Elliott Coues

“ For it occurs to me that the facts in the case can in no way be more forcibly presented or more clearly illustrated than by the simple and lucid method of setting forth, in sufficient detail, the controversy which the introduction of the sparrow into America has occasioned, and analyzing the mass of evidence we have accumulated. ”

“ Unless the sparrows can be made to devour grasshoppers there is absolutely no occasion for their naturalization in the West, not even the flimsy excuse for them that we sometimes hear made in the East. That they will not subsist upon grasshoppers to any extent, or upon potato-beetles, may be regarded as a foregone conclusion; and in the absence of other sources of food-supply, they will infallibly fall upon the crops. ”

“ The strongholds of the birds are few, comparatively speaking, and isolated to such a degree that the eradication of the birds from that part of the United States may not be now absolutely impracticable, as unfortunately seems to be the case in the East. ”

“ Results of two years' observations of sparrows at St. Louis, Mo. No molestation of native birds observed. 'I must say, however, that in my opinion the usefulness of the English sparrows as insect-destroying birds is greatly overrated, and that we have many native species who destroy more noxious insects in a single day than a sparrow will in a week.'
1875. ”

“ This nuisance was introduced some years after our list appeared; and so far from there being any prospect of its abatement, it has increased each year. There is said to be a remedy for every ill under the sun, but none has been found as yet for this one, notwithstanding the ceaseless complaints and protests that we hear from all sides. The rowdy little gamin squeaks and lights and does worse all through the city, to the annoyance and disgust of nearly all persons. ”

“ Well-informed persons denounced the bird without avail during the years when it might have been abated; but further protest is futile, for the sparrows have it all their own way, and can afford to laugh at legislature, like rats, mice, cockroaches and other parasites of the human race which we have imported. This species, of all birds, naturally attaches itself more closely to man, and easily modifies its habits to suit such artificial surroundings ”

“ Though nearly every one—even among those who were instrumental in importing the pest—admits that we made a great blunder, all are slow to be persuaded of the enormity of the mischief these little creatures will work in the course of time. With this, however, we have here nothing to do; we only bring up the subject in connection with the decrease in the number and variety of our native singing-birds in, the city itself. ”

“ The Great Plains offer a natural barrier to the westward progress of the birds from the Mississippi; and if pains be taken to destroy the advance guard as fast as they move westward, the evils now suffered in the East may be long delayed or even avoided. In most parts of the West where the sparrows have appeared, it is believed that they have been imported, not that they reached these spots by spontaneous migration or natural dispersion. ”

“ Though it must appear to all well-informed persons a work of supererogation to point out what mischief the sparrows have done, what worse evils are in prospect, and what thoroughly undesirable birds these are from every standpoint, yet the people of the West may not be fully apprised as yet of the actual state of the case. ”

“ It would perhaps be more accurate to say, were they not crowded and elbowed out of the way; the impress made by the sturdy little foreign vulgarians upon the native population being effected rather by their numbers, their persistency, turbulence, and noisiness, than by their pugnacity or aggressiveness; though downright acts of hostility may be continually witnessed. In fine, there is not food and room enough for many other birds where sparrows are numerous. ”

“ They begin just about the time one of the authors of this treatise generally goes to bed and tries to go to sleep—towards daybreak—and keep it up till their voices swell in a diapason of horror with those of the other unspeakable wretches above alluded to. They breed during the greater part of the year—breed at a year old—keep breeding—breed numberlessly. ”

“ Gentry, referring to sparrows in Germantown, Pa.: 'They increase so rapidly, and are so pugnacious, that our smaller native birds are compelled to seek quarters elsewhere.' Dr. Coues continues: 'I did not expect the bad news quite so soon. Probably it will not be long before we hear the same complaints from other places. ... There is no occasion for them (the sparrows) in this country: the good they do in destroying certain insects has been overrated. I foresee the time when it will be deemed advisable to take measures to get rid of the birds, or at least to check their increase.' ”

“ It appears from the record herewith presented that the credit of being the first in this country to foresee and predict the evil to result from the introduction of sparrows into America belongs to Dr. ”