195 
SHRIKES. 
cage, they evince a similar propensity, and if not 
provided with a thorn, will invariably fasten it to 
the wires before commencing their repast. It has, 
however, been suggested, that as the quantity de- 
stroyed, particularly of insects, so far surpasses the 
wants of the destroyer, they may be placed on the 
thorns as baits. This seems to be a prevailing 
opinion in America, where one species of this bird, 
called the Nine-killer, is very abundant, for on spots 
frequented by it, the thorn-bushes may be seen 
furnished on the naked thorns with grasshoppers, 
THE STRIKE. 
transfixed precisely in the same manner; all re- 
gularly, and in their natural position as when on 
the ground, not one of them having his back down- 
Avards. After the frost sets in, there they still rq- 
