Democratic Sentinel, Volume 8, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 June 1884 — Is the English Sparrow a Nuisance? [ARTICLE]

Is the English Sparrow a Nuisance?

The English sparrow was introduced into this country about twelve years ago, and the advent was celebrated by William Cullent Bryant in one of his sweetest songs. The birds, strange to our land, were first let loose in our Sitka in the vicinity of New York and rooklyn, and were carefully looked after by the authorities. Much was expected of them in the way of destroying noxious insects, more especially those that injure fruit and trees and shrubs cultivated for ornament. The little birds did not accomplish all they were expected to do, and many people were disappointed. Some people thought they should restrict their diet to insects during the summer, should cat nothing but the seeds of weeds during the fall,' and that they should hibernate after the manner of reptiles during the colder portions of the year. Because the birds were not able to do all these things, many were disgusted with them. In some parts of the country war was declared against them, and thousands were destroyed. All kinds of accusations were brought against these birds. They were accused of eating fruit, fighting, driving other birds away, and of being dirty in their habits. Now all these charges may be made against nearly all of the small birds. Even the song birds that are kept in

parlors are not exempt from faults in these respects. English sparrows have not been the cause of driving other birds from large towns. None but partially domesticated birds will remain in town after the air becomes foul with coal smoke, and the noise of steam whistles become general. People who live in large cities have the choice between the English sparrows or no birds at all— Chicago Times.