The Magpie. 



387 



them to some secluded wood, or dense thicket, and attend to 

 them until they are capable of providing for themselves. 



Methods of Capture. — Magpies, especially male birds, are 

 easily caught in spring traps baited with fresh raw meat, but 

 it is necessary to cover the side pieces with felt, or stout 

 cloth, to protect the birds from injury. They are frequently 

 taken in rabbit traps, by gamekeepers. They are very venture- 

 some, especially when pressed by hunger. They may also be 

 caught, in winter time, with an apparatus made of lin. laths, 

 the frame being 2ft. square, and covered with wire netting, 

 fixed with wire hooks. This machine requires to be securely 

 tethered to a stake or hedge. It is constructed with a lid, 

 and two wire springs, like those used for a rat trap, are 

 placed inside, and fixed to the back of the frame and 

 the lid. In the centre of the trap is an arrangement in the 

 form of a cross, made of wood, and fixed to an upright 

 stake, which is driven in the ground, or screwed to a lath 

 fastened to the bottom of the trap. To this pieces of 

 raw meat are attached by a piece of twine or thread ; 

 and between the cross and the lid is a bit of stick, 

 which is used to prop up the latter. The cross must be so con- 

 trived as to yield with the weight of the bird,and cause the 

 prop to fall, when the extended springs instantly close the lid. 



Food and Treatment. — In a natural state, Magpies feed 

 on worms, flies, beetles, snails, small frogs, young birds, 

 birds' eggs, or carrion ; in winter time, on acorns, berries, 

 or grains. In confinement, nothing appears to come amiss 

 to them, and though they prefer meat, whether raw or 

 cooked, to any other kind of food, they are content to share 

 the meals of the household, and eat bread, cooked potatoes, 

 pudding, vegetables, or fruit. 



Rearing the Young. — Magpies may be reared and treated 

 in all respects the same as Jackdaws and Jays, but it is best 

 to give them their liberty when they are old enough to take 

 care of themselves, as they never thrive so well when confined 

 in a cage or small aviary. Where there is a stable attached to a 

 dwelling, ''Mag" may be placed there, and no accommodation 

 could better suit his taste and requirements. 



Distinguishing Marks of Cock and Hen. — The male bird 

 is the sleeker, smarter, and most genteel-looking; he draws him- 

 self together, and assumes an air of much greater importance 



2 c 2 



