EXOTIC BIRDS FOR BRITAIN, 97 
adapted in structure and instincts to a particular 
mode of life, and consequently cannot fully and 
effectually occupy the ground into which it has 
been permitted to enter. To speak in metaphor, 
it enters merely as caretaker or ignorant and 
improvident steward in the absence of the rightful 
owner. Again, some of our ornamental species, 
which are fast diminishing, are fitted from their 
peculiar structure and life habits to occupy places 
in nature which no other kinds, however plastic 
they may be, can even partially fill. The wryneck 
and the woodpecker may be mentioned ; and a 
still better instance is afforded by the small, gem- 
like kingfisher — the only British bird which can 
properly be described as gem-like. When the 
goldfinch goes — and we know that he is going 
rapidly — other coarser fringilline birds, without 
the melody, brightness, and charm of the goldfinch 
— sparrow and bunting— come in, and in some 
rough fashion supply its place ; but when the 
kingfisher disappears, an important place is left 
absolutely vacant, for in this case there is no 
coarser bird of homely plumage with the fishing 
instinct to seize upon it. Here, then, is an excel- 
lent opportunity for an experiment. In the 
temperate regions of the earth there are many fine 
kingfishers to select from; some are resident in 
countries colder than England, and are conse- 
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