Harper's Young People, February 3, 1880 An Illustrated Weekly

A lively 19th‑century essay celebrates the humble house‑sparrow, tracing how this daring little bird was first released in New England and quickly spread to the bustling streets of New York. The piece recounts the desperate battle against a swarming measuring‑worm that threatened city trees, and how an English naturalist’s suggestion to import sparrows turned the tide. Readers learn how the sparrows’ voracious appetite for insects and their prolific breeding helped restore the leafy canopy that once fell victim to pest infestations.

Beyond their practical benefits, the article paints a vivid picture of sparrows thriving amid urban noise and grime. It describes the tiny wooden houses sprouting in parks, the birds’ bold antics around larger aviary residents, and their cheerful presence from summer rain to winter snow. The narrative captures the affection city dwellers felt for these feathered helpers, illustrating how a modest creature reshaped everyday life in America’s growing metropolises.