The Cuckoo. A5 
the male. Ihe eggs are’ dull white, spotted all over 
with a greyish-brown. 
This bird was a prize to the naturalist when he had 
discovered its migratory nature; until then it was a 
ereat puzzle, for many rumours had been set about as 
regards its having metamorphosing powers. At one 
time it was believed to be a hawk part of the year, 
and a) Guckoo the other; and: not a century ago, .it 
was considered to lie torpid in some hole during 
winter. But now we know that it does not change, 
but leaves us at the approach of autumn, to go where 
it will find an atmosphere suited to its nature, and 
where it can still feed on the particular food fitted to 
its slight frame. Any one seeing this bird might feel 
surprised at knowing it weighs only three ounces and 
a half. 
Everybody knows the name of “ Cuckoo,” for we 
-are told of this bird by our nurses as soon as we 
“can understand the meaning of words. The name is 
familiar enough, and yet how many of our country 
ramblers go here and there hearing the well-known 
sound, and, at the same time, have not the least know- 
ledge of the size or shape of this bird, but suppose 
they shall see it some day, instead of following the 

