Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1890-05-16

Il seems very strange coossdsring the
we'll kno IN reputation VI the English Spar
rov that any one possessing any knowledge
II natural history should have desired to
import ii into this country. From time i'm
memorial is has been . serious pest in
Europe. When the art of writing vas in
vented this bird WAS chosen for the hero
zIyphic character sisnifsing an enemy.
Since i,s introduction into the United States
il 10 rapidly overrunring the country. The
Department Of Agriculture in . bulletin
.sued 10 1889 states on the bes, authort,
that single pair Of these sparrows may
produce in ten years the enormous number
Of 275 7le 1888 sos This shows how rapid
~ the statement Of the great Darwin 10 being
confirmed that newly introduced species
either of plant or animal, always outstrips
the natives. Aside from the fact as related
to the English sparrow this f.ct is also ex
emplified by the English rabbitin Australia.
and the cabbage butterfly and many other
lnstcts I'D tiis couhtfy.
The close association of these biris with
man, their superior intelligence, and their
gregarious habits, do much to free them
from the sharp competition, to which many
of our native birds succumb. The spar
rows are hardy and little troubled with dis
ease, while most carnivorous animals that
prey upon birds, pre- fer taking native species
rather than risk their lives near Inhabited
dwellings. The food supply that limits the
increase of native birds effects the sparros
but little. In winter they have access TO
corn bins. horse ordure in street and road,
chicken and barn yards, while an endless
supply of food is found in field and garden
during the summer One of the worst OBJ
stacles with which the sparrow has to con-
tend is climate. The cold, vet storms Of
the north kill many birds that have recently
lef, their nests. However the great enemy
of the sparrow is, or at least ought to be.
man. II the bird is not held in check ere
long he will overrun the continent to such
an extent that agricultural depression will
be still further augmented.
In bulletin on the English sparrow pub
lished by the Michigan Experiment Station,
Prof. A. J. Cook, of the Department of
Zoology at the Station, says the first thing
that should be done to check the sparrows'
increase is the repeal of all laws offering
protection. Another is to pass laws giving
bounties for the destruction of the sparrow.
Already seven States legislate against the
English sparrow. OF these, four simply
except it from the protection afforded other
birds. New York makes it a misdemeanor
to harbor or protect them; while Michigan
pays bounty of three cents for each
.psrrow's bead. Over twenty of the re.
naming States give the English sparrow the
same protection that is offered to other
birds The remaining States have no laws
on the subject. The most successful
method of destroying the sparrow is by the
use of poisoned wheat or meal. The rule
is one part of arsenic mixed with fifteen
parts Of meal by weight. But great care
must be observed in the use of the poisoned
meal not TO have it come in the way of
children, domestic animals or native BIRDS
Waldo Pomona Grange.
Although the weather was doubtful tn !.
9Th b. ,e
was success. Nine oranges were repre-
sented, also North Star of Dixmont. The
address Of welcome by Sister Fletcher was
very foe and in the absence of Sister At
wood, Bro F. W. Richie kindly responded.
A class of six were instructed in the fifth
degree. An essay by Sister Luce wildly
represented the ups and downs of life.
Noon recess was then declared.
Afternoon session was public and was
opened with music by the choir. A docu
ment proceeding from the Legislative Com
mittee of the National Grange was read and
discussed, after which it was indorsed and
the society instructed to notify the proper
parties in regard to action. The question
that knowledge is the acme of human
happiness" Was opened by Bro. Cook, many
participating in the discussion, after which
the choir entertained with music. Topic,
that 1.-The hen industry is profitable, was
opened by Bro. ID. ID. Gould and many in
terestiug and profitable remarks we're made
Programme for next meeting is as follows !:
Time, June 81, place, Stockton Grange,
Stockton; lst, Opening Exercises; I'd, AL
dress of Welcome, Sister Blanchard; Sd,
Response, Sister Oracle Bowen; 4th. Re
port of Oranges; 9th, Comforting Fifth
Degree: 9Th, Lecture by Worthy Lecturer
of County Grange; 7th, Essay by Sister N.
T. Woodman; sth, Appointment of Commit
tee on Programme (noon recess) 9th. Mu-
sic by Choir; 10Th, Recitation by any Broth
er or Sister Of Stockton Grange, its Worthy
Master may appoint; llth. question, RE.
solved that We should tax income instead of
real estate and personal property" Aft,
Bro. Z. Partridge; Neg. Bro. F. W. Rit-
chic; 18th, Song, Sister Dyer; 18th, Topic,
= Resolved it is not in accordance With
Grange principles for the brothers to leave
delapidsted fences and broken nipple nents
around their home = opened by Sister Bel
lows, l4th, Reading oy Sister CoIcord 18th,
Closing. A vote of thanks WAS given Star
Of Progress Grange for kindness and cour-
tesy.
A Pleasant Buxx
Readers specially interested in hoe loan.