One hundred years ago
SPARROWS Sir, — Your correspondent, "F.C.," in the Spectator of August 26th, refers to the singular fancy which sparrows occa- sionally betray for admiring themselves in a looking-glass. During the past sum- mer I have witnessed this on twoor three occasions; but the most amusing point was that when a hen-sparrow kept sitting on the edge of the looking-glass, intently admiring and pecking mildly at herself, the cock-bird repeatedly flew down also on to the glass and tried to Make her desist, not without lingering for a moment or two to have a look at himself. Whether the feminine vanity or masculine jealousy was most reprehensi- ble m this case may be a fair ground for dispute between the human sexes. — I am, Sir, &c., Lahore, September 27th. M.
The Spectator 21 October 1893
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