THE SPARROW DOOMED

Marlborough Daily Times, Volume X, Issue 249, 31 December 1887, Page 3

THE SPARROW DOOMED

A report has just been issued by tho American G< vemment on the subject of the English oj.arrow and its doings in the States/ Tho report is written by Dr C. 11. Merriam, ornithologist to the Agricultural Department, who declares that tho bird is an unmitigated curse, of such virulence that it ought to be systematic- ( a ily attacked and destroyed before it becomes necessary to deplete the public treasury for the purpose, as has been done in other countries. He, therefore, makes five recommendations, the first of which is tho immediate repeal of all laws which afford protection to the sparrow. Next, laws should he enacted legalism <>• the killing of the sparrow at all seasons of the year, and the destruction of its nests, eggs and young. Thirdly, “the enactment of laws making it a misdemeanour, punishable by fino or imprisonment, or both, (a) intentionally to give food or shelter to the sparrow, except with a view to its ultimate destruction ; or (b) introduce or aid in introducing it into new localities ; or (c) interfere with persons, means, or appliances engaged in, or designed for, its destruction 1 or the destruction of its eggs or young.’’ Fourthly, laws should be passed to protect the great northern shrika, or butcher bird, the sparrow hawk, and the screech owl, which species feed largely on the sparrow. Fifthly, that laws should be passed to appoint officials to destroy sparrows. Dr Merriam believes it is not expedient to offer bounties for tho destruction of sparrows, as at the present time it is desirable and perfectly feanablo to bring about a great reduction in their ranks by concerted action of the people, aided by helpful legislation such as that suggested above, and without drawing on tho public purse.