COMMON CUCKOW. 81 



servants drew the willow logs from the furnace, 

 and in the midst of one of them saw something 

 move ; when taking an axe, they opened the hole^ 

 and, thrusting in their hands, first they plucked 

 out nothing but feathers ; afterwards they got hold 

 of a living animal, and this was the Cuckow that 

 the fire had waked. It was, indeed, brisk and 

 lively, but wholly naked and bare of feathers, and 

 without any winter provision in its hole." 



Mr. Bewick also informs us that a few years 

 ago a young Cuckow was found in a torpid state, 

 in the thickest part of a close furze bush. When 

 taken, it soon exhibited signs of life, but was quite 

 destitute of feathers. Being kept warm, and care- 

 fully fed, it grew and recovered its coat. In the 

 following spring it made its escape ; and in flying 

 across the river Tyne was heard to utter its usual 

 cry. 



To assert as a general fact, that the Cuckows 

 remain torpid in this country during the winter, 

 because a few instances are recorded of their 

 having been found in this state, would be both 

 presumptuous and absurd. It is very probable 

 that these accidental occurrences have arisen 

 from their being young birds, that had not been 

 strong enough to leave us at the usual time of 

 migration, and had therefore sought for shelter 

 and warmth in the places where they are said to 

 have been discovered. 



According to Dr. Jenner, there is often found 

 in the stomach of the young Cuckow a round ball, 

 which varies from the size of a pea to that of a 



v. ix. ,p. i. 6 



