RESTRICTION AND PREVENTION. 165 



Sometimes Sparrows may be successfully netted or trapped, but this 

 requires considerable skill, and except under favorable conditions at 

 night, one must be content to catch them singly, or at most in twos or 

 tbrees. They are so suspicious, and learn so quickly from experience, 

 that it is almost impossible to catch many in succession at the same 

 place and by the same means. Much valuable information on this sub- 

 ject will be found in Mr. Hill's report in another part of this volume. 



Sparrows may be poisoned by grain soaked in solutions of arsenic or 

 strychnine, or by meal mixed with the poison in powder, but poisoning 

 is attended with some danger and should be attempted only by official 

 Sparrow-killers. Full directions for the preparation and administra- 

 tion of poisoned food will be found in the chapter on this subject by 

 Dr. A. K. Fisher. (See page 174). 



DESTRUCTION OF NESTS AND DISTURBANCE AT ROOSTING PLACES. 



Large numbers may be destroyed and increase prevented by the sys- 

 tematic destruction of their nests, eggs, and young. By the aid of an 

 iron rod and hook, set in the end of a long pole, most of their nests 

 can be reached and brought down. This method promises most satis- 

 factory results. 



They may be easily driven from their roosting places by disturbing 

 them on several successive nights. A very efficacious method is to 

 throw water upon them when at roost. In cities where hose-pipe is 

 available the process is simple and certain. They may be kept out of 

 ornamental vines in the same manner, particularly in the breeding 

 season, when a thorough soaking not only disconcerts the old birds and 

 kills their young, but at the same time does much good by wetting the 

 vines and washing out their filth. 



If apart of the birds are shot or caught each time they are disturbed 

 at their roosting places, the remainder are much less likely to return. 



In every town will be found a few persons unwilling to co'-operate in 

 efforts to exterminate Sparrows; but if such persons continue to har- 

 bor them about their own houses when they are driven away from most 

 other places about the town, the Sparrows will probably become so 

 numerous and offensive eventually that their defenders will be forced 

 in self-defense to take some steps against them. Or it may be possi- 

 ble, by municipal authority, to compel such persons either to drive the 

 Sparrows away or to permit others to do so. 



It. is important to prevent Sparrows from establishing themselves in 

 new places throughout the country, and if the first comers are killed 

 or frightened away it will be comparatively easy to do this, unless they 

 are allowed to increase without check in the surrounding country or 

 towns. 



Therefore, farmers everywhere should be on the lookout for Sparrows 

 and should not allow a single new pair to nest on their farms, while 



