SMALLER BRITISH LAND BIRDS FOR A MUSEUM. 49 



would be as well, in illustration, to represent both sexes when about a 

 month old: this is particularly observable in the sparrow-hawk (Spar-, 

 verius Europocus), and in the tawny wood-owl (Strix stridula). The 

 attitudes of these birds require a great deal of study to enable one to 

 stuff them well ; and I cannot but recommend all who ever attempt 

 to preserve them, to avail themselves of every possible opportunity of 

 becoming acquainted with their positions. When alive, they often for 

 a very long time remain fixed in one attitude; and therefore, if 

 properly mounted, stuffed specimens of birds of prey may be made to 

 have the exact appearance of life. 



All the crow-kind should be procured in winter, their feathers being then 

 new and uninjured, and they acquire no additional beauty in the spring. 

 A single specimen of each sort is sufficient, as the sexes are similar*, and 

 the young closely resemble the adults : the young rook ( Corvusfrugi- 

 legus), however, differs from the old bird in its forehead being clothed 

 with feathers, on which account some, perhaps, may think it worth 

 preserving. Of the jackdaw species (Corvus monedula), the hand- 

 somest are the old males, in a few of which the back of the neck is 

 almost white. The jay (Garrulus glandarius), and the magpie (Pica 

 Europcea), are two of the most showy of our native birds : the former 

 varies little, and does not much injure its feathers ; the latter is only 

 occasionally to be met with in full beauty : to obtain a fine specimen, 

 several should be procured, and the most beautiful selected. 



The different woodpeckersf should be sought for about the com- 

 mencement of winter, as early as possible after the completion of their 

 autumnal moult, and in fine weather, when the trees are dry : at this 

 time their plumage is very much brighter than at any other season, the 

 tail being new and unworn, and the under parts often beautifully clean. 

 Three specimens of each are necessary, in illustration of the male, the 

 female, and the young in its first feathers. Of the -common green 

 species (Ckrysoptilus Europfsus-major^) , a male should be selected in 



* Perhaps the hooded crow (C. cornix) may prove an exception. See vol. i. 

 pp. 239 and 279 I have just examined a female in which several black feathers 

 were intermixed with the grey on the back. E. B. 



f I am informed that a specimen of the great black woodpecker (Picus martins) 

 was shot about three years ago, somewhere in the northern vicinity of London ; it 

 was stuffed by a person who did not know its value ; and not being properly pre- 

 served, was, in a few months, completely destroyed by the moths. E. B. 



\ Chrysoptilusviridis, AUCTORUM ; but as all the woodpeckers of this division are 

 green, the term viridis is not exclusive, as. every specific name ought to be. E.B. 



VOL II. NO. T. H 



