1 PREFATORY LETTER. 



Section 6, treating of both the English Sparrow (Passer domesticus) and 

 the European Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) in Saint Louis, Missouri, 

 was contributed by the well-known ornithologist, Mr. Otto Widmann. 

 This article is particularly instructive inasmuch as it emphasizes the con- 

 trast in disposition and habits of two closely related European birds 

 which were brought to Saint Louis at about the same time. 



The present report, as a whole, is believed to be the most systematic, 

 comprehensive, and important treatise ever published upon the economic 

 relations of any bird. 



C. Hart Merriam. 



