74, BOMBAY DUCKS 
so numerous, We should also bear in mind that he 
destroys large quantities of insects, some of which are 
presumably injurious ones. Sparrows, in moderation, 
probably conduce to the welfare of the farmer; but, 
unfortunately, it is not often that we have sparrows in 
moderation. The truth of the matter is that it is not 
so much what he does as the way in which he does it 
that makes the sparrow so offensive. 
For example, any fair-minded person will allow that 
when a cock bird goes a-courting that bird is at liberty 
to make a fool of itself. The sparrow, of course, does 
this, and, if he ended here, no one would have a word 
to say against the proceeding. But unfortunately the 
sparrow is not satisfied merely with acting idiotically, 
He insists on selecting for his trysting-place the window- 
ledge of a busy man’s study, and drives the unfortunate 
occupant to the verge of madness by his “swellings” 
and his “turkey-cocks.” Nor is this the worst feature 
in the sparrow’s courtship. If the amatory professions 
of the bird were genuine, if all his bowing and scraping 
were the true outward expression of his inward feel- 
ings, one would be content to put up with a great deal 
at his hands. 
As a matter of fact, sparrows of either sex are 
incapable of any real conjugal affection. Cowper 
discovered this trait in passerine character and thus 
expressed himself :—— 
“The sparrow, meanest of the feathered race, 
His fit companions finds in every place, 
With whom he filches the grain that suits him best, 
Flits here and there, and late returns to rest ; 
