NOTES. 141 



some of these points with greater attention than they have yet received. It 

 would be hardly possible to find a subject of greater interest to the public, 

 as well as to the savartt. 



Note C, see p. 38. 



It is very possible that some of the young Sparrows which haunt the 

 Cherwell and play about the poUard-willows in June, belong to the more 

 uncommon species known as the Tree Sparrow (Passer, montarms), though 

 I have not yet been able to ascertain this as a fact. But as I have not 

 alluded to the Tree Sparrow elsewhere, I may perhaps here ask the 

 attention of Oxonian t)ird-lovers to a species which is by no means without 

 interest, yet constantly overlooked. It is a smaller and neater bird than 

 the House Sparrow ; the top of its head is of a pure chestnut colour, and, 

 unlike its relation, it has a black mark under the eye. Close examination 

 will also discover two light-coloured stripes on the wing, instead of the 

 House Sparrow's single one ; but the lower of these is faint, and would 

 hardly be noticed unless looked for. Its chirp is less reedy, excited, and 

 valga/r than that of the House Sparrow (I have just been listening to the 

 two) which seems to have degenerated into coarse and untidy habits since 

 it began to associate closely with man. Let me take this opportunity of 

 mentioning the following valuable book on the House Sparrow and its 

 misconduct of various kinds, ' The House Sparrow, by J. H. Gumey jun.. 

 Col. Russell, and Dr. Coues.' Wesley and Son, 28 Essex Street, Strand. 



