THE STARLING— THE WATER OUZEL. 169 



Behold the naive picture, in tints strong and true, 



And think not that birds were made only for you ; 



For YOU only to sing, for you only to die ; 



O think not that thus could e'er act the Most High ! 



Yes, Slavery! hath Nature, in wisdom, decreed 



That who drinks of thy cup finds it bitter indeed ; 



All uncorrupt tastes will thy chalice refuse ; 



And it dash from her lips will indignant the Muse. 



green or bluish cast. This species is seen in this country 

 throughout the year; but it is suspected that some of the tribe 

 migrate during the summer months ; I have never seen their 

 nests in Somersetslure. It appears, however, that a great num- 

 ber of these birds have, for several years past, built their nests 

 in the apertures under the lead on the top of Canonbury-tower at 

 Islington.* 



The Cinclus, Water-Ouzel, CrakCj IVattr^Crake, Water 

 Crow or Piet, is above black, breast and chin white, belly 

 ferruginous ; seven and a quarter inches long ; solitary ; breeds 

 in the holes of banks ; inhabits Europe and Northern Persia, 

 and found also in this country. Although the feet of this bird 

 are not formed for diving, it is yet a most singular circumstance 

 that it pursues its prey under water, living chiefly on small fish 

 and aquatic insects. It sings prettily in the .«piing. 



The Capensis or Cape Starling is blackish, beneath and 

 sides of the head white ; size of the vulgaris; inhabits the Cape 

 of Good Hope. The Ludovicianus or Louisine Starling is 

 above brownish grey, beneath yellow; in size and habits simi- 

 lar to the common starling. Inhabits, in vast flocks, the inte- 

 rior regions of North America. 



* See Nelson's History of Islington, ?d edit. p. '237 



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