Sparrows and Crocuses.

Abstract

THE time of year has arrived when we shall once more be hearing of the ravages of sparrows on crocus blooms, and the theories advanced in order to account for this propensity for destruction on the part of the sparrow in suburban gardens and elsewhere. One pet theory is that the sparrow has a fondness for yellow, and shows it by destroying crocuses of that colour. Most unfortunately for the holders of such an opinion, the sparrow does not confine its attentions to yellow crocuses only, but attacks also the purple, white, &c., as any grower of crocuses can prove. Undoubtedly the yellow suffer most, probably because they are the first to appear, and meet the birds' most pressing requirements. Moreover, the sparrows sometimes attack the flowers while still in the sheath, and before it is certain what colour they will be.