ENGLISH SPARROW. 



EUROPEAN HOUSE SPARROW Passer domesticus (Linn.). LEACH. 



In the Catalogue of 1883 I briefly expressed my views in regard to this 

 bird as follows : 



" The introduction of these hardy, aggressive little foreigners, with a view to their 

 naturalization, has proved a decided success, and is therefore no longer a question of 

 survival, but rather one as to whether the good they may do will overbalance the 

 harm. In this discussion the birds will have their friends, but as a whole, those that 

 know them best can but look forward with alarm at their rapid increase and spread. 

 They cannot properly be classed with our native birds, but as they have come to stay, 

 are entitled to a place or mention in our catalogues." 



I am now able to lay before the reader the conclusions reached by the 

 American Ornithologists' Union. At a meeting of the society, convened in 

 the city of New York, September 26, 1883, a committee was appointed "to 

 investigate the eligibility or ineligibility of the European House Sparrow." 

 The following is the final report of the committee, as approved and adopted 

 by the council of the American Ornithologists' Union, at Washington, 

 April 21st, 1885 : 



Mr. President, and Members of the Union : Your committee appointed to inquire 

 into the eligibility of the European house sparrow (Passer domesticus) as a natural- 

 ized resident in this country, has the honor herewith to submit its report. After due 

 consideration, your committee adopted the following form of circular letter, which 

 was framed to elicit information from all quarters and from all interested persons: 



The American Ornithologists' Union, an organization resembling the British association of similar 

 name, and including in its active membership the most prominent ornithologists of the United States 

 and Canada, purposes, among other objects already engaging its attention, to determine as nearly as 

 possible the true status in America of the European house sparrow (Passer domesticus), commonly known 

 as the English sparrow, in so far as the relations of this bird to mankind are concerned. The Union 

 hopes to secure through the solicited testimony of others, as well as the personal observations of its 

 members, the facts necessary to settle the question of the eligibility or ineligibility of this sparrow as 

 a naturalized resident of this country. The question of the European house sparrow in America is 

 regarded as one of great economic consequence, to be determined primarily by ascertaining whether 

 this bird be, upon the whole, directly or indirectly injurious or beneficial to agriculture and horticul- 

 ture. Its economic relations depend directly and mainly upon the nature of its food ; indirectly upon 

 the effect, if any, which its presence may have on useful native birds and beneficial insects. The ac- 

 companying formula of questions is respectfully submitted to the attention of those who may be able 

 and willing to record statements of positive facts and value derived from their own experience. Con- 

 cise and unquestionable answers returned to the undersigned on inclosed blank, or otherwise, or com- 

 municated to any member of the committee, will be appreciated, and prove of high value among the 

 data upon which it is hoped that this vexed question may be set at rest. The evidence thus obtained 

 will be carefully considered by the committee in preparing its report to the Council of the Union, and 

 a digest of the same, with recommendations, if any, will be submitted by the Council to the mature 

 judgment of the Union at its next annual meeting. The following-named active members of the Union 

 were, at the first congress, appointed a committee to investigate and report upon this subject : Dr. J. B. 



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