IN THE NORTH OF KENT 99 
were roots and grasses to receive the eggs. 
Above all was a superstructure of loose sticks, 
a wise protection against the weather and 
other birds. At one side was a hole just large 
* ot 
hs 
XVII: Magpie 
(; size). 
enough to admit the bird. It was the dome, 
or rather roof, that made the nest look so 
high and gave it the egg shape. It was 
empty, but the hen lays five or six eggs of a 
pale bluish green, thickly spotted and marked 
