THE UNDERLYING IDEA 81 
over his competitors by not going south does not ap- 
pear during winter. When spring comes, however, his 
gain is evident. He has his choice of all the nesting 
sites in the region. When the migratory birds re- 
turn every first-class place is filled by a sparrow’s nest. 
Nothing but second choice situations remain, and with 
these the late comers must be content. When we con- 
sider how much the safety of the next generation de- 
pends upon the security of the young while helpless in 
the nest, we appreciate what the English sparrow has 
gained by staying throughout the year. Often while 
the season is so inclement that it would seem there is 
still danger of frost, the sparrow builds her nest. All 
sorts of places are open to her choice. She will find 
a protected corner under a roof, above a spout, in the 
corner of the porch, behind an open shutter, in the 
vines against the side of the house, on top of an old 
robin’s nest in the tree, in the bird boxes which have 
been put up for more desirable creatures; anywhere 
and everywhere this industrious little mother is liable 
to build her nest. Her husband will help her more or 
less in the task, often bringing material and helping 
to place it in the negligent pile of which their nest is 
composed. But he does a good deal more fussing and 
cheering up than he does actual work, and she seems 
to depend much upon his cheerful presence for her 
happiness. It is hard to discourage Madam Sparrow 
