-MAGPIE. 
preserving is neglected, this usually wary species is by no means shy; it is probable that constant persecution 
alone accounts for its almost habitual distrust. 
I was much amused by the cunning displayed by a female Magpie, who for some time had successfully 
dclied all attempts of a keeper who was bent on her destruction. I happened one day to meet the man while 
on his way to watch the nest ; and hearing shortly after a couple of shots in the direction he had taken, I made 
my way towards the spot. At length I found him beneath a high tree, to the topmost branches of which 
be pointed exultingly, declaring the bird was dead in the nest. He stated that almost immediately he had 
taken up bis position, the female Magpie came in sight, and after dodging about for a few minutes she made 
a straight dash for the nest, and disappeared from sight before lie could take aim. Finding it impossible to 
start the bird by means of sticks or stones or striking the stem of the tree, he tired one barrel at the nest, 
hoping to stop her by the second as she came out. Nothing beyond a slight fluttering in the nest (which I 
suspect was only imaginary) resulting from the shot, he came to the conclusion lie had at last accomplished 
bis task. In order, however, to make doubly sure, he fired the second barrel; and no signs of the bird bein'* 
visible, be was now perfectly convinced of his success. I eventually learned that his suppositions had proved 
erroneous. On meeting the man again a week or so later, be informed me that he had been forced to devote 
another half day to lying in wait for this troublesome egg-stealer before he finally got rid of her. It appears 
that the bird must have escaped both of the shots fired at the nest, and had simply refused to stir. Probably 
her past experiences had enabled her to become acquainted with her assailant, and she had formed a pretty 
correct estimate as to the shooting-powers of both man and gun. 
The pertinacity with which this species will at times continue to return to some favourite breeding-station 
after constant interruption would scarcely be credited by those who have not witnessed the fact. In a small 
clump of three or four beech trees, standing in a valley among steep hills in one of the southern counties, there 
is every spring a Magpie’s nest. Invariably one or other of the old birds is shot by the keepers; and although 
a second may be killed, it not unfrequently happens that a brood succeeds in escaping. Whatever may have 
been the slaughter effected during the preceding season, the old clump has hitherto been regularly tenanted by 
a pair of Magpies each succeeding spring. 
While crossing the downs near Lewes, in company with a keeper, about the middle of May 1872, my 
attention was attracted by the curious actions of a Magpie. The bird (a fine male) was flying past at a 
great height, when he suddenly wheeled round and pitched straight clown into a stunted thorn bush standing 
in a small patch of furze. As we were not above the distance of seventy or eighty yards, and plainly in view 
on the bare hill-side, I imagined the bird must have detected some particularly inviting prey concealed in the 
cover. In hopes of discovering the cause of this strange performance I approached as quietly as possible, at the 
same time sending the man round to the ojiposite side in order that the bird should not escape unobserved. 
The bush was not above eight or ten feet high, and the furze but a small patch, perhaps half a dozen yards 
across ; still for some time we were unable to catch sight of the bird, which was eventually discovered skulking 
in the bottom of the thorn bush. For some unaccountable reason lie resolutely refused for several minutes 
to make an attempt to escape, crouching down among the branches and creeping behind the stems of furze 
to avoid the stones aimed at him by the keeper. At last he was forced from the scanty cover, and took 
wing within a yard or two of where I was standing. As I was in want of a good specimen, I shot the bird, 
which proved to be in most perfect plumage. For at least an hour w'e closely searched the patch of furze 
and all the surrounding grass without discovering the slightest signs of a nest or any unfledged young. 
There was not a vestige of any prey that could possibly have been an attraction and caused him to check his 
flight so suddenly. Though it never occurred to me at the moment, I have little doubt that a Peregrine 
was the cause of this strange behaviour. The sun w r as shining brightly at the time, and it was almost 
impossible to look upwards. AVe had only just caught sight of the Magpie, when he instantly dashed down 
