230 Twelve Months With 



edly in some country districts, on account of their 

 numbers, they are very injurious to grain, and 

 should be killed. The record made up by avowed 

 enemies of the bird, however, shows that in most 

 urban communities it does more good than harm. 



The English sparrows are also very common, 

 which is always a misfortune for anything or any- 

 body! Doubtless many people are prejudiced 

 against them on that account. The beautiful 

 dandelions are despised for the same reason, but 

 Lowell has honored this "dear common flower" 

 with one of the finest of nature poems. 



English sparrow verses are as rare as the birds 

 are common, and for that reason, and also because 

 of its merit, I quote the whole of James J. Daly's 

 poem: 



"The sparrow has no holiday gear, 



Nor whistles a jolly stave; 

 But in romance no buccaneer 

 Has ever been so brave. 



He scorns your threats and stays to scoff, 



He challenges and usurps. 

 Does blustering Winter scare him off? 



He tilts his head and chirps. 



He meets the North's artilleries 



As cool as Bonaparte; 

 No hungry siege of frost can freeze 



The courage in his heart. 



