72 THE HOUSE SPARROW. 



How they will deport themselves when a comrade is 

 ill, I cannot say from experience; but a knowledge of 

 the social life of this species, in many of its different 

 phases, amply qualifies me to speak. But I am debarred 

 from hazarding an opinion. The New York "Sun" has 

 called attention to a case in point which occurred quite 

 recently. In the Jersey City ferry-bouse of the Pavonia 

 Ferry, a flock of sparrows excited much interest among 

 the passengers, in their endeavors to take care of a 

 companion who was evidently sick. After much chip- 

 pering among the birds, as though they had been hold- 

 ing a consultation, it was finally settled to put the 

 patient behind the top cornice of a pillar. The sick 

 bird was then borne to the chosen spot by three of its 

 companions, and carefully covered over with straw. 

 Everything having passed off quite satisfactorily, a 

 dozen sparrows perched upon the telegraph wire, and in 

 loud vociferations celebrated the success of the difficult 

 undertaking. 



The human-like and orderly execution of this busi- 

 ness, leads me to suspect that a leader of superior intel- 

 ligence and wisdom directed the whole affair. In the 

 absence of any positive information bearing upon the 

 subject, I am led to this belief from facts which have 

 come into my possession since commencing this article. 

 William Ivenney, Esq., of this place, informs me that 

 he has given considerable attention to the sparrows, 

 which frequent his trees and ivy vines in large numbers, 

 nesting in the hollows of the trees, and roosting in the 

 vines. He asserts that their noise in the early evening 

 is almost deafening, each bird endeavoring to outstrip 

 its companions in vocal demonstrations. All appear to 

 be in the full enjoyment of happiness. But after a half 



