THE SPARROW'S USEFULNESS IN AMERICA. 91 



upon the field to the distance of two rods, and tearing 

 open the husks at the end of the ear, devour the young 

 corn. I have seen fields where the grain near the bor- 

 ders was almost entirely destroyed, and have heard 

 farmers predict that the time w T ould come when the 

 raising of Indian corn would be rendered almost impos- 

 sible, owing to this pernicious influence." Evidence of 

 a similar character from localities occupied by the spar- 

 rows, in divers parts of New Jersey, could be adduced, 

 but the desire not to protract this chapter beyond cer- 

 tain limits, prevents the author from a recital of numer- 

 ous authorities. lie will, therefore, mention one other 

 authority from this section of the country, and pass to 

 evidence of the sparrow's fighting and destructive quali- 

 ties, as witnessed in Eastern Pennsylvania. 



Prof. Cope, a naturalist of rare attainments, and re- 

 markable alike for the extent and correctness of his ob- 

 servations, informs the writer that while a resident of 

 lladdonfield, 1ST. J., where these birds are exceedingly 

 abundant, incessant warfare was waged upon all the 

 smaller birds that dared to intrude upon occupied terri- 

 tory, the fox sparrow (Passerella iliaca) alone being able 

 to cope with the stranger. Eveu the robin, which is 

 generally able to hold its own, according to the same 

 eminent authority, was compelled to retreat before the 

 inveterate attacks of these invaders. 



From Philadelphia and its environs, the testimonies 

 of a score and even more of observers could be given 

 concerning the sparrow's uselessness. The great body 

 of evidence is derogatory to its character. I know of 

 no competent witness that could be brought forward to 

 testify to its general usefulness. To be sure, I could 

 mention a few names of individuals who would so tes- 



