BIT"

its triton; its wings were flattered with

pleasure was perceptible in all ayhile the swelow sat meekly at a the slightest opposition: carried away, has it went

and in a few days repaired

THE WATER-WAGTAIL.

THIS is a very active bird, and is constantly in motion, running after flies. It changes its abode in winter, but does not quit the kingdom, and may be found, as the weather becomes severe, in marshes subject to the flow of the tide. Early in the spring, the pied wagtails, as they are sometimes called, may be seen in flocks attending sheepfolds, and fields which have been newly ploughed. In the breeding season they appear to prefer pleasure-grounds constantly mown, where they can run about entirely unencumbered, and when the insects have not sufficient cover to evade their flight.

The nest, composed of moss, dried grass, and fibres, put together with wool, and lined with feathers or hair, is found in a heap of stones on the ground, the hole of a wall, or on the top of a pollard-tree: the hole of a bank, or the shelf of a bare rock is sometimes chosen. The eggs exactly resemble those of the cuckoo- a bird which frequently chooses the nest of the wagtail as a place for her own egg.