[Division op Ornithology and 
Mammalogy, Cibcdlak No. 2.] 
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, 
Division of Economic Ornithology and Mammalogy. 
CIRCULAR ON THE ENCLISH SPARROW. 
(Passer d&mesticiis^)^^ ^ I , L. c 
The Department of Agriculture desires facts, from personal observa- 
■ ion, in answer to the following questions concerning the European House 
iparrow, commonly called ‘English Sparrow’ in this country. 
I. Is vour locality city, suburb, or country? 
II. Is" the English Sparrow present in your vicinity ? If not, what is 
the nearest point at which you know it to occur? If present, when did it 
first appear? 
III. Is it abundant and on the increase? 
IV. Is it protected by law? 
V. Is it artificially housed and fed ? . . . 
VI. How many broods and young does a single pair rear in a season? 
VII. Do any of our non-predatory birds habitually resist encroach- 
ments of, or attempt to drive off the English Sparrow unless themselves 
first attacked, and with what success? 
VIII. Which of our native birds attempt to reclaim former nesting- 
sites when these are occupied by the Sparrows? State examples. 
IX. Has the English Sjiarrow been observed to molest or drive off 
any of our native birds? If so, what species are so molested or expelled 
from their former haunts? 
X. Does it injure shade, fruit, or ornamental trees or vines? 
XI. Does it injure garden fruits and vegetables? 
XII. Does it injure grain crops? 
XIII. Has any case in which it has been of marked benefit to the 
farmer or horticulturist come under your notice? If so, in what way has 
the benefit been derived? _ . , t 
XIV. Under what circumstances does it feed upon insects? V hat 
kinds of injurious or lieneficial insects or their larvai does it destroy, and 
to wdiat extent? _ . , . r ,i 
XV. What means if any have been taken to restrict the increase of tlie 
English Sparrow? 
XVI. What is the prevailing public sentiment in respect to the bird ? 
Information is particularly desired concerning the presence of the Eng- 
lish Sparrow in the Southern states and in the region West of the Missis- 
DR. C. hart MElfRIAM, 
W.ASHixGTON, D. C. July 20, 1886. 
OrmlJiologUt. 
