The Magpie's Nest

Long ago when the world was very young, the birds did not know how to build nests for themselves.

The Magpie was the only bird that knew how to build a nest well. His nest was covered all over, except for a hole to go in and out.

The other birds talked a great deal about the wonderful house which the Magpie built. They all wished they could build one just like it for their little birds.

The Magpie said, "I would be glad to show you how to build nests. But you must watch everything I do. First, I lay two sticks across each other like so."

"Then I mix some straw and some moss like this," showed the Magpie. "Oh yes, certainly," said the Bluebird. "I guessed that without being taught."

"Then I add more moss and more straw and some feathers like this," said the Magpie. "Yes, yes," said the Sparrow. "Even though I'm not a builder, I knew that was the way to do it."

Still the Magpie went on, but the birds acted as if they knew everything he told them. At last he would tell them no more, even though the nest was only built half way. "If you knew all about nest-building, then why did you come here to learn it from me? You should go and build your own nests now and I will teach you no more."

Then away they all flew. Each bird set to work to build himself a nest. But when they had built up half way, they stopped, since they did not know how to build any more. So to this day their nests all look like the Magpie's, just cut in half!