THE SPARROW'S USEFULNESS IN AMERICA. 89 



The other anonymous communication to which re- 

 ference has been made, emanating as it does from the 

 pen of a lady deeply alive to the interest of the subject, 

 is pregnant with the most astounding truths. I cannot 

 refrain from quoting it in its entirety. Read what she 

 says : — 



" Let me say a few words for the dear companions of 

 my childhood. I live in one of the loveliest spots on 

 earth, on the banks of the Hudson. Magnificent old 

 forest trees surround me while I write, and the songs 

 of many birds fill mj 7 heart with their melody. To my 

 mind, their notes this afternoon have a pleading tone, 

 and I feel compelled to answer their appeal by using my 

 small influence against their enemies, the sparrows. 

 Years ago our ears were delighted with the thrilling 

 notes of the thrush, the meadow lark, the oriole, and 

 many birds who find a welcome home in our grand old 

 pines and oaks. We little thought when we welcomed 

 as enthusiastically as any one the importance of the 

 sparrow that they would destroy this pleasure for us ; 

 but sad experience has taught us a lesson regarding 

 them. As they accomplished their work so well in the 

 city, it was deemed advisable to try them here also ; 

 why, I know not, as I cannot remember that we were 

 ever much troubled in our locality with the worms and 

 caterpillars that did, I know, infest New York. But 

 out they came in great numbers, and bitterly did we 

 rue the day. One by one our dear little songsters dis- 

 appeared, larks, thrushes, scarlet tanagers, orioles, all 

 fell victims to the quarrelsome dispositions of the little 

 sparrows. Even the robins could hardly hold their own 

 against them. For three or four years we suffered the 

 loss of our favorites, and then indignation overpowered 

 7 



