2-982-145 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Sparrow-Nests in Philadelphia, 1876. '...those diminutive houses in the trees for sparrows are to be seen all about town. They were placed there by the inhabitants for the birds that were imported from England and elsewhere to build in; and they have turned out a great success. In this city, not many years ago, as well as in New York and Boston, a small worm attacked the trees, and in such myriads that it almost entirely destroyed them. Its ravages were the reason for importing the sparrows; but now the people have again become anxious, as a smaller insect has began attacking the trees, and the birds will not eat or kill this species of insect'. From "Illustrated London News", 1876.