152 



FAMILIAR WILD BIRDS. 



this practice seems at times due to pure wantonness, as 

 the Sparrow will even pull in'imroses and other flowers to 

 pieces, where but little chance of food exists. Again, 

 towards the end of summer. Sparrows become somewhat 

 gregarious, and do considerable damage to the ripe corn ; 

 but against this formidable list the Sparrow can show 

 much good done by eating insects and the seeds of many 

 obnoxious weeds ; whilst the number of insects taken 

 to feed its young is almost incredible. It is amusing to 

 watch a Sparrow engaged in ])icking spiders or their 

 larvae, together with other insects, from the walls of houses 

 or gardens. 



The anecdotes related in connection with the Sparrow 

 are without end,' some being exceptionally interesting. 



White and coloured specimens have been often noted and 

 taken, notably some that were located at the Brighton 

 Pavilioy X 



