*

The Magpie belongs to this species, and is wellknown.

This bird built its nest in the high pear-tree in our orchard. You recollect how it was made of sticks, with a canopy over it, and a hole in the side for a door-way

Your account of its nest, Edward, is a very good one. It is very much like the crow in its eating; with great pains, it may be taught to utter a few simple words.

The Red-legged Crow,† is a handsome bird; it is found in the rocky parts of Cornwall, and in South Wales. They seldom leave their dwellings, but in very fine weather. The Canadian Crow is very numerous around Hudson's Bay; it is unpleasantly familiar and bold, as it enters houses, and takes meat or any provision from the table, and flies off with it.

* Corvus pica.

† Corvus graculus.

Corvus Canadensis.

*

Does not the Bird of Paradise belong to this

order?

It does; I showed you one, when you visited the British Museum.

The plumage was wonderfully fine; how I should like to see one alive.

Paradisea apoda.

You are not very likely to realize your wish. They are natives of New Guinea. This bird flies against the wind, that its loose plumage may not be ruffled. They feed on fruit and insects, and are eagerly sought after on account of the beauty of their feathers.

But a more remarkable bird than any we have mentioned, belongs to this tribe. I refer to the cuckoo; its bill is smooth, and it has a ring round the nostrils.

He is indeed a bird by himself, for there are none like him at least as to his song,-if song it may be him—at

called, which consists of but two syllables. I think you told me there are two species; but I have not seen more than one.

No; I am aware you have not. But the Honey Guide, or Bee Cuckoo,* is a native of Africa; it leads the Hottentots to the nests of the wild bees; and is always rewarded by a part of the prey. The common

Cuculus indicator.

Cuckoo,* is well-known; you had a young one the last

* Cuculus canorus.

and I brought it home. Its feathers were very beautiful; and you gave me Dr. Jenner's account of this bird to read.* Mine died, you know, sir, at the approach of winter; though I did all I could to keep it warm.

I never knew one survive the winter; they leave our country about the beginning of July.

Whither do they go?

I cannot tell you, Edward; much of the history of this bird is yet unknown. It is said, that, in some cases, they hatch and feed their own young. This appears to me rather doubtful, as we are sure the instances in which they do not do so, are not only numerous, but well authenticated.

The WOODPECKER TRIBE is distinguished by its long, slender tongue, which is barbed at the end, the more readily to pierce its prey. The bill is angular, and the toes are placed two forwards and two backwards, for climbing. This bird is remarkable for boring

* See Juvenile Naturalist.