2*20 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. 



of the higher secrets of architecture. When the lower part of the nest was made, 

 the Rook, so the legend states, seeing it to be so far very like his own, said in his 

 conceited way, " I see nothing wonderful in this : I knew it all before." u Well ! 

 if so, be off to do it : you want no teaching," said the Magpie in a rage, and would 

 never after show him hosv to roof a nest, to put in a doorway, to floor it with clay, 

 or to carpet it with hair and wool. So the Rook still has his old uncovered, uulined 

 nest. 



The anecdotes which are related of his thieving propensities and tricks are 

 amusing, and show an amount of mischievous intelligence which would scarcely be 

 believed unless one is thoroughly acquainted with the bird. 



When taken from the nest, and reared by hand, the Magpie becomes as tame 

 and affectionate as a pet dog, and will be found continually at the heels of his 

 owner, looking for a gentle stroke or caress, much after the manner of an overfed 

 kitten. He is often difficult to get rid of, and will follow his master through the 

 country, in and out doors, displaying his affectionate regard so far that he becomes 

 a veritable plague. AVhen a bird has become so thoroughly tamed, it is always bet- 

 ter to secure him where he will not be at liberty to follow ; as his attentions and 

 mischievous pranks often place his master in embarrassing situations. 



It is related of one which was a great pet in an English family, that he found a 

 malicious enjoyment in pecking $ at the unprotected ankles of little boys not yet 

 arrived at the dignified age of wearing shoes and stockings and long trousers, and 

 was such a source of annoyance, that a vigilance committee was selected from 

 among their number ; and they had nearly completed their plans for his execution 

 when he was forcibly detained in his cage until the trouble was over. He was a 

 terror to the female servants of the household ; and they were forced to pass his 

 hiding-place armed with a broom, in order to protect themselves from his attacks. 

 One of the servants, having neglected this precaution, was actually found sitting on 

 the floor with her dress gathered closely around her feet ; the Magpie triumphantly 

 pacing around her until aid was brought, and the bird driven away. 



It is also related of one which had a great penchant for biting to pieces any 

 papers that came in his way, probably because he had perceived people valued 

 them, that one Sunday morning, after the family had returned from church, the 

 rector found his study strewn with pamphlets, torn newspapers, and sermons that 

 seemed to have been thoroughly digested ; so that he thought, until the marauder 

 had been discovered, thieves had actually been in the house. If your rector has 

 turned the barrel of sermons over, to deliver them again, give him a Magpie. 



Another Magpie was smuggled into the chapel of Oxford College, and remained 

 perfectly quiet until the service had begun, when he gravely stalked up the aisle, 

 bowing, and saying, " Pretty Maggie ! Pretty Maggie wants a glass of whiskey ! " 

 much to the amusement of the innocent (?) students and the discomposure of 

 the worthy divine. 



It is said that Magpies are capable of counting ; and a funny anecdote is told of 

 one which could count three, but not four. The bird in question was found guilty 

 of stealing chickens from the barn-yard, and it was thereupon resolved to shoot him. 

 A man hid himself in a hut near the bird's nest for this purpose : but the bird ob- 

 served him. and flew away ; nor would he return until his enemy had departed. The 



