THE MAGPIE. 101

speech. Like the crow, the Magpie has
the halit of stealing and hiding provi
sions and pieces of money in such a man
ner that they are not easily detected. In
the construction of the nest, this. bird
displays much sagacity. A high tree or
a close bush is usually chosen Bota
vexes unite in the labor, and, having for-
tified the nest externally with twigs,
turf, and clay, cover it with a canopy or
defence of thorny branches, having an
entrance in the least accessible side.
The Magpies defend their nest with great
courage against the crow, the falcon, and
even the eagle, and in the conflict their
activity gives them a great advantage.