OBSERVATIONS ON THE CUCKOO. 17 
garden containing a young Cuckoo only, the nestling 
Hedge-Warblers, all of which had been ejected by 
this formidable intruder, being found dead near the 
spot. The nest and its occupant were taken by the 
Captain and put into a cage, which was placed on 
the summit of a pole in the garden. In this situa- 
tion the foster-parents speedily visited their captive 
charge, and, resuming their attentions, continued to 
feed it with great assiduity ; but their most strenuous 
exertions failing to satisfy its increasing voracity, a 
third Hedge-Warbler was induced to cooperate with 
them in the arduous undertaking. As the young 
Cuckoo advanced in growth a still more ample pro- 
vision of food became requisite, and a Spotted Fly- 
catcher lent its assistance also in supplying the urgent 
demands of its appetite. 
It may be here remarked that the purpose of these 
birds in visiting the young Cuckoo, from the numerous 
observations which were made upon them, and the 
favourableness of the situation and circumstances for 
ensuring accuracy, could not be mistaken. 
I shall now proceed to notice the most novel and 
important fact detailed in Mr. Eaton’s interesting 
narration—namely, the assistance afforded by the 
Spotted Flycatcher. “How,” Mr. Eaton inquires, 
“could a pair of Hedge-Warblers prevail upon a bird 
of a different species to contribute to the support 
of their supposititious offspring ?” Were the case as 
the question necessarily supposes it to have been, it 
