THE SPARROW IN AMERICA. 37 



Its pugnacity, the certain outgrowth of an extremely 

 jealous and irritable nature, manifests itself in various 

 ways. By a limited few, it is alleged that this feeling 

 is confined to the males, and only exhibited among 

 themselves when actuated by amatory influences. This 

 is a gross mistake. It is manifested at all times, and is 

 as conspicuous among the females as among their more 

 powerful lords. It is chiefly during the breeding-period 

 that these contentions occur among themselves. Terri- 

 torial possession is the casus belli. Males and females 

 mingle promiscuously, and it is quite difficult to deter- 

 mine which of the sexes displays the greater valor. The 

 struggle frequently commences between a pair, of males, 

 and assumes gigantic proportions. The females at first 

 stand aloof, maintain almost perfect silence, and only 

 enter the arena when the conflict seems utterly hope- 

 less on one side or the other. The loud clamors and 

 menacing gestures of the belligerents soon attract their 

 feathered brethren, who enter the lists, and at once 

 take part with one or the other of the contending fac- 

 tions. These struggles often continue for nearly a half 

 hour unless stopped by human interference, and break 

 up as quickly and as mysteriously as they are precipi- 

 tated. A careful study of the manoeuvres of the opposing 

 parties have convinced me that a very close kinship 

 subsists among the individuals of each side. 



These quarrels occur less frequently, however, during 

 the feeding process, and are not restricted to any par- 

 ticular season. When there is a rich supply of appro- 

 priate food-stuffs hundreds of birds may be seen feeding 

 together, and the utmost harmony and good-will be 

 observable. But let there be a paucity of regimen, and 

 the birds are not slow to perceive the fact, the spirit of 



