15 MAY 1909, Page 19

[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPEC'TATOE." ]

Sin,—With reference to Mr. Crook's letter in your issue of the-8th inst., I think the magpie is a newcomer, as I have not seen him until the last three weeks. He is fairly tame, and comes to the balcony of this house to take biscuit from the maid's hand. I am told that two have been seen in the high elms opposite these windows.—I am, Sir, &e., EDWARD STANFORD.

Cumberland House, Kensington Court, W.