NATURAL HISTORY 



271 



PICA. (Lat. a Magpie.') 



(-on (j-Uulcd), the 



The MAGPIE, who seems 1o rival the Parrot in the proud 

 title of the Monkey of the Birds (the Eaven being the orni- 

 thological Baboon) is a well-known inhabitant of this country. 

 Its thieving and hiding propensities have been frequently told ; 

 but I must still venture to give a few anecdotes of a tame 

 magpie that resided in Wiltshire. This bird found a malicious 

 enjoyment in pecking the unprotected ankles of little boys not 

 yet arrived at manly habiliments, and was such a terror to the 

 female servants that they were forced to pass his lurking-place 

 armed with a broom. One of the servants having neglected 

 this precaution was actually found sitting down on the stones 

 to protect her ankles, the magpie triumphantly pacing round 

 her, until aid was brought, and the bird driven away. But 

 to little boys and girls the magpie showed no mercy, springing 

 cut of its hiding-place, and chasing them completely along 

 the garden walk. 



It had also a great penchant for tearing and biting to pieces 

 any papers that came in its way, probably because it had 

 perceived that people valued them. One Sunday morning, 



