104 THE EOLLE1U 



time seated upon the gravestones in the churchyard. Few farm- 

 houses are without several of them breeding under the eaves, 

 their nest supported by the spout. In some trees close to hoisea 

 their nests were several feet in depth, the accumulation of years 

 of undisturbed and quiet possession. 



" The inhabitants of Norway pleased us very much by the 

 kind feeling which they seemed to entertain towards them, as 

 well as to most species of birds, often expressing a hope that we 

 would not shoot many. Holes are cut in many of their build- 

 ings for the admission of some, and pieces of wood are nailed up 

 against them to support the nests of others. At Christmas, that 

 the birds may share their festivities and enjoyments, they place 

 a sheaf of corn at the end of their houses." 



In all the central portions of Europe the Magpie is a common 

 and familiar bird. Southward it is found in Spain, Provence, 

 Italy, in the Morea, Smyrna, Aleppo ; in the country between 

 the Black and Caspian seas. It is met with in India and China, 

 where it is looked upon as a bird of happy augury, and also in 

 Japan. According to AUDUBON, BJCHARDSON, and NUTTALL, it 

 is a native of the American continent from Louisiana to the Fur 

 Countries, and across the Rocky Mountains as far as Kamts- 

 chatka. 



Many of tho old English poets have alluded to this bird as a 

 noisy, chattering creature ; thus, CHAUCEE, in his Canterbury 

 Tales, describing the miller's wife, says 



" And she was proud and pert as is a pie." 



GISBORNE, in his Walks in a Forest, speaks of its restlessness 

 and harsh voice 



" From bough to bough the restless Magpie roves, 

 And chatters as she flies." 



TAMEABLE ONLY WHEN YOUNG. 



15. THE BOLLEB. 



Coracias Garrula, LIN. Rattier d' Europe, BUF. Die Mandelkrdhe, BECH. 

 Description. In size and figure this bird resembles the Jay, 

 being nearly one foot in length, of which the tail measures foul 

 inches and a half. The beak is one inch and a quarter in length, 

 in shape like that of a Magpie, blackish, and with naked nos- 

 trils. Behind the eyes is a naked warty spot ; the iris is grey ; 

 the feet somewhat more than an inch in height, and, as well aa 

 the toes, a dirty greyish yellow. The head, neck, throat, 



