THE HOUSE SPARROW 227 



more corn from the stacks than other Finches or the 

 Buntings, and that a farmer must learn how to protect 

 his property the same as any other tradesman. 



As to its colour, we may say that its crown is grey 

 with chestnut stripes, throat black that is, the male 

 bird. The throat of the female is whitish, and there 

 are whitish lines on the head and over the eyes. 

 Beak strong, wedge-shaped, pointed. The whole bird 

 suggests strength. It lays five or six eggs, which are 

 white, thickly speckled with dark marks. The nest is 

 composed of straw, wood, tow, hair and feathers care- 

 lessly put together, still it is soft and warm. This bird 

 breeds twice a year, sometimes three times. 



