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1877. Samuels, E. A. Butcher Birds and Sparrows [Passer domesticus]. Boston Transcript, Feb. 3, 1877.

Denunciatory of the Sparrow, and advocating the butcher birds as destroyers of the nuisance. 'The bird will unquestionably prove as great a nuisance in this country as it has been found in Europe, and I doubt not a bounty will at some time be offered for its head. … The English sparrow has driven away all our own pretty and interesting and musical birds, and I almost wish for a visitation from some immense host of "butcher-birds" to finish them.'

1878. Coues, E. The Sparrow [Passer domesticus] Pest? The Country, Jan. 19, 1878.

Citing the observations of Dr. Sacc, Rev. et Mag. de Zool. xii. p. 94, in evidence of the extraordinary fecundity of these birds. A female laid 35 eggs in as many days.(!)

1878. Gentry, T. G. The House Sparrow at Home and Abroad, with some concluding remarks upon its usefulness, and copious references to the literature of the subject. By Thomas G. Gentry, Philadelphia, 1878. With coloured frontispiece of Passer domesticus.

One of the good results of the controversy has been the appearance of this work, in which the whole subject is set forth at full length, in clear light, with every regard for impartiality. Mr. Gentry's careful and critical survey of the situation renders his presentation of the case conclusive. All the charges that have been brought against the sparrow are discussed and substantiated, while due weight is given to the other side of the question. It is a very useful book, which should be widely circulated.

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