CANNIBALISM AMONG BIRDS.
A rather grim and unusual incident was witnessed the other day, in the midst of the charming rural scene round the bridge over the lake in St. James's Park. An observer watching the many varieties of duck at their several occupations, in and around the water, saw a mallard swimming from the shore with a sparrow held firmly by the wing. It (quickly drowned the unhappy victim, and then slowly and very laboriously struggled with what seemed the impossible task of swallowing it. After many minutes the feat was accomplished. The cannibal swam about for a half-minute or so, and then began a dilatory and apparently carnal approach to the bank where, as always, sparrows were feeding. As it stepped ashore it made a pounce, but this time the sparrow was too quick for it.
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