THE UNDERLYING IDEA 8l 



over his competitors by not going south does not ap- 

 pear during winter. When spring comes, however, his 

 gain is evident. He has his choice of all the nesting 

 sites in the region. .When the migratory birds re- 

 turn every first-class place is filled by a sparrow's nest. 

 Nothing but second choice situations remain, and with 

 these the late comers must be content. W^hen we con- 

 sider how much the safety of the next generation de- 

 pends upon the security of the young while helpless in 

 the nest, we appreciate what the English sparrow has 

 gained by staying throughout the year. Often while 

 the season is so inclement that it would seem there is 

 still danger of frost, the sparrow builds her nest. All 

 sorts of places are open to her choice. She will find 

 a protected corner under a roof, above a spout, in the 

 corner of the porch, behind an open shutter, in the 

 vines against the side of the house, on top of an old 

 robin's nest in the tree, in the bird boxes which have 

 been put up for more desirable creatures; anywhere 

 and everywhere this industrious little mother is liable 

 to build her nest. Her husband will help her more or 

 less in the task, often bringing material and helping 

 to place it in the negligent pile of which their nest is 

 composed. But he does a good deal more fussing and 

 cheering up than he does actual work, and she seems 

 to depend much upon his cheerful presence for her 

 happiness. It is hard to discourage Madam Sparrow 



