THE SPARROW'S USEFULNESS IN AMERICA. 95 



is mainly when actuated by amatory influences. Its de- 

 structive propensities are equalled, if not surpassed, by 

 scores of indigenous species. It has certainly done much 

 to rid our squares of the destructive canker-worm which 

 made such terrible havoc upon the foliage of trees, and 

 will continue to shower its blessings upon mankind 

 wherever it shall spread. It is certainly an unmixed 

 good. 



Having adduced considerable evidence both for and 

 against the sparrow, it now becomes the duty of the 

 writer to weigh the matter carefully, thoughtfully, and 

 thoroughly, and to assign it a place, according as its 

 merits or demerits warrant, among either the beneficial 

 or the injurious birds of this country. A special chapter 

 will therefore be devoted to the consideration of this 

 subject. 



