CONTENTS. Vll 



THE ROBIN, Page 



A general favourite— Anecdotes of this bird 177 



THE STARLING. 



A plentiful species — Power of imitation . - 183 



THE GOLDFINCH. 



Materials for a nest — The cherry-tree — Anecdote of Rev. H. Gauntlett . 185 



THE SWIFT. 

 Its resort to steeples, towers, and other lofty buildings — Its nest — Its de- 

 struction of insects — " God provideth for the morrow " . . .191 



THE MAGPIE. 



Beauty of this bird in its native state— Variety of its food — A well-built 

 nest — Anecdotes of Magpies — Advantages of judicious instruction — 

 Early piety 194 



THE JACKDAW. 

 Places in which this bird is found — Remarkable story — Lessons sug- 

 gested 201 



THE GREAT AUK. 



Formerly found on the north coast of Britain— It is now extremely rare . 206 



THE LINNET. 



Variety of this species — Flocks of Linnets— Brilliancy and softness of 

 their song 207 



THE THRUSH 



This well known bird described by Clare— It is found in various places— 

 The Red-wing — Influence of the notes of a Thrush on an invalid . 208 



THE CORMORANT. 



This bird may be observed on insulated eminences— Its dexterity in fish- 

 ing — Docility of one — Conclusion 213 



