NATURALIST IN INDIA. 23 



flitting among the dense foliage, emitting its loud cry, re- 

 sembling that of the mina. The tailor-bird is by no means 

 shy or easily frightened ; on the contrary, it is an inquisitive 

 little fellow. I recollect once, when seated under a tree, em- 

 ployed in skinning a bird, one came within a yard of me, and 

 attentively watched the proceeding. It has a droU way of 

 inspecting objects sideways, jerking its tail unceasingly when 

 moving. To those familiar with its habits it will not appear 

 surprising that this strange little creature should be the archi- 

 tect of that wonderful nest, formed of cotton, wool, hair, etc., 

 enclosed between leaves, beautifully sewn together with vege- 

 table fibre. The young resemble their parents, except in 

 length of tail ; also the rufous on the head is not so clear. 



Of all rapacious birds the govind-kite is the most useful 

 and abundant ; wherever offal exists there this bird is to be 

 found, hovering over the butcher's shop, the kitchen, or the 

 barrack — now leisurely sailing in circles — now darting like 

 an arrow upon its prey, which it devours while on the wing, 

 uttering a clear shrill cry whenever a companion disputes 

 its possession. Its boldness is almost ludicrous. Once, when 

 a servant was bringing mutton-chops from the cook-house to 

 our mess, one of these birds darted upon the dish, and tore 

 away the contents in its talons. The plumage of this species 

 is subject to considerable variety : some are very dark (these 

 I take to be the old birds), others have the under parts Light 

 rufous, darkly lined. 



The govind-kite, Egyptian vulture, crow, Indian jackdaw, 

 and mina, may justly be termed "the great scavengers of 

 India." What would its large cities be without these useful 

 birds ? and lean and degraded as the pariah dog is, abused 

 and cowed by the natives, still he clings to man, and picks 

 up a scanty meal on the dunghill, or feasts with the jackal 



