PEESERVATION OF SMALL BIRDS. 



In my opinion we should commit a great blunder in 

 the too careful preservation of those kinds that would soon 

 become a nuisance, and cause a very grievous loss in con- 

 sequence of the depredations they commit. Among the 

 foremost of these I may mention the common house- 

 sparrow ; he is a bold, cunning, and determined thief, and 

 for many years past every endeavour has been made in 

 the Gardens to reduce their numbers, not only by shooting, 

 netting, and otherwise catching the old birds, but by 

 taking their young and using them as food for the more 

 rare birds and animals. Yet, notwithstanding the united 

 efforts of every keeper here, they are quite as numerous 

 as ever, and had not those constant efforts to keep them 

 down been resorted to, it would be quite impossible to 

 keep (unless in sparrow-proof cages) any other grain or 

 seed-eating birds or animals. They would so consume the 

 food that other birds and animals less bold than themselves 

 would be starved by them. 



We have had, however, some slight return for the great 

 damage they do, by feeding the small hawks, owls, and 

 animals on their dead bodies, and so regular has this 

 supply become that it is depended on for the purpose, and 

 renders their destruction of value, not only in keeping 

 their increase in check, but as supplying a very necessary 

 and delicate food for rare and interesting animals, that 



344 



