When the English Sparrow (see BIRDS, Vol. II, p. 208), was first introduced
into Canada, we are informed by Mr. Albert Webber, the city of Hamilton
provided for its protection by causing to be erected a large iron pole, on
which was set a huge box containing many apartments, the pole surrounded by
a circular iron railing. Each day during the winter a sheaf of oats was
attached to the pole. In a year or two the Sparrows became so numerous that
the authorities were obliged to abandon the project of contributing to the
support of the birds and left them to shift for themselves. They soon
found, however, that the little foreigners were quite independent of the
city fathers.
Indefatigable, persistent, industrious breeders--at once rebuilding their
nests, if destroyed by accident or otherwise--there is little hope of their
extermination, if such action should be desired in the future. Mr. Thomas
Goodearl, an observer of these birds in their nativity, predicts that the
English Sparrow will be the survivor--though not the fittest--of all
English birds.