262 coEVib^. 



more abundant than in any other country of Europe, where 

 they principally build their nests in poplar-trees, having 

 discovered, it is said, "that the brittle nature of the boughs 

 of this tree is an additional protection against climbers ! " 

 " In Norway," says a writer in the Zoologist^^ " this bird, 

 usually so shy in this country, and so difficult to approach 

 within gunshot, seems to have entirely changed its nature : 

 it is there the most domestic and fearless bird ; its nest is 

 invariably placed in a small tree or bush adjoining some 

 farm or cottage, and not unfrequently in the very midst of 

 some straggling village. If there happens to be a suitable 

 tree by the roadside and near a house, it is a very favour- 

 able locality for a Norwegian Magpie's nest. I have often 

 wondered to see the confidence and fearlessness displayed 

 by this bird in Norway ; he will only just move out of 

 your horse's way as you drive by him on the road, and 

 should he be perched on a rail by the roadside he will 

 only stare at you as you rattle by, but never think of 

 moving off. It is very pleasant to see this absence of fear 

 of man in Norwegian birds ; a Norwegian would never 

 think of terrifying a bird for the sake of sport ; whilst, I 

 fear, to see such a bird as the Magpie sitting quietly on a 

 rail within a few feet, would be to an English boy a temp- 

 tation for assault which he could not resist. I must add, 

 however, with regard to Magpies, that there is a super- 

 stitious prejudice for them current throughout Norway : 

 they are considered harbingers of good luck, and are con- 

 sequently always invited to preside over the house ; and, 

 when they have taken up their abode in the nearest tree, 

 are defended from all ill ; and he who should maltreat the 

 Magpie has perhaps driven off the genius loci, and so may 

 expect the most furious anger of the neighbouring dwelling, 

 whose good fortune he has thus violently dispersed." Faith 

 in the prophetic powers of the Magpie even yet lingers in 

 many of the rural districts of England also. 



* Vol. viii. p. 3085. 



