#4 BRITISH BIRDS. 



This bird is every where common in England ; 

 and is likewise found in various parts of the Con- 

 tinent, but not so far north as Lapland, nor farther 

 south than Italy : it is met with in America, but not 

 commonly, and is migratory there. Like the Crow 

 it is omnivorous. They make their nest \vith great 

 art, leaving a hole in the side for admittance, and 

 covering the whole upper part with an interweav- 

 ing of thorny twigs, closely entangled, thereby 

 securing a retreat from the rude attacks of other 

 birds : the inside is furnished with a sort of mat- 

 tress, composed of wool and other soft materials, 

 on which the young repose ; the female lays seven 

 or eight eggs, pale green, spotted with dark grey. 



The Magpie is crafty and familiar, may be easily 

 tamed, and taught to pronounce w r ords, and even 

 short sentences, and will imitate any particular 

 noise. It is addicted, like other birds of its kind, 

 to stealing and hoarding. It is smaller than the 

 Jack-Daw, and its wings are shorter in proportion ; 

 accordingly its flight is not so lofty, nor so well 

 sustained : it never undertakes long journies, but 

 flies only from tree to tree, at moderate distances. 



