ENGLISH SPARROWS. 159 



In the centre of the city is Union Square, a lawn en 

 closure shaded by trees. Here the great attraction was the 

 large number of English sparrows imported a few years before 

 1852. These birds have propagated so rapidly, that I think 

 they are considered now as a nuisance, but at that time they 

 were the pets of the New Yorkers, who had small wooden 

 boxes fixed to the trees, for their special use. In several parts 

 of the country I have seen similar boxes, but larger, fixed on 

 trees, for squirrels. 



Many were the excursions that I made during my stay 

 in New York. 



Brooklyn, usually called the City of Churches, was the 

 first that I visited. Ferry boats are constanty crossing from 

 New York to Brooklyn. It is a matter of several minutes, 

 and the cost is one penny. These boats are very large, the 

 centre is reserved for cars, carriages, and horses. Two lateral 

 galleries with benches run along the sides, and are reserved 

 for pedestrians. One of them is reserved for the special use 

 of ladies. 



Brooklyn is a large town, which now contains over 

 900,000 inhabitants. In 1853 it was the meeting place of the 

 Irish, and I have witnessed several fights between many 

 thousand of them, and as many Americans. 



Many churches and cemeteries exist in Brooklyn. The 

 United States Navy-yards, Barracks for the Marines, and 

 Hospital are also situated here. It is the residence of many 

 merchants of the City, also of many Germans and Irish. 

 Numerous detached Villas, built in the English fashion, are 

 seen in all directions. 



Prospect Park is a fine ground, well laid and much 

 frequented. 



Another favourite place where I went fishing, was 

 Governor s Island, not far from the Battery. Fort Columbus, 

 Castle William, Fort Lafayette, and Fort Richmond are all 

 built on this Island, and defend the entry of the bay. 



On the other side of the port, or Hudson River, are the 

 two large connected towns of Jersey City and Hoboken, 

 which in 1853 were only small villages. 



Ferry boats take you there in about twelve minutes, and 

 start every fifteen minutes. The fares are very cheap, 

 averaging one-and-a-half pennies. These annexes of the 

 Imperial City are increasing prodigiously, and are beautifully 

 laid out. They are great resorts for holiday makers. On 

 Sundays, the ferry boats are crowded with passengers. Many 



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