396 Habits of the Jackdaw, 



grey behind the head, changing when exposed to the different 

 rays of light. A jackdaw once appeared here with a remark- 

 able portion of white in one of the wings ; it tarried with us 

 for two years, and then disappeared for ever. Probably the 

 singularity of its wing had attracted the fatal notice of some 

 experienced gunner, in its peregrinations beyond this vale of 

 safety. 



The jackdaw, like the rook, collects insects in its mouth, to 

 feed its young ; and this gives it the appearance of a pouch 

 under the lower mandible. 



I know not how far naturalists will agree with me in the 

 speculation that these birds remain in pairs the year through- 

 out. When November's winds have stripped the sycamore 

 of its every leaf, I see the daws sitting in pairs, side by side, 

 upon the naked branches. They seem fond of preening each 

 other's heads ; and, as they mostly leave the trees in pairs, 

 and in pairs return, I am led to conjecture that their union is 

 not dissolved at the period when the young no longer need 

 parental aid. 



He who is fond of rural scenes, and loves to rove 



" On a mountain's lonely van, 

 Beyond the noise of busy man, 

 Painting fair the form of things, 

 While the yellow linnet sings, 

 Or the tuneful nightingale 

 Charms the forest with her tale," 



will never bring his mind to drive away this playful merry 

 bird, or allow his gardener to take its life, for the value of a 

 handful of cherries. , tl < t i 



I am, Sir, yours, &c. 

 Walton Hall, June 26. 1833. Charles Waterton. 



Cowper, whose spaniel dog " Beau," with notable saga- 

 city, " plunging, left the shore," or bank, of the river Ouse, 

 to crop, and bring from the stream, a water lily's blossom 

 which it had observed its master, " with cane extended far," 

 take " unsuccessful pains" to reach, might well be excited to 

 express himself thus: — »<*J *& « ,Ji w 



su, r*w ibii'jj,! ill 0' 'ib oX ihni /nriq 

 " Charm'd with the sight, the world. I cried, 

 " - Shall hear of this thy deed : " Wf»dw p&ft 



9 lit i,i My dog shall mortify the pride 1 rioiilw iB tJilli] 9£W 



M ,i Of man's superior breed"^*, adi 9ioi d f miuvLom 



,11 tmn\ tw*^M$^W4* r &,l* 

 Should the feat of Beau give umbrage to our pride, the 

 jackdaw may serve to soothe it; for Mr. Waterton's interest- 



