The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1903-10-21
Tricks of the Maapie.


was heard an occasional Mag, mag.
m-a-a-gl" from long-beaked birds
which were flying about apparently
without knowing what to do with
themselves. Suddenly they disappear
ed in the distance, but still came the
echo of their hoarse notes, Mag, mag,
m-a-a-g!"
The sky was clear; not even a va
grant cloud was in sight, yet soon a
laundering sound was heard and
sweeping along the horizon was an i'm
mense cloud, which, as 1t drew near,
was easily made out to be one of dust.
Then the air vibrated with the bel
lowing of thousands Of frightened cat
tie. On they came, living avalanche
led by two or three very large animals.
which were lashing their tails furious
ly and kicking their heels high into the
air. On the backs of the leaders sat
several of the long-beaked birds, en-
joying, no doubt, the wild ride across
the prairie. The leaders of the stam-
peded cattle passed on madly to the
water-soaked patches; their hoofs sank
deep in the mire; one, two, three went
down, thrown by the force of their
own motion, and the mad herd crashed
into them. The birds left their
perches and circled about in the air as
the terrible mix-up occurred; and
over all was again heard the rasping
cry, Mag, mag, m-a-a-g!" A dozen
cowboys on their ponies now arrived
at the scene, closing in about the cattle,
shouting, cracking their whips and
firing their six-shooters into the air.
They soon succeeded in turning the
cattle In a few moments the great
herd was quietly browsing. In the
mire lay a dozen struggling cattle, and
the air was alive with birds chattering
excitedly to each other. Two or three
Duzzards scared far above, but not for
long, however, for the birds in bunch
took after them furiously, driving
them far away.
Mag, mag, m-a-a-g!"
From the north, the east, the south,
the west came more birds; they SEEM
ed to spring out of the ground; they
were everywhere, the scheming mag
pies, gathering for the feast, for that
is what was to come from all the fuss.
And it was to be strictly magpie
feast. Any buzzard, hawk, eagle or
wild animal that might approach to
make an attempt at securing a meal
would have been promptly attacked
and driven away.
Magpies often cause terrible stam-
pedes among the herds of the western
range. Selecting a few Of the largest
cattle, the birds seat themselves upon
their backs and begin to fiercely pick
into the flesh of the animals. When
the cattle jump and kick to dislodge
the tormentors the magpies sink their
claws into the hide and hang on de-
family. Soon the cattle become terror
stricken, the fright spreads in the herd
and results in stampede.
Cowboys claim that magpies actual
ly have a talking language among
themselves, and say that always be-
fore the birds attack herd they gath
or in great numbers about tree or
large rock, hop around constantly. and
each bird seems to be making differ
ent noise. This is kept up for a few
minutes, after which a half dozen Of
them fly away toward the cattb, while
the others quiet down and watch for
results. No doubt their gathering is
sort Of congress at which there are
chosen certain ones for the work Of
driving the herd.
The magpie is not very large, but he
is fierce in his way fearless and full Of
tricks. The bird is easily domesticated,
and, but for the fact that he invariably
develops into a miscnief-maker or a
great thief, would become very popu-
lar among the boys and girls where he
thrives.
Not lbng ago young magpie was
caught by a little boy of Fremont
Pass, Wyo. The bird grew to be a
great favorite with the householders
until 1t was discovered that he was
carrying away things; that he would
drive the chickens off their nests, pull
wool from the sleeps backs and harass
the cat whenever he caught Tabby
trying to get nap. This birds thiev-
ing operations were novel. He would
not often take anything except those
articles which he saw the people use.
and his crimes found him out when
after watching the master of the house
lay down his pipe one day, the bird
promptly stole it. Later, when the
man sought his pipe, Mr.. Magpie hap
pened to be near. The article was no
where to be found; its owner grew an
cry, and when the bird began to chat
ter excitedly a sack of tobacco was
thrown at him. Away he flew, crying
soul Gu! Ou!" The man watched,
and in a moment saw Mr.. Magpie fly
down from the housetop with the pipe,
which he dropped at the doorway. At
ter that whenever anything was miss
ing about the house, maggie" was in
variably blamed. He was finally dis
covered tearing up several loaves OF
bread which had been put out on the
porch to cool. He was captured and
thrown into a rain barrel. With a