66 



Sparrows build early in the spring, under the eaves 

 of houses, and in holes in the walls; the nest is 

 formed of hay, and lined with feathers. The female 

 lays .5 or 6 reddish white eggs, lightly speckled with 

 brown. 



The ignorant, ever ready to judge from superficial ob- 

 servation, have condemned the sparrow, because it feeds 

 on the produce of the farmer, as a most noxious- bird, fit 

 only to be extirpated. It is to be recollected, however, 

 that insects form no inconsiderable part of the food of 

 birds. Mr. Bradley in his treatise on husbandry and 

 gardening, has proved by actual observation, that a pair 

 of sparrows during the time they had young, carried to the 

 nest 40 caterpillars in one hour ; and supposing them em- 

 ployed with equal diligence for 12 hours a day, they will in 

 one week consume the astonishing number of 3,360 cater- 

 pillars. 



Thus an all wise Providence checks the inordinate in- 

 crease of insects; which, however useful in themselves, 

 would if left unmolested, propagate with such rapidity as 

 to consume the vegetable productions of the earth, and 

 leave it a desert waste. 



2. MONTANA. MOUNTAIN, OR TREE SPARROW. 



F. remigibus rectricibusque fuscis, corpore griseo ni- 

 groque, alarum fascia alba gemina. Shaw. 



The bill is black ; irides hazel ; the crown of the 

 head, and hinder part of the neck, are of a chesnut 

 colour ; the sides of the head are white ; the throat 



