She has a strong affection for a goldfinch in
the same apartment, the latter bird appearing to return this fondness by
fluttering its wings and other demonstrations of delight. The Jay has
also been seen playing with two kittens, while the old cat looked
composedly on at their gambols. This bird is in beautiful plumage, and
is about twenty years of age. She is well known to the residents of
Blackheath and its vicinity.
* * * * *
ENTOMOLOGY.
I have lately observed a curious fact, which I have never seen noticed
in any book which has fallen in my way, viz. that it is the tail of the
caterpillar which becomes the head of the butterfly. I found it hard to
believe till I had convinced myself of it in a number of instances. The
caterpillar weaves its web from its mouth, finishes with the head
downwards, and the head, with the six front legs, are thrown off from
the chrysalis, and may be found dried up, but quite distinguishable, at
the bottom of the web. The butterfly comes out at the top. Is this fact
generally known?--_Corresp. Mag. Nat. Hist._
* * * * *
THE RIVER TINTO.
The river Tinto rises in Sierra Morena, and empties itself into the
Mediterranean, near Huelva, having the name of Tinto given it from the
tinge of its waters, which are as yellow as a topaz, hardening the sand
and petrifying it in a most surprising manner.
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