I then tried the snake on Rhody. He came and took it with no great enthusiasm, carried it away, dropped it, then returned to me, looking inquiringly all about to see if there was any other prospect. One of the magpies then took the snake and began pulling it to pieces and swallowing it in a very practical manner. I then offered Rhody a live lizard which he snatched quickly, gave it one hard slam on the ground stunning it, then circled about it admiringly. Whenever a magpie approached he managed to get there first, picked it up and laid it down in another place, admired it, then walked off a short distance, as if to abandon it. This was done four or five times and looked as if it might be a game that he was playing with the magpies. When, however, both magpies got interested and he almost lost it by pursuing these tactics, he swallowed it hastily. We have here an example of the reactions of three different kinds of birds toward the same object. Brownie, of course, was not big enough to "hold" the snake and not equipped with the proper kind of bill to break it up. The road-runner could have swallowed it whole without winking. I believe he was simply not hungry enough. In the case of the lizard, which is not only a preferred food, but at the same time offers something that appeals to the hunting instinct, Rhody's indifference broke down--notwithstanding that he was, I believe, not hungry, and he indulged his sporting instinct (this is the first instance observed) up to the point where a continuance might cause him to lose his prey. The magpies will eat "anything" and have powerful beaks. 5:30 P.M. All four thrashers here, Bb coming out of the bushes to get worms dropped at (and on) my feet, but not taking them from hand. In passing the magpie just now I stooped to pick up a small blue feather about an inch long. Instantly the magpies set up a terrific clamor. I offered it to one of them and he took it.