CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. 



leading characteristics to popular favor which are possessed by the bird known as 

 the English Magpie. 



The Australian Magpie is a bird of which little is known ; but, wherever seen, 

 he is regarded as the most intelligent type of his race. He is as large as the 

 Raven, and similar in shape ; and his colors are like those of the English Magpie. 

 His disposition is like his English cousin's, but his powers of speech are much 

 greater ; and, when well taught, he is as good a specimen of the talking-bird as the 

 best-trained Parrot. His sociability cannot be surpassed ; and, on entering a house- 

 hold, his first acquaintances are the dog and cat, which either peaceably become his 

 friends, or are fought into submission. His innocent ways deceive even the most 

 cunning cat ; and, if pussy endeavors to take a quiet afternoon nap, her slumbers are 

 sure to be interrupted by wide-awake Mag. He will pull the cat's tail in a most 

 annoying manner, and is never detected as the assailant ; because, after committing 

 the act, he is always engaged in some innocent work, such as pluming his feathers, 

 or eating his humble meal. Many anecdotes might be related which would surpass 

 those given of the English Magpie. One is especially worthy of mention : A 

 family in Maine owned a very tame and talkative Australian Magpie ; and whenever 

 they had callers the servant was instructed to lock the bird in a closet, as his 

 unseemly remarks were very inappropriate at times. The spiritual adviser of the 

 house made his weekly call one afternoon ; and the servant, according to instructions, 

 put the bird in a closet reserved for him, which happened this day to be in the room 

 used as the reception-room. The minister had seated himself, just after the mis- 

 tress of the house had greeted him cordially, when a voice, which seemed to come 

 from the wall, half angrily, half beseechingly, cried, "Say! Hello! I know you: 

 that racket won't work. I'll tell the master." The holy man startled violently, and 

 was greatly disconcerted and somewhat alarmed, but was finally quieted by the 

 explanation of the mistress of the house, that it was only a bird, and he was shut in 

 the closet. The bird was afterwards consigned to the cellar when a caller was 

 announced. 



Magpies are very easily cared for, and really require no cage ; but as much 

 freedom as possible should be permitted. Any coop or large-sized cage is sufficient 

 to restrain them when it is necessary to punish them for some ill-timed trick. The 

 food may be as varied as that enjoyed by the human family. The principal article 

 should be the prepared Mocking-bird food ; besides this lie will live on almost any 

 thing ; bread, meat, and scraps from the table, are relished ; and he is sure to secrete 

 a quantity, to guard against futui'e want. The family who owns a Magpie can 

 safely go away without providing for the bird, as his larder always has a never- 

 failing supply. 



When confined in a cage it is always better to furnish him with a bright or 

 glittering object suspended on a string ; as his mischievous tendencies are thus 

 diverted, and he will play with the object in preference to following more destructive 

 pursuits. 



The Magpie, then, may be considered one of the most amusing and hardy of the 

 bird-race. His maladies are few, and easily cured. He may be set at liberty at all 

 seasons of the year, and usually lives his allotted days, which last from fifteen to 

 twenty years, having an amount of fun greater than that enjoyed by any other living 

 creature. 



