OBSERVATIONS ON BIRDS. 309 



Missel thrushes do not destroy the fruit in gardens like the 

 other species of turdi, but feed on the berries of mis- 

 seltoe, and in the spring on ivy berries, which then begin 

 to ripen. In the summer, when their young become fledged, 

 they leave neighbourhoods, and retire to sheep-walks and 

 wild commons. 



The magpies, when they have young, destroy the broods 

 of missel thrushes, though the dams are fierce birds, and fight 

 bold in defence of their nests. It is probably to avoid such 

 insults, that this species of thrush, though wild at other 

 times, delights to build near houses, and in frequented walks 

 and gardens. WHITE. 



Of the truth of this I have been an eye-witness, having 

 seen the common thrush feeding on the shell-snail. 



In the very early part of this spring (1797), a bird of this 

 species used to sit every morning on the top of some high 

 elms close to my windows, and delight me with its charming 

 song,* attracted thither, probably, by some ripe ivy berries 

 that grew near the place. 



I have remarked something like the latter fact ; for I 

 remember, many years ago, seeing a pair of these birds fly up 

 repeatedly and attack some larger bird, which I suppose dis- 

 turbed their nest in my orchard, uttering, at the same time, 

 violent shrieks. Since writing the above, I have seen, more 

 than once, a pair of these birds attack some magpies that 

 had disturbed their nest, with great violence, and loud 

 shrieks. MABKWICK. 



POULTRY. Many creatures are endowed with a ready 

 discernment to see what will turn to their own advantage 

 and emolument ; and often discover more sagacity than 

 could be expected. Thus, my neighbour's poultry watch for 

 waggons loaded with wheat, and, running after them, pick 

 a number of grains which are shaken from the sheaves by 



e agitation of the carriages. Thus, when my brother used 

 to take down his gun to shoot sparrows, his cats would run 

 out before him, to be ready to catch up the birds as they fell. 



* " . . . dew drops thick as early blossoms hung, 



And trembled as the minstrel sweetly sung." BLOOMFIELD. 



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