480 REPTILES AND BIRDS. 
they have the same desire, whether in the wild or domestic state, to 
store away provisions and hide glittering objects. ‘Their instinctive 
habit of appropriating all sorts of plunder is one of the causes of 
their popularity. Every one has heard the true story on which the 
drama of Zhe Maid and the Magpie is founded—how Ninette was 
accused and pronounced guilty of robbing her master, and when 
executed found to have been innocent, the true culprit being the pet 
magpie of the house. 
The Magpie is a bold, impudent bird, which is easily put to flight 
Fig. 196.—The Rook. 
by man, but will fearlessly harass a dog, a tox, or any of the smaller 
birds of prey. Having caused one of these to retreat, it pursues the 
fugitive vigorously, rousing by its cries all the birds of its kind ; and 
what with its own energy and the combined efforts of its kindred, it 
generally succeeds in utterly discomfiting the intruder. Its action is 
unceasing, its movement short and jerky; but it is heavy on the wing. 
It chatters incessantly ; hence the proverb to ‘chatter like a magpie.” 
It builds its nest of withered shrubs, dry sticks, and sand, on the 
highest branch of a lofty tree, which, as a structure, is remarkable for 
its form, size, and solidity. This fabric has many beginnings: the 
foundation of the last and permanent structure is laid with infinite 
