42 THE BIRDS OF BERKS AND BUCKS. 



public-house, in the summer of 1864; it laid several 

 eggs, but was unable to hatch them. This bird 

 would wander for many miles in the neighbourhood, 

 and being soon well known, was never shot, and 

 always returned safely. It cared only for its master, 

 and used to fly fiercely at any stranger who came in 

 for a glass of beer. It had one very disagreeable 

 trick : having searched for and found several worms 

 and spiders, it would fly on to Mr. Griffin's shoulder 

 and endeavour to force them down his throat sup- 

 posing, probably, that he would like them as much 

 as itself. 



A short time ago I examined a pied Jackdaw, 

 which is now in Mr. Hasell's collection, and which 

 was killed by Mr. Cole, Her Majesty's head keeper, 

 in Windsor Park, in 1857. 



MAGPIE (Pica caudata). The handsome and cun- 

 ning Magpie is but thinly dispersed throughout the 

 two counties, and is not so common as was formerly 

 the case, owing probably to the increase of game- 

 keepers, who, one and all, seem imbued with a deadly 

 hatred to this bird, 



The Magpie is resident throughout the year, and 

 generally remains in pairs, -though after the young 

 are hatched ten or more are sometimes seen toge- 

 ther. Young birds can be made to talk, and are 

 amusing but very mischievous pets. 



JAY (Garrulus glandarius). This handsome bird 

 ' * common in wooded districts of both counties, in 



