44 THE HOUSE SPARROW. 



even the active little black-capped titmouse, would hop 

 about the door, and, by their well-known calls, solicit, 

 as it were, the refuse of the kitchen. Upon the summit 

 of a bush or a tree, or perched upon the fence, they 

 would patiently wait until the poultry had been fed and 

 had retired, when they would gladly descend to the yard, 

 and thankfully receive what their stronger brethren had 

 left. But now the grounds are thoroughly policed by the 

 sparrows, and our native birds compelled to keep at a 

 wary distance, or only venture to peck a few grains 

 during the temporary absence of their masters. During 

 the prevalence of cold weather, the sparrows are a con- 

 stant source of annoyance by their presence and noise, 

 save when they retire to their roosting-quarters, at the 

 close of the day. But with the rising sun, and, in some 

 instances, long before his slanting rays are seen in the 

 east, they are on hand, ready to seize, with their charac- 

 teristic avidity, whatever comes in sight. The strictest 

 vigilance is necessary to prevent their wanton pillages. 



In the spring, save during the season of harvest and 

 fruitage, their attentions are somewhat intermitted. 

 The duties of nidification, incubation, and brood-raising 

 demand a considerable share of attention. Hence their 

 presence, except during the mornings and evenings, is 

 notably scarce. While they take their breakfast and 

 supper upon the writer's premises, their homes are else- 

 where. The lack of suitable accommodations is mainly 

 the cause of this seeming preference. A near neighbor 

 having erected comfortable houses for them, we are thus 

 saved much annoyance. 



It is only during their absence, consequent upon the 

 discharge of home duties, that a few of our native birds 

 pay us a slight call, occasionally. It is during these visits, 



