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can, all other occupants from the nest, and thus enjoys the 

 undivided attention of its foster-parents. We are not aware 

 that the exact number of eggs laid by the Cuckoo during 

 the season has been ascertained, but, perhaps, from analogy 

 between our British species and foreign members of the 

 same family, we might suppose four or five. It sometimes, 

 though very rarely, happens that two eggs are laid in the 

 same nest, when, upon their being hatched, the stronger 

 bird ejects its companion, and remains sole tenant of the 

 dwelling. 



Attempts have been made, from time to time, to keep 

 Cuckoos alive in captivity, but almost always without suc- 

 cess, as they have died in the winter; but Mr. Thompson has 

 mentioned two exceptions; and in one of the instances no- 

 ticed by him, the bird lived more than a year, and was at 

 last killed by accident. This bird, while in a captive state, 

 was never known to drink, though when presented with a 

 drop of water at the end of a finger or straw, it would sip 

 it, and it seemed to delight, when seated on its mistress's or 

 other person's hand, to put its bill into their mouths and sip 

 saliva. It delighted greatly in warmth, and would sit upon 

 the fender, turning itself in various directions, and spreading 

 its wings and feathers to receive the heat, of which it could 



