372 
THE LADIES’ MAGAZINE OF GARDENING. 
their nest. The capitals of Grecian architecture are favourite situations 
for them; and rather than be at a distance from human habitations they 
will make nests in the nearest trees. About fortified places they are 
always numerous, merely from the facilities afforded them of safe retreats 
for nestling and roosting in. That they were common in Judea is evident 
from the frequent allusions made to them in Scripture; and that they 
abound at the Cape of Good Hope, over all India and China, is well 
known. Although boldly familiar in seeking the protection, and avail¬ 
ing themselves of the conveniences and food found about human dwellings, 
they are extremely suspicious, cautious, and jealous of human interference. 
To other birds of like propensities they are arbitrary and overbearing; 
driving away every bird (except perhaps the red-breast) that invades their 
territory. To the house-swallow, which sometimes builds on the acute 
angles of a pediment, and the little house martlet, the sparrow behaves 
most tyrannically; for after these birds have with much labour built 
their nests, the latter turns them out without mercy. The sparrow is 
extremely noisy, though he has but few notes; his usual call-note is 
disagreeable, especially when a congregation are in full song. They have 
a very distinct note of warning on he tapproach of a person, bird of prey, 
or any strange animal, which other birds, as well as their own family, 
perfectly understand—all flying to covert. 
The nest of the sparrow is built in a slovenly manner; but warmth 
appears to be necessary to the young, as the nest is profusely lined with 
feathers. The young are fed entirely on caterpillars, which the parents 
collect in gardens and fields; but when the broods are all flown, they 
congregate, and under the guidance of the old ones are led to corn-fields, 
where they make sad havoc, especially among wheat, if not kept off. It is 
on this score that sparrows are proscribed by the generality of farmers; as 
in many country parishes premiums payable out of the church rate are 
offered for their destruction by dozens. In this we think the farmers 
overlook their real interest; for granting the sparrows do a little harm 
in harvest, they do so much good at other times, as fully to make up the 
loss they occasion. 
The Tree Sparrow (F . montana) resembles the preceding in shape, 
in size, and in voice; but differs in being altogether of a paler colour, 
and having a white spot under each eye. They differ also in their choice 
of habitation: for the former may be called a citizen, this is a rustic. 
They live in societies, and generally choose a hedge-row or group of 
pollard willows for a settlement, and usually at a distance from buildings. 
This species is much more plentiful than they are generally supposed to 
be; owing to their being frequently taken when seen for the house 
