32 
OUR HOME BIRDS. 
our own native species, which have been brought 
here very largely of late years, because they are so 
useful in clearing worms and other insects from the 
trees in our public squares ; about these many in- 
teresting stories are told. Their nest-building is 
especially funny, and some one says : 
While other birds must select their own accus- 
tomed spots, the similar tree or bush, the same ma- 
terials, etc., the sparrow, like a bird who knows the 
w T orld, is everywhere at home, and ready to establish 
himself wherever chance may happen to place him. 
If he lives remote from towns and cities and the 
habitations of men, a tree answers his purpose, and 
a comfortable nest he will build there, with the rare 
addition of an arched top into the bargain ; which 
possibly he may have learned from that knowing 
bird the magpie. In default of a tree or a house, a 
chink in a rock or a hole in a wall suits him ; but, 
after all, the nooks and eaves of buildings are his 
favorite resorts, and when he has his choice he will 
often select droll places. 
“ ‘ Even amidst the carved foliage of the capital of 
some Corinthian column — for sparrows respect no- 
thing — a projection of straws, with now and then a 
feather, announces a nest in preparation. A pair 
actually built a nest in the mouth of the stone lion 
over Northumberland House at Charing Cross.’ 
