i66 SKETCHES OF BIRD LIFE. 



In England the Sparrow is generally regarded 

 as one of the commonest, if not the most numerous, 

 of all birds ; but on this point there is some differ- 

 ence of opinion. In an article "On the Possibility of 

 taking an Ornithological Census," published in The 

 Ibis for 1 86 1, Professor Newton remarks: "At 

 first sight one might be almost inclined to suppose, 

 as Mr. Wolley seems to have thought, that the 

 House Sparrow is the most abundant of our birds. 

 There is no question that it is one of the most 

 characteristic, for this is shown as well by a walk 

 through the streets of London as by a ramble in 

 the country. But on inquiry I think it will be 

 found that there are numerous and extensive 

 districts in which its predominance cannot be 

 admitted. Its habits incline it to the vicinity of 

 human civilisation ; where it does occur, it of neces- 

 sity obtains notice. In localities farther removed 

 from the haunts of men it is clearly outnumbered 

 by the Skylark, the Yellowhammer, and the Chaf- 

 finch ; and these localities form the majority. 

 Difficult, therefore, as it is to strike the balance, 

 I am of opinion that its claims must be disallowed. 

 After some reflection I have come to the conclusion 



