Then commences the work of building their new habitations; and some curious facts are presented to the attentive observer. If an obnoxious member dares to occupy a seat to which the great body thinks that he possesses no claim, by bribery, corruption, or intimidation, or if he changes his seat from one side to the other, they immediately act upon the principle of privilege, and instantly demolish his borough of rotten sticks, amidst the cawing cheers of one side of the assembly and the counter cheers of the other. In proceeding to build, however, the large and overwhelming majority pursue precisely the same plan as is adopted by other persons of quality; viz.-"far fetched and dear bought;" for, although there may be an abundance of good rafters in the immediate vicinity of the tree which they occupy, they prefer travelling to a considerable distance; acting on the conviction, no doubt, that whatever is far fetched, or of foreign growth, possesses superior and enviable qualities. If any great difference of opinion should arise upon any important question of public interest, inimical to the vested rights of the whole community,—or if a party, headed by some reckless leader, not worth a groat, and beneath a mole's worth, should attempt to form another assembly in the immediate vicinity of the

commonwealth, it is considered a high crime and misdemeanour against the state,-subversive of order and discipline; opposed to the dictates of decency and propriety; and, also, a bad example to the rest of the community. These habitations are then instantly destroyed-not by the sergeant-at-arms, with the aid of his assistants-but by the whole unanimous posse of the insulted body; and the delinquents are compelled to quit the locality, or to take up their abode in the back seats of the ancient place of assembly-thus vindicating the insulted dignity of the power and supremacy of the laws, and passing a vote of confidence on the proceedings of the executive authorities.

During the progress of building, the rooks do considerable damage by breaking off the young branches, and spoiling the growth of the trees; for, if a rafter will not exactly fit, they make it do so by demolishing every obstacle. Hence, a large number of broken twigs will always be found strewed on the ground beneath.

The rook is extremely attentive, during the progress of incubation, to his mate, who seldom leaves her nest until the eggs are hatched, receiving the needful supply of food from the male bird. Before the young

birds are fully fledged, both parents

evince much solici

tude and affection in providing them with sustenance;

K K

and in doing so, occasion much good to the fields and pastures, by the destruction of the worms and slugs, which are secured in the small pouch which hangs beneath the lower mandible, and thus conveyed to the young brood. When the young birds are enabled to perch upon the outside of the nests, or upon the adjacent branches, and before they can mount effectually upon the wing, the diversion of rook shooting com

mences.

For this purpose, large parties of shooters assemble at the family mansion, generally by invitation. The day is called a "rook-day." It is not very difficult to bring down the birds with a good fowling-piece; but this weapon, although adopted by many sportsmen, should never be used for the purpose. The shot shatters the birds, and, likewise, does considerable injury to the trees. A well-made air-gun is far preferable. It makes less noise; and, from the small size of the ball, does little injury to the birds. Besides, it calls into exercise more skill than is required in the use of the common gun. A clever shot, with the air-gun, will bring down as many birds as are wanted; or it may be effectually used until the rookery is considered to be sufficiently thinned. The booty thus secured is generally distributed amongst the labourers upon the estate,

1

who are well satisfied with their recompense, and look forward from season to season to the "rook-day" as a day of social and cheerful merriment.

HE season when the landrail and the quail visit this country, abounds with beauty, fertility, and promise. Over hill and

valley, through the woodland and the coppice, - along the margin of the streams, and the summit of the precipice, Spring has breathed her incense in honour of that mysterious Power from whom all power emanates; and the whole earth, renewed in her vigour, animates and gladdens the heart of man. The cheerful song of the lark; the delicious perfume of the flower; the sweet music of the crystal stream; the rich drapery, hung upon the trees; the blue arch