Page images
PDF
EPUB
[graphic][merged small]

Missel thrushes do not destroy the fruit in gardens like the other species of turdi, but feed on the berries of misseltoe, and in the spring on ivy berries, which then begin to ripen. In the summer, when their young become fledged, they leave neighbourhoods, and retire to sheep-walks and wild commons

The magpies, when they have young, destroy the broods of missel thrushes, though the dams are fierce birds, and fight bold in defence of their nests. It is probably to avoid such insults, that this species of thrush, though wild at other times, delights to build near houses, and in frequented walks and gardens. WHITE.

Of the truth of this I have been an eye-witness, having seen the common thrush feeding on the shell-snail.

In the very early part of this spring (1797), a bird of this species used to sit every morning on the top of some high elms close to my windows, and delight me with its charming song,* attracted thither, probably, by some ripe ivy berries that grew near the place.

I have remarked something like the latter fact; for I remember, many years ago, seeing a pair of these birds fly up repeatedly and attack some larger bird, which I suppose disturbed their nest in my orchard, uttering, at the same time, violent shrieks.-Since writing the above, I have seen, more than once, a pair of these birds attack some magpies that had disturbed their nest, with great violence, and loud shrieks. MARKWICK.

POULTRY.-Many creatures are endowed with a ready discernment to see what will turn to their own advantage and emolument; and often discover more sagacity than could be expected. Thus, my neighbour's poultry watch for waggons loaded with wheat, and, running after them, pick up a number of grains which are shaken from the sheaves by the agitation of the carriages. Thus, when my brother used to take down his gun to shoot sparrows, his cats would run out before him, to be ready to catch up the birds as they fell.

# 66

[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]

dew drops thick as early blossoms hung,
And trembled as the minstrel sweetly sung."-BLOOMFIELD.

*

;

The earnest and early propensity of the galline to roost on high is very observable; and discovers a strong dread impressed on their spirits respecting vermin that may annoy them on the ground during the hours of darkness. Hence poultry, if left to themselves and not housed, will perch the winter through on yew trees and fir trees; and turkeys and guinea fowls, heavy as they are, get up into apple trees; pheasants also, in woods, sleep on trees to avoid foxes while pea-fowls climb to the tops of the highest trees round their owner's house for security, let the weather be ever so cold or blowing. Partridges, it is true, roost on the ground, not having the faculty of perching; but then the same fear prevails in their minds; for, through apprehensions from polecats and stoats, they never trust themselves to coverts, but nestle together in the midst of large fields, far removed from hedges and coppices, which they love to haunt in the day, and where, at that season, they can skulk more secure from the ravages of rapacious birds.

As to ducks and geese, their awkward, splay, web-feet forbid them to settle on trees;† they therefore, in the hours of darkness and danger, betake themselves to their own element, the water, where, amidst large lakes and pools, like ships riding at anchor, they float the whole night long in peace and security. WHITE.

Guinea fowls not only roost on high, but in hard weather resort, even in the day-time, to the very tops of highest trees.‡

Fowls that roost in trees are much later in laying their eggs than those which have been housed and kept warm. Fowls belonging to London bakers, and which roost over their ovens, are very early layers. Warmth, therefore, seems to be necessary to the early production of eggs, and it might be worth inquiry whether those birds which are most exposed to cold do not begin the process of incubation at a later period than those birds which affect warmth. Pigeons are early breeders, and they are warmly housed.-ED.

The Cape geese in Richmond Park not only settle on trees, but make their nests in the old oak pollards, and convey their young in safety to the ground by placing one at a time under one of their wings. When these geese made their nests on the ground of the island in the large pond in the park, the water-rats destroyed the eggs, which induced the birds to take to the trees near the side of the pond.-ED.

This, probably, is the reason why they lay their eggs so much later in

[graphic][merged small]
« PreviousContinue »