Se ae eee eee ee Le 
ENGLISH SPARROWS. 669 
I have never visited Massachusetts for the purpose of. studying 
the habits of its birds, but have derived considerable knowledge 
thereof, from the writings of its ablest sons, and can fearlessly 
aver, that either they have failed to represent the facts as they found 
them, or else perceptible differences exist. I do not wish to be 
understood as imputing the charge of misrepresentation to them, 
but only to show that my experience in eastern Pennsylvania has 
been of such a character as to prove beyond dispute the existence 
of differences of habit. A multitude of circumstances exist to 
vary the habits of a species. A single circumstance occasionally 
suffices: but, generally, a combination is necessary to determine 
variation. The introduction of a new species in a given locality, 
in its struggle for existence, will often have a tendency to place 
anew aspect upon affairs. Rapidity of multiplication, and a con- 
sequent increase of numbers, will often make up for lack of indi- 
vidual courage ;—for in union there is strength. Birds that are 
proverbial for courage will often betray feelings of cowardice, and 
yield when beset by fearful odds. 
Ever since the introduction of the sparrows into our own city, 
I have been a close observer of their ways, and have watched their 
rapid increase and steady diffusion, with feelings of fear, lest 
coming into contact with our smaller birds, they would compel 
the latter to seek quarters elsewhere. This suspicion has been 
latterly confirmed. On the outskirts of Germantown, and even 
in the groves which surround niany of our palatial residences, 
Where the house sparrow has intruded, the robin, sparrows and 
blue bird, our most welcome guests, but occasionally greet us 
With their presence and voices. To be sure there are places where 
these denizens of foreign birth have not disarranged the quiet and 
harmony that once pervaded our groves and fields uninterrupted 
as they were save by an occasional breach of trust. 
The members of a family that quarrel among each other will 
often exhibit the same unenviable trait of character towards out- 
Siders. In the breeding season, Dr. Brewer admits that the males 
are exceedingly pugnacious, but only when actuated by amatory 
Influence. Granting this for the sake of argument, is it not a 
-Feasonable presumption that while these influences endure, the 
Passions being wrought up to a high pitch of excitement, the 
Casual appearance of a stranger on the scene would be miscon- 
¢ Strued as an act of interference, and the force of infuriated indig- 
