Buying Eggs
A reference in this place to magpies, an increasing race, as the worst enemies of nestlings, has brought a letter from as far away as Cyprus. They are described as flying over the land at the height of about two yards and uttering sudden squawks which frighten mother birds into leav- ing the nests, which the harpies at once empty. The once vast numbers of the species have been very much reduced by the simple process of an offer to purchase the eggs from small boys. Nearly 2,000 were so bought in three years, and the magpies have almost disappeared. As the bird lays a very large clutch the small boys must do well. The paucity of small birds in parts of France is certainly due in large part to the excessive number of magpies. One most unexpected point in their favour is noted in the Cyprian experience: "They drive away the crows, which are nearly as bad."
Previous page
