NATURAL HISTORY. 24*. 



So doth the magpie mischievously steal 



Of wealth he knows not only to conceal." NEWMAN. 



747. Wliy have magpies the reputation of being thieving birds f 



These birds possess a strong degree of curiosity in observation, 

 and seem to have an especial perception for brilliancy of colour, 

 If, for instance, there were two small pieces of potters' ware, of the 

 same size, shape, and consistency, and if one piece were coarse and 

 brown and the other glazed, it is almost certain that the magpie 

 would carry off the glazed piece, but certainly not the other : so 

 also, if a shilling and a halfpenny were left in this bird's way, 

 the shilling would in all probability be carried off and the 

 halfpenny left. 



This fondness for bright and shining articles tempts the bird 

 to steal articles of plate, &c., hence the incident upon which the 

 popular story is founded of " The Maid and the Magpie" and a 

 number of other anecdotes, all illustrative of this thievish pro- 

 pensity ; whilst their curious and observant disposition may 

 account for their stealing articles which have no particularly 

 attractive qualities to recommend them. 



748. Why is a magpie, when seen alone, said to foretell bad 

 weather ? 



Because magpies generally fly in company, but on the approach 

 of wet or cold one remains in the nest to take car* of the young, 

 while the other one wanders in search of food. 



For the same reason, a single magpie is said to be an 

 unlucky omen to anglers, while two prognosticate fine weather 

 and good sport. 



749. Why is the crossbill furnished with a beak of peculiar 

 structure ? 



Because it is a bird inhabiting forests in which vast pine trees 

 grow, and living as it does upon the seeds of the pine, the beak with 

 which it is furnished is best adapted for assisting it in obtaining 

 supplies of food. 



