to seize and insult the largest animals, when they can do it with safety. They are often seen perched upon the

back of an ox or a sheep, picking up the insects to be found there; chattering and tormenting the poor creature at the same time, and stretching out their necks for combat, if the beast turns its head backward to catch

them. They also seek out the nests of other birds, and if the parent escapes, the eggs supply its place.

This bird is a great eater, and no kind of food seems to come amiss to it. But it is also provident in its gluttony; and even in a tame state, it will hide such of its food as it does not require for present use, and after a time return to its secret hoard with renewed appetite and vociferation.

In all its habits it shows a degree of instinct unusual to other birds. This is displayed among other things in the manner of building its nest. For this purpose it always chooses some place difficult of access; in some thick hedge-row fenced with brambles, or on the top of some high tree. The body of the nest is composed of hawthorn branches, with the thorns sticking outward; it is lined with roots, wool and long grass, and nicely plastered with mud and clay. Above this body, a canopy is built of the sharpest thorns, woven together in such a manner as to deny all entrance except at the door, which is just large enough to admit the occupants. It is thus protected against the kite, the crow, and the sparrow-hawk.

In its domestic state, this bird preserves its natural character with strict propriety. It retains in the cage the same noisy and mischievous habits that marked it in the woods; and as it is more cunning, it is taught more easily than any other bird. It speaks sometimes quite distinctly, but its sounds are too sharp and thin to be an exact imitation of the human voice. The Magpie is

found in Europe, and is said also to exist in the plains near the Rocky Mountains.

This is a very singular and celebrated bird, known all over the United States for his favorite call in spring. His notes seem like the voice of an old friend, and are universally listened to with interest. At first they issue from some retired part of the woods, the glen or mountain. In a few evenings we hear them from the adjoining thicket, the garden fence, the road before the door, and even from the roof of the dwelling house, long after the family have retired to rest.

He is now a regular acquaintance. Every morning and evening you hear his shrill notes from the adjoining

woods, plainly articulating the words whip-poor-will, the first and last syllables uttered with great emphasis. When near, you often hear an introductory cluck between the notes. Towards midnight these birds generally become silent, except when the moon shines clearly. During the day, they sit in the most retired, solitary, and deeply shaded part of the woods, where they repose in silence. Their food appears to be large moths, grasshoppers, and such insects as frequent the bark of old rotten and decaying timber.

From the singularity of his nest, his brilliant colour, and the situation in which he builds, this bird is generally known; he is called by a variety of names, such as Hang-nest, Hanging bird, Golden Robin and Firebird.