THE JACKDAW. 327 



of the ludicrous to the hero of Trafalgar.* But under similar 

 circumstances, this bird would not scruple to perch even 

 " On the bald first Cfesar's head." 



Three jackdaws, entirely white, were reared in a chimney in 

 Belfast a few years ago, and about the same time two of a similar 

 colour were brought up at a demesne in the neighbourhood, 

 where they were observed associating, both in feeding and on 

 wing, with their sable brethren, who acknowledged them as 

 kindred. Unfortunately, they were persecuted to the death by 

 man on account of their colour. They proved to be perfect albinoes, 

 the bills and legs, as well as the plumage, being white ; their hoary 

 moustaches gave them a most venerable appearance, though in 

 reality they were young birds of the year. 



On the 29th of June, 1835, I saw many jackdaws about the 

 fissures of the lofty chalk-cliffs rising above the river Derwent, 

 near Matlock in Derbyshire, where it was presumed they built, 

 and on the next evening heard them call there so late as ten 

 o' clock, winch tended to confirm the conjecture. In the spring 

 and summer of 1841, I observed jackdaws equally numerous in 

 the Morea and the Archipelago, as they are in similar locali- 

 ties at home. They appeared about the ruins of the old castle 

 at Patras ; the high western cliffs of the island of Sphacteria 

 (the scene of Byron's Corsair), and on the rocky islet, lying to 

 the north-east of the entrance to Port Nausa, in the island 

 of Paros. 



* Mr. R. Patterson of Belfast has contributed the following note : — " I remember 

 several years ago, a near relative, who then lived in Dublin, had a pet jack- 

 daw, which answered to the name of Jack, and was regularly in the habit of per- 

 forming a feat, which might baffle many a person who talks about ' the centre of 

 gravity.' When my friend after dinner had mixed his tumbler of punch, and 

 called ' Jack,' the bird instantly came, and perched on the edge of the glass, where 

 he poised himself so nicely that it was never upset. I believe, that on such occasions 

 he used to get from his master a bit of white sugar, which he ate while thus resting 

 on the tumbler." 



