Page:Natural History, Birds.djvu/69

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56
PASSERES.—UPUPADÆ.

that distinguish them, they are sure to attract attention. White mentions a pair which, one summer, frequented an ornamented piece of ground, adjoining his garden at Selborne, for some weeks. They used to march about in a stately manner, feeding in the walks, many times in the day; and seemed disposed to breed in the outlet; but were frighted and persecuted by idle boys, who never let them be at rest. In a few instances, however, they have been known to breed in England.

The Hoopoe is remarkable for its intelligence, and its susceptibility of attachment: both of which qualities are illustrated by the following interesting, but rather tragical narrative, extracted from Bechstein's "Cage Birds." "With great care and attention," writes M. von Schauroth, "I was able last summer to rear two young Hoopoes, taken from a nest which was placed at the top of an oak-tree. These little birds followed me every where; and when they heard me at a distance shewed their joy by a particular chirping, jumped into the air, or as soon as I was seated, climbed upon my clothes, particularly when giving them their food, from a pan of milk, the cream of which they swallowed greedily; they climbed higher and higher, till at last they perched on my shoulders, and sometimes on my head, caressing me very affectionately. Notwithstanding this, I had only to speak a word to rid myself of their company; they would then immediately retire to the stove. Generally, they would observe my eyes to discover what my temper might be, that they might act accordingly. I fed them like the nightingale, or with the universal paste, to which I sometimes added insects; they would never touch earth-