very prolific, great animosity and numerous contests for choice or possession occur at this season of the year." In these battles, it is said by the above writer, "five or six individuals may be seen indiscriminately engaged, attacking, buffeting, and biting each other with all the clamor and fury of excited rage." These contests, after continuing for a longer or shorter period of time, are eventually concluded on an amicable basis, the respective combatants retiring from the struggle to attend to the more essential business of the season.
From the foregoing evidence, it is obvious that much of the character which the sparrow now possesses, was brought with it from its trans-Atlantic home. That this bird is jealous of strangers in its own native clime, and behaves with an insolent bearing towards them, and even bullies its own kindred when actuated by amatory influences, is too palpable to be doubted, or gainsaid. James Kirk, Esq., of Germantown, who emigrated to this country several years ago, has repeatedly called my attention to the irritable nature and pugnacious disposition of these birds, and remarked how alike is their behavior in America as compared with it in England. Others, no less competent to institute comparisons, have iterated and reiterated similar experiences.
The general movements of this species are characterized by marked vigilance, and a notable degree of energy and vivacity. When feeding, these birds are always on the alert, and are seldom, if ever, taken by surprise. They are mainly terrestrial, often repairing to trees for the purpose of resting and feeding. Its flight is moderately firm, tolerably rapid, never very high, and but slightly protracted. In the fall
