240 
THE LADIES’ MAGAZINE OF GARDENING. 
variegation only continues till the first moult. In deep and lasting snows 
the rooks suffer greatly from hunger, and many die. At such times they 
become so tame as to alight among and feed with the domestic poultry ; 
and they then visit the rickyards, and stray along the high roads, or any 
other parts of the naked surface of the ground. 
The Jackdaw ( Corvus monedula). —This talkative bird is only about 
half the size of the rook, and, though clad in the same coloured suit, his 
head is grey. These birds nestle in church-towers, old castles, or other 
lofty ruins, and sometimes in the useless chimneys of dwelling-houses. At 
all other times they associate with rooks, feeding alike, and roosting with 
them. Jackdaws are easily tamed, and will attach themselves to a house 
like a pigeon. 
The Magpie [Corvuspica) is a well-known woodland character. His 
striking colours of black and white, his long tail, and constant chatter, 
make him conspicuous everywhere. These birds build a curious large nest, 
domed over, and well fortified with the sharpest thorn twigs; the entrance 
being on one side, and well lined with wool, which they will even pluck 
from a sheep’s back for that purpose. The nest is made on the highest 
trees, and near the top of a rather slender branch to prevent the approach 
of climbing enemies. Sometimes the nests are made in thick and tall 
hawthorn hedges, in secluded parts of the country; and there, from the 
closeness of the surrounding branches, are as safe from enemies as if they 
were on the top of the highest tree. Some naturalists will have it that 
the hedge magpie is a distinct species; but this is not generally admitted. 
Magpies are omnivorous: roots, seeds, or fruits, flesh, fish, or fowl— 
all is partaken of by them. They are naturally thievish, excessively 
inquisitive, and of most persevering impudence in meddling with what is 
not their own. Any loose article of metal, cloth, or paper, lying on the 
sill of an open window, will be purloined by Mag, if she happen to cast 
her eye upon it. Teaspoons are often stolen by them ; and, though they 
can make no use of most of the articles they take, these birds seem to have 
pleasure in filching what other birds disregard. There is reason in stealing 
a silk purse, because it serves to improve their nest; but a loose piece of 
money they drop as soon as they have examined “ the image and super¬ 
scription.” They are exceedingly fond of the eggs and young of other 
birds, and particularly those of the missel-thrush ; and though the latter 
defend themselves with great spirit, they are often despoiled of both their 
eggs and helpless young by magpies. 
The magpie, like the crow, is an alarmist; for no sooner does a bird 
of prey, a strange dog, cat, or fox come in sight, than the magpie sets up 
a loud chatter, which is a signal for all other birds to be upon their 
