The Crow Tribe. 35 



attached, and would sit upon the back of her chair for 

 hours ; but if affronted, he would use his bill and claws 

 very effectively. He disliked children exceedingly, and 

 would scarcely let them, or strangers of any age, enter 

 the garden. He was particularly fond of grasshoppers, 

 chafers, and other insects, and raw and dressed meat 

 and bread he would eat greedily, as well as barley and 

 hemp-seed. 



The PIPING CROW (Gymnorhina tibicen) of New 

 South Wales must be mentioned here, because Mr. 

 Gould thinks that it would be a valuable addition to 

 our cage birds, as it is very hardy, and bears captivity 

 well. It is not a true " Crow," but in some particulars 

 appears to have more affinity with the Shrikes : the 

 colonists call it the Magpie on account of its white and 

 black plumage, and it seems to fill the place of a Mag- 

 pie to them, being a trustful bird, attaching itself to 

 mankind, and haunting barns and farmhouses. If it 

 takes possession of any garden or plantation, it will 

 only allow a few of its friends to intrude, and repays 

 its master by the rich and varied song it pours out 

 every morning and evening. Its name tibicen means 

 a flute- player, and its song is said to resemble the notes 

 of a flute. It lives mainly on large grasshoppers and 

 other insects : in captivity it will eat any animal food, 

 fruits, and berries. A bird kept by Mr. Bennett in 

 Australia possessed a great variety of accomplishments. 

 He would call out " Fire away ! fire away ! " then give 



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