734 
BIRD-LIFE. 
choose his own companions, after having once had a 
Magpie placed in his cage, which had been caught one day 
by chance. The companionship of this bird seemed to 
please the Eaven, for when winter came round, and other 
Magpies appeared in the neighbourhood of his habitation, 
Mr. Eaven would, as soon as he was let out of his cage, 
give chase, and, whenever he felt bored, capture one of 
these birds, holding it in his clav r s, and calling out until 
his keeper released the bird from his grasp. The former 
would not, however, let the Magpie go, but would place 
it in the cage, for if this wire not done the Eaven would 
continue catching Magpies until his wash was gratified, 
when he would return to his cage, and over-burden his 
new companion with attentions and caresses. 
