SGTPT 149 



common marsh-tit; but he lacks the white behind the 

 head. 



But of all that gather into flocks in winter no birds 

 are better known or are seen in vaster flights than star- 

 lings. And while other wandering bands are shy and 

 keep aloof, the rigour of the season brings the starling 

 nearer to man's dwelling, and when times are hard he 

 will not hesitate to throw himself on the hospitality of 

 his suzerain. 



When the ground is hard as iron and the rime is on 

 the grass no bird accepts more readily the dole of food 

 that kind hands scatter on the lawn. No sooner has 

 the news gone out along the housetops that there is corn 

 in Egypt than the flying forms of hurrying starlings are 

 seen on every side. Bearing up in their swift course 

 they hover a moment in the air, and swoop at once upon 

 the feast. Other birds may make a feint of settling 

 down, stealing in and out among the laurels, hanging 

 round the spot like a lugger standing off and on upon a 

 coast well guarded by preventive men. 



A troop of sparrows collected in a neighbouring thorn 

 eye doubtfully the proffered food, discussing in loud tones 

 the chance of snares concealed among the crumbs, or of 

 cats in ambush in the bushes. Perhaps, too, even their 

 tough consciences are uneasy at the thought of all that 

 mischief in the crocus bed, knowing that it is their 

 wanton bills that have strewn the golden petals in ruin 

 on the ground. 



But the bold starling, feeling no weight of guilt upon 

 his soul, settles to his work as if he meant it and had no 

 mind to waste his opportunities. 



