G 
BIRDS. 
but it does not appear to me with regard to this point that a few 
observations taken here and there, or even for several months at a 
time, can give a safe basis to rest on. Therefore (by his courteous 
permission) I have placed myself in communication with Lieut.-Col. 
Russell, J.P., D.L., of Stubbers, near Romford, whose thorough 
investigations during a long course of years into the habits of this 
bird enable him to furnish us with the details that we want. 
Col. Russell gave evidence some ten years ago to a Committee of 
the House of Commons relatively to this bird. He has since then 
continued his observations, and, from the various documents which he 
has been good enough to place in my hands, I give (at pp. 7-9) some 
portions showing the results of his examinations, and also of his 
observations and experiments for upwards of twelve years. These, it 
will be seen, give not only his personal observations, but also bring 
forward many points—open to all to judge of—by which agriculturists 
and other sufferers may prove for themselves the inaccuracy of the 
arguments often used by those who urge the protection and preserva¬ 
tion of these legions of devourers. 
Firstly, however, with regard to a few of the observations sent in 
during this season, the Hon. Cecil Parker, writing from the Eaton 
Estate Office, Eccleston, Cheshire, on July 19tli, remarked:—“The 
Sparrows are doing an enormous amount of damage. One of our 
tenants informed me that they began at his wheat before it was out of 
bloom, and, not content with that growing on the headland, they were 
attacking that growing in the middle of the field. They are also 
doing a considerable amount of damage to our wheat.” 
Mr. Reginald Christy, Boynton Hall, near Chelmsford, who is well 
qualified to form an opinion on the subject of bird-injury to crops, 
writes me :—“ I can heartily endorse the views of Mr. R. Lowe* with 
regard to Sparrows, so much so that, all other remedies having failed, 
I am obliged to poison them. I have examined the contents of a 
great many at different times, and have invariably found corn and no 
insects.” 
The following communication is from Mr. T. H. Hart, of Park 
Farm, near Kingsnorth, Kent:— 
“In my opinion the Sparrow is most decidedly our enemy. He 
begins in the spring by eating the tender heads of my Peas as they 
appear above the surface, then extends his depredations to my beds of 
Radish, Lettuce, Cabbage, and similar seeds. Next the early Pea- 
pods are robbed of their contents. Later on he turns his attention to 
Currants, Gooseberries, Raspberries, Cherries, Plums, and even sweet 
early Apples. During nesting-time a caterpillar is occasionally given 
* Beport for 1883, p. 41, depredations of Sparrows as shown by examination of 
their contents. 
