THE MAGPIE. 123 



obtain such dainties as described) it will then descend 

 to feed upon frogs, efts, beetles, cockchafers, carrion of 

 all kinds, and even grain ; in short, everything a Magpie 

 can get, by fair means or foul, is held to be its proper 

 prey. 



In consequence of so many adverse opinions, the guns 

 of the gamekeeper and farmer are ever pointed at the Mag- 

 pie, but no doubt the bird fills its proper place in the 

 general scheme of Nature, and might bring forward many 

 good arguments as to its usefulness. 



After leaving the nest, the young are generally to be 

 found haunting the district of their nesting-place, and may 

 be seen chattering to one another upon the confines of a 

 small wood or copse, from whence a pair will start upon a 

 foraging expedition to the next wood, followed at short 

 intervals by the rest of the family^ Their chattering 

 garrulity is at once the signal for the inhabitants of the 

 invaded wood to be " up in arms," and the excitement is 

 consequently intense. A wood or woods upon the side of 

 a hill or waste-lands are the Magpie's favourite haunts. 

 The birds show considerable affection for certain localities, 

 and even the influence of security and food are not 

 sufficient to induce them to take up their residence 

 elsewhere ; but when once they have settled upon a locality, 

 even the despoiling of the nest will not deter Magpies 

 from remaining in their favourite abode. Indeed, we have 

 noticed instances where the Magpies were shot, but another 

 pair took possession of the district. 



Wherever this may be, the Magpies may be seen not 

 only in summer, but also during winter. In spite of 

 its long tail and rakish appearance, the Magpie has a 

 dull, heavy flight, and when upon the wing is very 



