520 



of El-Agaaz, a name closely resembling that of the common Magpie amongst the French 

 peasantry, who call it Agasse. The Moorish Magpie, Major Loche writes, " constructs its nest 

 of twigs, roots, and grass, and lines it with fine grass-straws, moss, fine rootlets, and down, the 

 number of eggs deposited being from three to five. Both male and female assist in the work of 

 incubation ; and when the female has charge of the young she takes the greatest care of them, 

 and will defend them from birds much larger than herself; but when in danger of being over- 

 powered she utters loud cries, so as to alarm the other Magpies that may be near, and they all 

 join in driving off the common enemy. 



"At all seasons this Magpie is seen in pairs, and is very long-lived, as I kept one in captivity 

 for upwards of ten years, when it was killed by accident. In captivity it becomes very tame and 

 familiar, but is as fond of using its wings as when in a wild state, which proves often incon- 

 venient. It is easily taught to pronounce a few words, and to imitate the calls of various 

 animals." 



I do not possess the eggs of this species in my collection, but have examined one in the 

 collection of Mr. Godman, which closely resembles that of our cbmmon Magpie, but is somewhat 

 darker. 



The specimen figured (on the same Plate with P. rustica) and described is in my own 

 collection. 



In the preparation of the above article I have examined the following specimens : — 



E Mus. H. E. Dresser, 

 a. El Djerid, Algeria (Fairmaire) . 



E Mus. H. B. Tristram, 

 a, s. Algeria (H. B. T.). bjuv. albino. Mediah, 1856 {H. B. T.). 



E Mus. Brit. Beg. 

 a, b. N. Africa. 



E Mus. W. W. Saunders. 



a, 3 . Algeria. 



