74 BOMBAY DUCKS 



so numerous. We should also bear in mind that he 

 destroys large quantities of insects, some of which are 

 presumably injurious ones. Sparrows, in moderation, 

 probably conduce to the welfare of the farmer ; but, 

 unfortunately, it is not often that we have sparrows in 

 moderation. The truth of the matter is that it is not 

 so much what he does as the way in which he does it 

 that makes the sparrow so offensive. 



For example, any fair-minded person will allow that 

 when a cock bird goes a-courting that bird is at liberty 

 to make a fool of itself. The sparrow, of course, does 

 this, and, if he ended here, no one would have a word 

 to say against the proceeding. But unfortunately the 

 sparrow is not satisfied merely with acting idiotically. 

 He insists on selecting for his trysting-place the window- 

 ledge of a busy man's study, and drives the unfortunate 

 occupant to the verge of madness by his " swellings " 

 and his "turkey-cocks." Nor is this the worst feature 

 in the sparrow's courtship. If the amatory professions 

 of the bird were genuine, if all his bowing and scraping 

 were the true outward expression of his inward feel- 

 ings, one would be content to put up with a great deal 

 at his hands. 



As a matter of fact, sparrows of either sex are 

 incapable of any real conjugal affection. Cowper 

 discovered this trait in passerine character and thus 

 expressed himself: 



" The sparrow, meanest of the feathered race, 

 His fit companions finds in every place, 

 With whom he filches the grain that suits him best, 

 Flits here and there, and late returns to rest ; 



