g6 Craigmillar and its Environs. 



than the boys would stand, and " Jacky " was sub- 

 jected to revengeful treatment ; stones were thrown at 

 him whenever an opportunity offered, with the result 

 that he has had many narrow escapes, and one of his 

 legs has been broken in two places. In spite of 

 this, however, he has been the means of entirely 

 putting a stop to boys playing marbles on the road. 

 "Jacky" robs all the birds' nests in proximity to 

 his premises, and is often besieged by blackbirds, 

 thrushes, and other small birds, while he is amusing 

 himself in tearing their nests to pieces or regaling 

 himself on their eggs. Sometimes several of his own 

 species appear within sight, when he instantly attacks 

 them, and frequently returns ruffled both in feathers 

 and temper. The only member of the feathered 

 tribe with which "Jacky" seems to fraternise is a 

 rook. For hours the two may be seen together 

 sitting on the high trees that overhang the wood- 

 yard, or flymg about, apparently without other aim 

 than the enjoyment of each other's company. 

 "Jacky's" mischievous tricks became so serious 

 that he was at one time condemned to death. He 



