatory 

 to making a meal of Indian corn. Their approach was 

 quite silent, only a few coming together. Sometimes 

 their presence was unknown and unobserved, so quietly 

 did they deport themselves. But when the person, 

 whose duty it was to attend to this business, would dis- 



