322 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



with food by their parents from 10 to u days 

 longer, when they are sufficiently matured to shift 

 for themselves. They still linger about their homes 

 and seek shelter in the boxes and hollows which 

 served as nests, during inclement weather and 

 winter nights. 



The ivy in some localities affords both suitable 

 breeding and lodging quarters. In some places 

 in Germantown, especially upon the north side of 

 the mansion of Mr. John Button, carefully protec- 

 ted from the cold winds by surrounding houses, 

 within an extensive vine, at least a hundred or 

 more sparrows find lodgings during the winter. 

 The continual clatter which the birds produce 

 early in the morning, and just before night, is 

 almost deafening. During the breeding period 

 the ivy is literally filled with nests. We cannot be 

 accused of misrepresentation or exaggeration in 

 asserting that fifty pairs, at the lowest calculation, 

 nidificate within it. Notwithstanding the pugna- 

 cious disposition ordinarily manifested by the 

 species, even by individuals towards each other, 

 a due degree of harmony pervades the entire com- 

 munity. This may be readily accounted for. At 

 first the vine was occupied by a single pair, and 

 the many which now occupy it are the results of 

 this union. 



Generally three broods are reared annually. 

 Instances are known where preparations were 

 making for a fourth brood, when the designs of 

 the birds were frustrated by human interference. 



