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SPARROWS. 
Sparrows in droves, but not of Martins, at Baldwins, where Sparrows 
had not been looked after, and, on the other hand, 'presence of “ hundreds ” 
of Martins at Stubbers, where, as is well known to all interested, 
Sparrows had been kept in check for a long series of years :— 
Mr. Champion Russell wrote :—“ When I came to my farmhouse 
(Baldwins) last autumn there were thousands of Sparrows.” . . . “ I 
have not yet persuaded any Martins to come here, although I have 
put up foundations to look as if Martins had been there before. This 
is curious as Stubbers is scarcely a mile away, where there are 
hundreds.” 
In answer to an enquiry which I wrote to Mr. J. H. Gurney, Jun., of 
Keswick Hall, Norwich, as an ornithological observer, he mentioned 
that he could testify, from personal observation, that the Sparrows 
drive away the Martins, and that he considered the undoubted decrease 
of this species in the British Isles to be due to their being prevented 
from nesting by the Sparrows. 
I have other notes sent in as to Sparrow mischief, but it is perhaps 
better to use space, in a short account of what is happening, where 
these destroying birds have reached the unbearable amount of increase 
to which they appear to be quietly advancing here. 
In the Report of Dr. C. Hart Merriam, Ornithologist to the 
Department of Agriculture, U. S.A. (published in 1887), he gives 
details of the spread and baneful effects of the presence of this bird,— 
which are well worth studying,—and he officially recommends the 
immediate repeal of all existing laws which afford protection to the 
English Sparrow, and, amongst other helpful suggestions, advises the 
enactment of laws making it a misdemeanour punishable by fine or 
imprisonment, or both, to intentionally give food or shelter to the 
English Sparrow, except with a view to its ultimate destruction ; to 
introduce or aid in introducing it into new localities ; or to interfere 
with persons, means, or appliances engaged in or designed for its 
destruction, or the destruction of its nest, eggs, or young.* 
* What may be desirable in this country as to legislation is equally beyond my 
knowledge or wish to express opinion on, but it certainly would make a difference if 
heads of families would interfere regarding the widespread habit of specially feeding 
these birds. As well said by Prof. W. Fream, of the College of Agriculture, Downton, 
in his paper on Bird Pests, given in the ‘ Mark Lane Express ’ for November l*2th, 
1888,—If the winter should be severe “ many humane hearts will feel for the birds, 
but unfortunately it is the ‘ poor Sparrows ’ that usually come in for much misplaced 
commiseration, and for liberally scattered crumbs. The small insectivorous birds, 
true farmer’s friends, are not thought of. If they were, then some shreds of meat 
might be strewn for their benefit, and so they might be helped through a season 
when their natural food is almost unattainable. It is true that the Sparrow would 
appear at this feast, because he is an impudent, greedy, bullying little creature, 
who will eat anything, whilst the useful insectivorous bird has no palate for 
bread-crumbs.” 
