THE MAGPIE. 205 



usually keeps flitting from tree to tree, or along dykes or 

 hedges, when followed, until it at last flies off to a distance. 

 It is, however, very easily poisoned or trapped, and this has 

 undoubtedly led to its extirpation in many districts, where 

 its total destruction is to be regretted by all lovers of 

 birds, for its occasional appearance gives an additional 

 interest to a walk or drive in any locality. Although the 

 food of the Piet varies considerably, it chiefly consists 

 of worms, snails, slugs, and insects of various kinds. As 

 already mentioned, it is very destructive to the eggs and 

 young of winged game ; it also robs small birds' nests, and 

 the eggs of domestic fowls and ducks are greedily devoured 

 when they happen to be laid away from the farm-steading 

 in the bottom of some hedge or covert frequented by the 

 plunderer. 



It breeds early in spring, and usually builds its nest 

 in high trees, often choosing the top of an old bushy 

 Scotch fir for the purpose. 



For skill 



To build his dwelling few can vie 

 In talent with the artful Pie : 

 On turf-reared platform intermixt 

 With clay, and cross-laid sticks betwixt. 

 'Mid hawthorn, fir, or elm tree slung, 

 Is piled for the expected young 

 A soft and neatly woven home : 

 Above of tangled thorns a dome 

 Forms a sharp fence the nest about, 

 To keep all rash intruders out. 



Bishop Mant. 



The eggs, from six to nine in number, are pale bluish 

 green, closely freckled with greenish brown. A farming 

 adage of the olden time in Berwickshire was that " It 

 is not too late to sow bear when the leaves cover the 

 Pyet's nest," which is usually in June. This saying is 

 mentioned by the Kev. Walter Anderson, D.D., in his 



