254 
PROFESSOR OWEN 
CH. IX. 
the more experienced birds or than was fairly 
needful. 
‘ The old couple, perched near the frame- 
work of their former nest on a higher branch, 
instead of flying forth to collect their own lining 
materials, awaited the return of the younger 
pair, each with a beakful of moss or wool, which 
they then busied themselves in properly dis- 
posing in their unlined ne.st. This being done, 
forthwith off they flew again to gather more 
material, whereupon the stationary old rooks, who 
had generally monopolised the topmost localities, 
would hop down from twig to twig and delibe- 
rately transfer the lining material of the young 
pair’s nest to their own ; nor, until the old birds 
had thus provided for themselves, were the young 
couple permitted to finish theirs. 
‘We sometimes fancied we saw movements 
of the plundered ones, after fruitless flights, 
indicative of suspicions of foul play. But, in 
the long run, all went on well ; the coming gene- 
ration was duly hatched out and provided for. 
Food could not be larcenously fetched from the 
beaks of the new-wedded one’s brood so easily as 
the wool from their nests. 
‘ I can well understand the condition of our 
latitude and environment, which tempts the night- 
ingales to our groves and gardens for their breed- 
ing ground. 
‘ And here I may remark how rarely I have 
