A DESIRABLE ROOKERY.

Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 3032, 9 July 1875, Page 3

A DESIRABLE ROOKERY.

* In the time of Queen Anne there was a rookery in the Temple Gardens, first established by Sir Edward Norfchey, a well-mown. lawyer of the period, who colonized the place with birds from his estate at Epsom. "It was a pleasant thought," said Leigh Hunt, " supposing the colonists had no objection. The rook is a grave legal bird, both in his coat and habits; living in communities, yet to himself, and strongly addicted to discussions of meum and tuum." . Possibly some descendants of the bird which made the gardens melodious with their caw a century and a half ago intend to once more make a home for themselves within the legal precinct. At any rate, a couple of very serious rooks, who look as wise as Lord Burleigh, have, it is said, commenced their building operations. There seems no reason why a _rookery should not be once more established in Temple Gardens, and it is difficult to say why all birds should not flourish in and aDoutLondonagreatdeal more than they do. It is only a question of a little protection and encouragement. The London sparrow flourishes exceedingly. He is so plump and well cared for—albeit _ somewhat dirty—that by liis side his country brother looks quite insignificant. Other rarities of the feathered tribe might be discovered about our gardens and parka in large numbers, if we would give them food during inclement weather, and take some measures to prevent the erection of the bird-traps and snares that we often see on the roofs of houses in low neighbourhoods. It is-not many years ago since there was a small rookery in a decayed churchyard in Wood-streefc, Cheapside, and it might be imagined that there is everything in favour of establishing one on a considerable scale in the Temple Gardens. *If the Benchers were only to give this matter their attention, and look after the "grave legal birds" as well as the storks of the Hague, the eagles of Geneva, and the pigeons of Venice are considered by theii" own ; ;imunicipalities, the desired result might possibly be attained.—-Graphic.