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THE PERCHING BIRDS 



sentatives of the two forms. Familiar enough in many parts of the British Islands, 

 magpies in the north of Europe may be seen hunting for insects on the roofs of 

 cottages; but elsewhere they lead a wandering life, feeding on carrion, small birds, 

 and such other animal food as they can obtain. Breeding in a variety of situations 

 frequently in a tall poplar, but at other times in a low bush or hedge they 

 construct a domed nest of dry branches, securely protected by projecting thorns. 

 Even in China, where they nest in February, their choice of a situation of a site for 

 building is quite as varied as in Europe, Swinhoe stating that he has seen nests on the 



poles in front of a mandarin's house, and 

 in the crown of a cocoa palm. The eggs, 

 from five to seven in number, are bluish 

 white, with greenish brown or brownish 

 spots. A nonmi grant, as a rule, and fre- 

 quenting open rather than forest districts, 

 the magpie affords excellent sport before 

 the hawk, Sebright stating that "it is far 

 superior to every other kind of hawking. 

 The object of the chase is fully a match 

 for its pursuers a requisite absolutely 

 necessary to give an interest to any sport 

 of this kind, and it has the advantage of 

 giving full employment to the company, 

 which is not the case in partridge hawking. 

 A down or common where low trees or 



thorn bushes are dispersed at distances of from thirty to fifty 

 yards apart, is the place best calculated for this diversion. 

 When a magpie is seen at a distance, a hawk is immediately to 

 be cast off. The magpie will take refuge in a bush the moment he sees a falcon, 

 and will remain there until the falconer arrives, with the hawk waiting on in the air. 

 The magpie is to be driven from his retreat, and the hawk if at a good pitch will stoop 

 at him as he passes to another bush, from whence he has to be driven in the same way, 

 another hawk having been previously cast off, so that one or the other may always 

 be so situated as to attack him with advantage. Four or five assistants besides the 

 falconer are required for this sport. The magpie will always endeavor to make his 

 way to some strong cover; care therefore must be taken to counteract him and to 

 drive him to that part of the ground where the bushes are farthest from each other." 



