The English Sparrow - "Crow-foot." - What is the latest conclusion in regard to the English sparrow? Is it a grain eater, or an insectivorous bird? As a few of them have appeared in our vicinity, I am the more anxious to make up my mind concerning this bird."

[We have only to repeat what we have said before, that modern ornithology shows few, if any, birds are either strictly graminivorous or strictly insectivorous. Take for instance the common yellow bird, one of the worst depredators on seeds in the summer time, feeds wholly on small insects in the early part of the season. The various kinds of aphis are especially welcome to the yellow bird in spring time. The English sparrow is no exception. It will eat anything whatever that is most conveniently at hand. It does not propose to starve when there are few insects to be had, and it rejoices on a flesh diet when seeds are scarce. You can form your own conclusions from these facts. It increases very rapidly. If it gets in your grain fields and among your fruits, the facts may endanger your reputation as a meek and mild mannered man. There is however always this consolation, that no bird can live out in our northern climate, when the ground is covered for weeks with snow. So the English sparrow must keep to the large towns for protection. It has been of immense use in some towns. American birds are too shy. They avoid close contact with humanity. The English sparrow remains among men. This is its only advantage. It will aid in clearing out insects from cities, when other birds will not.

But it will do damage as well as be useful; and just which of the two it will prove must depend on each person's experience. Every person should be left free to protect, or to encourage it as he may see fit. - Ed. G. M].

All communications relating to advertisements, subscriptions, or other business, must be addressed to the publisher, 814 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia.

All referring to the reading matter of the magazine must be mailed to the editor, Germantown, Pa.

No express packages for the editor received unless prepaid; and marked " Paid through to Germantown, Pa."