Page:MisdeedsHouseSparrow.djvu/5

 ON THE MISDEEDS

OF THE

(PASSER DOMESTICUS).

BY

J. H. GURNEY, JUN., F.L.S.

Rev. F. O. Morris has issued to the public a small book entitled 'The Sparrow-Shooter,' intended as a reply to 'The House-Sparrow,' recently published. As I happen to be a contributor to the latter volume, and am taken to task for my share in it, I will essay a few words in rejoinder.

Neither the authors of 'The House-Sparrow,' nor any one else, desire to withhold from Mr. Morris due credit for the humanitarian motives which prompt him to befriend the poor Sparrows through thick and thin; but the interests of the poor farmers must be considered, an important matter which too many seem to overlook.

The plain fact remains that the House-Sparrow does an extraordinary amount of harm to corn, and it is impossible for Mr. Morris to deny it, or at least, if he does continue to deny it, it only shows that he shuts his eyes to the undeniable evidence afforded by