Vill OUR BIRD ALLIES. 
—Counterbalancing services—The Rook in the corn- 
fields—The Rook in the turnip-fields—Followers of 
the plough—Sociable nature of the Rook—Its code of 
laws—Nesting arrangements—The Rook as a weather 
prophet — How to distinguish Rooks from Crows 
page 113 
CHAPTER® VLE 
THE JACKDAW AND THE STARLING, ETC. 
THE JACKDAW—Its value to the farmer—Vocal capa- 
bilities—A novel use for a Jackdaw—The Magpie— 
Prevost Paradol once more—Value of the Magpie— 
Its architectural skill—The uses of a disused nest— 
The Chough—The Starling—Is the bird a poacher ?— 
Food of the Starling—How its victims are captured— 
Starlings and cattle—The Starling near Chelmsford— 
Its amazing numbers—Starlings in newly-sown grass 
—A feathered host and their guide—Nest of the 
Starling ... ah 5 a Re 33 | Page I24 
CHAPTER, DX. 
FINCHES. 
FincHEes—The Chaffinch—Its illicit deeds—Its compen- 
sating services—-Food of the Chaffinch—Its beautiful 
nest—The Goldfinch and its value—Nest and eggs— 
The Greenfinch—Its food and character—The Linnet 
—Its occasional mischief—Diet and general character 
—Summer and winter plumage—Nest of the Linnet— 
The Bullfinch and its crimes—A word in its favour— 
The Rey. F. O. Morris on the Bullfinch—Character 
and influence of the bird... ee re see Dake T37 
