134 
gularly wary, is commonly seen near the habitations 
ofman. These birds are usually observed in pairs, 
and continue together the whole year. In winter 
they often assemble in numbers at night to roost 
in particular districts, but separate again during 
the day. Their nest, which is generally con- 
structed in trees or bushes, and is of large dimen- 
sions for the bird, is outwardly composed of sticks, 
lined with a thick plastering of clay, on which is 
disposed a soft bed of the small fibres of roots and 
‘dry grass, covered over or arched, and with an 
aperture on one side. The eggs, which vary m 
number from four to eight, are of a yellowish grey 
colour, speckled with yellow brown spots, varying 
in their tints. Being very destructive to eggs and 
young birds, the Magpie is much persecuted. 
MARTIN, COMMON, OR HOUSE MARTIN. 
Hirrunpo urpica, Lin. 
The first appearance of the Martins, which are 
very generally dispersed throughout England, is a 
few days after that of the Swallows, and it departs 
about the same time. It seems to commence its 
northern migration in Africa, and even to cross 
the Mediterranean with the Swallow, but its power 
of flight requires longer time to perform the dis- 
tance. On its first arrival it is usually seen in such 
warm and low situations as are most likely to fur- 
