Page:HouseSparrowGurney.djvu/67

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.
IN AMERICA.
53

The following record (*) forms a portion of a more elaborate article which I have in preparation upon the general subject. Though very incomplete—in fact, representing but a fragment of the literature which the sparrow question has occasioned—it is sufficient for present purposes. It is compiled from all available sources, without partiality or prejudice, and the commentary is written without fear, favour, or affection. It includes every article which I have seen, and a few others, the titles of which I have taken from Mr. T. G. Gentry's book. For some, I am indebted to the kindness of Prof. C. V. Riley. Articles in favour of, as well as those unfavourable to, the sparrow, have been collated with equal care; but those of the former character are so few and weak in comparison with those of the latter category that, if the contributions to the subject made by the eminent ornithologist, Dr. Thomas M. Brewer, be excepted, little remains on that side of the question. Additional titles of articles bearing upon the off-side of the controversy are therefore the special desiderata of this piece of bibliography; but any additions to the list or corrections of errors which may be detected will be very acceptable to the compiler.


* The 'record' to which Dr. Coues refers, forms seventeen closely printed large octavo pages, which sufficiently shows the great importance attached to the 'English Sparrow Question' in America. It is not, however, of sufficient interest to English readers to demand its reproduction. The following portion is a fair sample of the rest.