56 PASSERES. UPUPAD^E. 



that distinguish them, they are sure to attract 

 attention. White mentions a pair which, one sum- 

 mer, frequented an ornamented piece of ground, 

 adjoining his garden at Selborne, for some weeks. 

 They used to march about in a stately manner, 

 feeding in the walks, many times in the day ; and 

 seemed disposed to breed in the outlet ; but were 

 frighted and persecuted by idle boys, who never 

 let them be at rest. In a few instances, however, 

 they have been known to breed in England. 



The Hoopoe is remarkable for its intelligence, 

 and its susceptibility of attachment : both of which 

 qualities are illustrated by the following interest- 

 ing, but rather tragical narrative, extracted from 

 Bechstein's " Cage Birds." " With great care and 

 attention," writes M. von Schauroth, (i I was able 

 last summer to rear two young Hoopoes, taken 

 from a nest which was placed at the top of an oak- 

 tree. These little birds followed me every where ; 

 and when they heard me at a distance shewed 

 their joy by a particular chirping, jumped into 

 the air, or as soon as I was seated, climbed upon 

 my clothes, particularly when giving them their 

 food, from a pan of milk, the cream of which they 

 swallowed greedily ; they climbed higher and 

 higher, till at last they perched on my shoulders, 

 and sometimes on my head, caressing me very 

 affectionately. Notwithstanding this, I had only 

 to speak a word to rid myself of their company ; 

 they would then immediately retire to the stove. 

 Generally, they would observe my eyes to dis- 

 cover what my temper might be, that they might 

 act accordingly. I fed them like the nightingale, 

 or with the universal paste, to which I sometimes 

 added insects ; they would never touch earth- 



