230 
it not for them, together with those insects which 
are no doubt designedly created for the subjugation 
of vegetable enemies, it would be in vain even to 
contemplate the existence of many kinds of veget- 
able productions. The Aphides, the Caterpillars, 
the Grubs, and numerous other vegetable de- 
stroyers, would prevail so as to deprive us of a vast 
portion of our vegetable productions. 
I may mention a few of those Birds, by way 
of showing how unjustly some of them are deprived 
of friendship and protection. The poor Sparrow 
unfortunately stands among the worst criminals 
on the list. I must confess it is difficult to 
plead his cause so as to bring him in guiltless, for 
he carries on his roguery so glaringly that there 
are but few who are not acquainted with his dep- 
redations, in robbing the corn field, depriving 
various trees and plants of their buds and fruit ; 
but if we could as readily see and pursue his good 
properties as clearly as his faults, I do not hesitate 
to say, they would much more than counterbalance 
any evil he commits. 
The Sparrow is of essential service in de-. 
stroying the Aphides on the Apple, the Berry 
bush, and other trees, but more especially in 
destroying the various kinds of Caterpillars in- 
festing fruit and other trees. When the Sparrows 
are seen hunting over those trees, in the spring 
and summer months, it will be found that they 
are in search of either the Aphides or Caterpillars, 
but more especially the latter. The Caterpillars, 
