The Nesting of Hooks and Magpies. 91 



his especial pet, and that the man had taught it the 

 manoeuvre which, misled by the personal resemblance, it 

 was now essaying to practise on himself 1 



THE NESTING OF EOOKS AND MAGPIES. 



Speaking of nests, a comparison between those of the 

 Eook and Magpie suggests itself. Though so much alike, 

 as seen on the tops of tall trees, closer examination shows 

 many points of difference. That of the Magpie inclines 

 to an oval shape, and is usually domed or otherwise roofed 

 over. It is also a more elaborate structure, if I may use 

 the expression, with more " basket work " about it, and 

 firmly attached to the tree-fork. A Rook's nest is negli- 

 gently constructed, with the sticks laid loosely upon one 

 another rather than wattled. The winter blasts afford 

 evidence of this difference in construction, as regards 

 permanency, the former defying them even in the most 

 exposed situations, while the latter gives way to them in 

 places comparatively sheltered. The Magpie builds a 

 house it intends to inhabit year after year, during its 

 season of incubation, and for that purpose will return 

 to it if left unmolested; whereas the Rook, though 

 coming back again to the same place and tree, seems 

 not to regard the labour of re- building. 



