203 
THE HOME OF THE JACKDAWS. 
they occupy the lofty cliffs of pure white chalk all to themselves ; 
and in these cliffs we may study the birds, in their intimate 
relations and habits, altogether unmolested, and entirely at home. 
In these tall cliffs there are deep vertical grooves, with many 
holes in each, where, entirely sheltered from wind, or rain, or 
storm, they may breed, and rear their young, and gather in 
colonies, and live entirely beyond fear of molestation, and quite 
at their ease. 
In this charming little bay, which is a delight to all lovers of 
the picturesque, a gifted lady, who had written very interesting 
books on Norway and the Canaries, built, close to the sea, a 
house that she called by the name of the most poetical island 
about which she had written. This house, named after one of 
the most poetic heroes of romance — a hero whom we recall in 
connection with a hapless queen, whose wealth of golden hair 
shrouded her when she grovelled in the dust at the feet of her 
forgiving husband — -was afterwards transformed into an admir- 
ably managed hotel, under the care and supervision of a lady. 
There, in a perfectly idyllic spot, quite free from cares of the 
world, a lover of quiet may enjoy the perfection of woman’s 
management, attended, at small tables in a sweet dining-room, 
and elsewhere, by graceful handmaidens in pretty costumes, with 
all other details in harmonious accordance. 
There a person of poetic tastes may enjoy a perfectly ideal 
holiday, quite alone with the abundant charms of nature. A 
secure roadstead sends forth multitudes of ships, in whose 
voyages he may take a passing interest. From a near arsenal 
there may come past, on trial trips, some powerful ironclad, 
armed with might, though not clothed in beauty ; and, between 
the bay and the coasts of France, which often stand out in 
startling clearness and proximity, ships pass up and down all 
day long. Across the narrow channel the Spring migrants pass 
in hosts to their early landing-places on our shores ; and from 
the north, as winter comes on, other birds pour down, seeking 
refuge from the land of the long night. And here, at his utmost 
leisure, if he be disposed, he may quietly observe the manners, 
at home, of the jackdaws. Life-paired birds, their intimate 
habits are worthy of attention. In qualities of mind they seem to 
excel all birds, just as others do in qualities of melody. Perched 
on small projecting pieces of flint, we may see them indulge in 
small caresses or tokens of affection ; then, in wanton playfulness, 
they will knock each other off their precarious perches, with the 
same jocularity that, under other training, might lead them to 
purloin rings or teaspoons. 
If you watch the bird closely, you may observe a peculiar 
look that holds attention more than mere beauty or grace. His 
flight is easy and buoyant, and he is very fond of aerial pastimes, 
such as chasing one another in play. When you see him sitting 
in repose with head drawn in, beak inclining downwards, feathers 
puffed out all round his head, face turned towards you, and his 
