196 



THE STARLING. 



1592, and referring to some of the religious exercises of the 

 time, he says — 



I think ane greit derisioim 



To heir thir nunnis and sisteris nycht and day, 



Singand and sayand psalmis and orisoun ; 



Nocht vmderstanding quhat thay sing nor say. 

 Bot, like ane Stirling, and ane popingay, 



Quhilk leirnit ar to speik be lang usaye. 



The plumage of the Starling seldom varies. A white 

 specimen was, however, got some years ago near Birgham 

 by Mr. Waddell. 



