98 BRITISH BIRDS. 



surface. Even when the seedlings are just rising out 

 of the ground, they will move away the earth from the 

 young stem, to get at the buried seed. No wonder that 

 the farmer, whose interests are thus invaded, discharges 

 his gun among these robbers, or diminishes their num- 

 bers by other means. 



A few years ago, the gardener of the Vicar of Wester- 

 ham, in Kent, had a young pigeon, which became so 

 much attached to him, that it was a constant guest at 

 table during the time of meals ; and if by any circum- 

 stance the outer door was closed against the bird, it 

 would fly upon the window-sill, and beat against the 

 window till it was admitted ; then, perching upon its 

 master's shoulder, would seem fully satisfied. 



The gardener lived at some distance from his em- 

 ployer, at the other end of the town, and used to go 

 home to his dinner at a stated hour. About that time 

 the bird might be seen upon one of the houses, patiently 

 waiting for the man to pass. As soon as he appeared, 

 it flew down, and, alighting upon his shoulder, was thus 

 carried home ; nor did it leave its post till the gardener 

 had finished his meal. 



It, apparently, regarded with jealousy a case of stufi^ed 

 birds which the man had in his house, and was frequent- 

 ly found actively engaged in endeavouring to get at 



