16 JULY 1921, Page 13

(To THZ EDITOR 07 THE " SPHITATOR."1

Sia,—So far as house martins are concerned, the shortage of swallows, which has been increasing of late years, may be partly accounted for by the fact that sparrows are taking to turning them out of their nests as soon as the mud walls are built. Fifty years ago I never knew this crime to be com- mitted, but now it is a constant practice of the Ifunnidi

sparrows.—! am, Sir, Asc., P. T. GOMM. Iscoyd Park, Whitchurch, Shropshire.