390 The Magpie. [Sess. 



Pansies, daisies, or other flowers that may attract attention, 

 and be examined by any one, are sure to be nipped off. The 

 slightest change in anything immediately attracts the atten- 

 tion of " Jacky." Mr Kerr having suffered severely from a 

 corn on his foot, commenced with a sharp knife to cut it, 

 with the view of obtaining relief. As frequently happens, 

 the knife went too deep, which caused it to bleed. As a con- 

 sequence, he could not bear the pressure of his boot for some 

 days, and in order to minimise the pain, cut a hole in the boot 

 opposite the injured part, through which his light-grey Shet- 

 land sock contrasted strongly with his blackened boot. This 

 was quickly taken notice of by " Jacky," who flew softly 

 down and gave an unmerciful peck on the tender part, causing 

 him to dance and scream with pain. 



" Jacky " robs all the birds' nests in proximity to his pre- 

 mises, and is often besieged by blackbirds, thrushes, and other 

 small birds, while he is amusing himself in tearing their nests 

 to pieces or regaling himself on their eggs. Sometimes 

 several of his own species appear within sight, when he 

 instantly attacks them, and frequently returns ruffled both 

 in feathers and temper. The only member of the feathered 

 tribe with which " Jacky " seems to fraternise is a rook. For 

 hours they may be seen together sitting on the high trees 

 that overhang the woodyard, or flying about apparently with- 

 out other aim than the enjoyment of each other's company. 



" Jacky " has long been the terror of the village children, 

 and does not fail to attack them when they annoy him. 

 Even grown-up people suffer from his shameless impudence. 

 Any one he takes a dislike to he darts at, and generally suc- 

 ceeds in drawing blood from the neck or cheek. Like the 

 Irish assassin, he is cowardly in his mode of attack, as he 

 invariably strikers unexpectedly from behind. Those who are 

 well dressed or of respectable appearance he does not meddle 

 with, unless they annoy him ; but if beggars or poorly dressed 

 persons enter the yard, he never fails to attack them. 



" Jacky's " mischievous tricks became so serious that he 

 was at one time condemned to death. He had long been in 

 the habit of flying at boys and grown-up people, but never in- 

 terfered with helpless children. One day, however, he flew at 

 a child, and on the little fellow falling forward, he pecked the 



