210 HISTORY OF 



obscurity. That it devours its parent, that it 

 changes its nature with the season, and becomes 

 a sparrow-hawk, were fables invented of this bird, 

 and are now sufficiently refuted. But where it 

 resides in winter, or how it provides for its supply 

 during that season, still continues undiscovered. 



This singular bird, which is somewhat less than 

 a pigeon, shaped like a magpie, and of a greyish 

 colour, is distinguished from all other birds by its 

 round prominent nostrils. Having disappeared 

 all the winter, it discovers itself in our country 

 early in the spring by its well known call. Its 

 note is heard earlier or later, as the season seems 

 to be more or less forward, and the weather more 

 or less inviting. From the cheerful voice of this 

 bird the farmer may be instructed in the real 

 advancement of the year. The fallibility of human 

 calendars is but too well known ; but from this 

 bird's note the husbandman may be taught when 

 to sow his most useful seeds, and do such work as 

 depends upon a certain temperature of the air. 

 These feathered guides come to us heaven taught, 

 and point out the true commencement of the 

 season. 



The cuckoo, that was silent some time after its 

 appearance, begins at first feebly, and at very dis- 

 tant intervals, to give its call, which, as the sum- 

 mer advances, improves both in its frequency and 

 loudness. This is an invitation to courtship, and 

 used only by the male, who sits generally perched 

 upon some dead tree, or bare bough, and repeats 

 his song, which he loses as soon as the genial 

 season is over. His note is pleasant though uni- 



