THE STORMCOCK-. 333 



when in quest of food j for at that time he may be seen on the ground, 

 and in berry-bearing shrubs. But in shrubs I have never been able 

 to find his nest, which is generally placed either in the forked 

 branches of the forest trees, or in those of the larger fruit trees, some- 

 times very high up, and sometimes within five feet of the ground. 

 The outside of the nest is composed of dried grass, to which is 

 added a little green moss ; whilst the inside contains a lining of 

 dried grass alone, on which the female commonly lays five eggs, 

 speckled over with chocolate-coloured spots, of a lighter and a darker 

 shade, on a grayish- green ground. 



During the period of the breeding season, the habits of the storm- 

 cock undergo a noted change. At other times of the year, except 

 in cherry-time, and when the seeds of the different species of the 

 service tree are ripe, this bird carefully avoids the haunts of man ; 

 but no sooner does the time arrive in which it has to make its nest, 

 than it draws near to our habitations with the utmost confidence, 

 and forms its nest in places the most exposed to our view. There 

 both male and female protect their charge with matchless courage. 

 On the approach of an enemy you immediately hear their singular 

 cry, which somewhat resembles the sound produced by striking 

 the teeth of a comb smartly with your finger ; and you see the 

 parent birds dashing incessantly at the crow, the cat, or the magpie, 

 until they clear the coast. This year there is a stormcock's nest 

 within fifteen yards of the place where the masons are at work. Our 

 tame magpie, which is allowed its freedom, and the use of its wings, 

 seized the female, some days ago, and brought her close to the 

 masons. The male bird instantly came up, and rescued his mate, 

 by fighting the magpie, until he made it let go its hold. Causa vice 

 conjux. It was to save his female that he advanced so undauntedly 

 into the midst of his mortal enemies : nothing else could have in- 

 duced him to face the danger. I fancy that I hear him say 



" Si fata negant veniam pro conjuge, certum est, 



Nolle redire mihi : letho gaudete duorum." 



" If you won't give my poor dear up to me, here I stay ; you may 

 kill us both." This loving couple retired triumphant to their nest \ 

 but the female lost half of her tail in the fray. 



