128 STORIES ABOUT BIRDS. 



than the gamekeeper, and his gun is often aimed at him. He remembers the 

 magpie's love for young chickens, and that the farmyard is none the better 

 for his visits. 



Besides this, the other birds are not very friendly with the magpie, and 

 do not much like him, because when they are away he will come and steal the 

 eggs out of their nests. 



Yet, in spite of all, the magpie is resolved, like the rook, to live near to 

 the dwellings of man. He can pick up so many treasures, and eke out his 

 supply of food by what he finds. 



Early in March the magpies begin to build their nests, and choose the 

 top of a tall tree, such as an ash or an elm ; or, where such accommodation 

 is not to be had, they will even place the nest in a hedge. 



It is a very large nest, and can be known at once by its size and its oval 

 shape. First there is a layer of twigs, and then a layer of mud ; and then 

 it is covered with a roof, or dome, made of twigs, and a hole is left in the 

 side for the magpie to get in. 



Within this sheltered retreat the eggs are laid. They differ much in 

 colour, and are sometimes blue, specked or spotted, and sometimes of a 

 pale green. 



THE NUTCRACKER. 



Very rarely, indeed, is the nutcracker seen in England. Two instances only 

 are recorded of the bird being shot as a specimen. 



He is about the size of the common jay, and his plumage is a dull reddish 

 brown, with white spots. 



His home is on the continent, and among the pine forests of mountainous 

 regions. His food is fir seeds and nuts. He fixes the nut, or cone, in a cleft of 

 the tree, and then splits it open with a blow from his great strong bill, and 

 gets out the kernel. He can climb and walk with the greatest ease, but does 

 not fly with the same agility. The voice of the bird is very harsh and dis- 

 agreeable, and he is far below the crows and ravens in sagacity. 



The nest is placed in the deep recesses of the pine forest, almost beyond 



