100 COMMON CROSSBILL. 



which he tamed most successfully. This bird was 

 taken from the nest, built in a hole in an ash tree 

 growing in a chalk pit near Oueenwood. After being 

 in confinement a short time, it was allowed its liberty, 

 and became very tame and fearless. It would come 

 in at the open window during class hours and hop 

 along the desk to its master. It used to fly about 

 with the tame Crows, and come and perch on its 

 owner's shoulders when called. Perhaps its most 

 interesting accomplishment and favourite amusement 

 was hawking for moths and butterflies. It would 

 come to its owner's whistle, and perched on his wrist 

 as he walked about the playground, would wait until 

 a passing insect attracted its attention, and would 

 then swoop off and return with the captured prey to 

 its post of observation. 



Starlings, being very fond of bathing, when in con- 

 finement should be given plenty of water, as without 

 it they will not long survive. 



COMMON CROSSBILL. 



LOXIA CURVIROSTRA. 



Family Passerid.^. Sub-family Fringilun.^. Genus Loxia. 



European Crossbill— Shell Apple. 



We must regard this bird as a late summer and 

 winter visitor, in some years much more plentiful 

 than in others, and sometimes remaining to nest. In 

 Scotland it is a resident in parts, and in Ireland it is 

 an occasional winter visitor. It has been observed 

 nearly every year lately with us at Queenwood. 



There is no doubt that many more birds are bred in 



