148 THE LIFE OF A BIRD. 



have been noticed. We may quote, in conclusion, 

 from one of Mr. Jesse's works, a little anecdote 

 which will serve to show that birds regard their 

 eggs with much affection, and are, on occasion, 

 ready to protect them with courage and activity. 

 A crow was seen to alight on the edge of a canal 

 adjacent to AVrittlelodge, in Essex, near the nest 

 of a moor-hen. Immediately the male bird flew 

 at him with such force as to knock him over, and 

 continued to attack him with so much spirit, that 

 in less than a minute the crow flew away. The 

 hen had laid three or four eggs, and there is little 

 doubt that the crow intended to rob her nest. The 

 anecdote is highly creditable to the paternal affec- 

 tion and energy of the bird, whose home was 

 threatened by this enemy. 



