THE HOUSE SPARROW. 167 



that the Grey Partridge, in this particular district 

 [Elveden, near Thetford], is the most abundant 

 species we have." 



The Sparrow has many foes to contend 

 against. Hawks and Owls, birdcatchers, members 

 of " Sparrow-clubs," farmers and owners of gar- 

 dens, all carry on a war of extermination ; and it 

 is surprising, with so many enemies, how this bird 

 contrives to live, and to live, too, in such numbers 

 as it does. 



As to its utility, or otherwise, opinions probably 

 will never be unanimous ; for agriculturists, as a 

 rule, are firmly persuaded that it is one of the most 

 destructive birds on a farm. There can be no 

 question, indeed, that Sparrows eat grain and seeds 

 of various kinds, and at a certain season of the year 

 keep themselves liberally supplied in this respect ; 

 but what most farmers fail to realise is the fact that 

 during the time these birds are engaged in rearing 

 their young, the latter are fed by their parents 

 almost exclusively on insects, being incapable at 

 that period of their existence of digesting grain or 

 seeds. Large numbers of noxious caterpillars, and 

 the grubs of equally destructive beetles, as well as 



