EFFECTS ON THE MOCKINGBIRD. 91 



We append one or two illustrations of the latter class : 

 From F. B. Rich, South Richland, Oswego County, N. Y.: 



I have seen the Sparrow drive off Bluebirds, hut I have also known a Robin to build 

 its nest and raise young within 4 feet of a bird-house inhabited by a lot of English 

 Sparrows. (1885.) 



From J. W. Pearson, Newton, Middlesex County, Mass.: 



Last year two Sparrows commenced to build a nest under our porch in front of the 

 house, a"nd while they were at work upon it two Robins came and drove them away, 

 and took possession of the porch and built a nest for themselves, while the Sparrows 

 went to a pear tree just in front of the house and built a nest and reared five young 

 ones. Does this look like Sparrows driving away other birds? (April, 1834. Present 

 Beven years.) 



sparrow versus mockingbird. 



In the Southern States the Mockingbird is frequently interfered with 

 by the Sparrow, and in spite of its courageous resistance it is often 

 obliged to yield to superior numbers. Fifty reports of such trouble have 

 been received, against twelve reports of more or less successful resist- 

 ance. Thus in about one case in four this magnificent songster now 

 holds its ground against the Sparrow, but as the enemy becomes more 

 numerous less favorable results may be looked for. 

 The following are a few samples of evidence submitted : 

 From Charles L. Dendy, Hamilton, Harris County, Ga. : 



The Mockingbird, like the Sparrow, prefers for its habitation the evergreen shrub- 

 bery around dwellings and yards. The former is the larger bird, and could more 

 than hold his t>wn single-handed, but he finally succumbs to persistence and numbers. 

 (September 8, 1886. Present five or six years.) 



From the postmaster at Marion, Crittenden County, Ark. : 



The Sparrow drives off the Wren, Mockingbird, and all smaller birds. * * * I 

 am satisfied that our favorite songster, the Mockingbird, will have to go. (Septem- 

 ber 18, 1886. Present about four years.) 



From J. B. Stacy, Pulaski, Giles County, Tenn. : 



It drives off all song-birds, and especially the Mockingbird. (September 1, 1886. 

 Present about three years.) 



From Charles E. Nesinith, Donaldsonviile, Ascension County, La. : 



The Sparrows drive off native birds. I have seen them take from the nest and cast 

 on the ground the young of woodpeckers, Mockingbirds, yellow-birds, and other 

 small birds. (1886.) 



From Abel A. Wright, Griffiu, Spalding County, Ga. : 



Mockingbirds will not give way to it, but retain their old haunts, where they 

 build and hatch every season. I have not observed it to molest or drive off other 

 fefirds. (October 5, 1886.) 



From the postmaster at Athens, Limestone County, Ala. : 



I have seen Mockingbird-s whip the Sparrow and drive it from my premises. I do 

 not think tho Sparrow drive: off any of our native birds. (September 18, 183d. Pres- 

 ent about six years.) 



Many people have expressed doubt as to the possibility of the Spar- 

 rows driving away birds of the size of the Robin, or species as pugna- 



