234 



STURNID^E. 



accordingly. So, in suburban gardens, where even the 

 Redbreast and Tits are unknown, Starlings are periodical 

 visitors, and afford much amusement by their shambling 

 gait, and industrious boring on the lawn for larvae in cherry 

 orchards they are regarded with terror, on account of the 

 amount of mischief they will accomplish in a short space 

 of time ; and in the sheep-fold they are doubtless most 

 cordially welcomed and their services thankfully received, 



THE STABLING. 



though there can be as little doubt that the visits are paid 

 not for the benefit of the uncomfortable animals on whom 

 they perch, but to indulge their own partiality for an 

 occasional diet of ticks. 



The Starling is a handsome bird; seen at a distance it 

 appears to be of a uniform black hue, but on closer inspec- 

 tion its sable coat is found to be lustrous with reflections of 



