OF EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 315 



sparrows, bluebirds, and robins were wont to 

 build, we no longer behold their agreeable pres- 

 ence as of yore. To be sure there are places 

 where these latter breed as freely as formerly, but 

 they are merely found in localities in which the 

 quiet and harmony have not been disarranged by 

 the subject of the present sketch. 



This species is exceedingly tame and unsuspi- 

 cious, and delights to nidificate in close proximity 

 to houses. While thus manifesting considerable 

 confidence in man, it is possessed of so many un- 

 enviable traits as not to command his esteem and 

 favor. Its pugnacity detracts much from its gen- 

 eral behavior. It lays claim to a particular place 

 to the exclusion of the rightful proprietors, and 

 prepares to defend it at all hazards. What indivi- 

 dual strength fails to accomplish, is brought about 

 by combination, for in union there is power. Many 

 of our most useful birds are objects of its unpro- 

 voked vengeance, and unable to cope with prodi- 

 gious numbers, are forced to forsake the scenes 

 of past associations and joys for less congenial 

 places. Many of the lawns and groves which sur- 

 round the residences of opulence, which once rang 

 with merry songs of the robin, bluebird, and song 

 sparrow, now resound with the harsh and inhar- 

 monious voices of this species. 



The bird deserves our detestation for other 

 reasons than those just enumerated. Our own 

 experience as well as that of many friends, most 

 conclusively prove its power of destructibility. It 



