AMERICAN CROW. Jf)7 



)K»nitence and fubmiflion approach me for forgivenefs and Anecdote of a 



reconciliation. On-thefe occafions he would fometimes return crow * 



and fettle on the ground near my feet, and diffidently advance 



with foft foothing expreffions, and a fort of circumlocution, 



and (it filently by me for a confiderable time. At other times 



he would confidently come and fettle upon my (boulder, and 



there folicit my favour and pardon with foothing expreffions 



and carefiing gefticuiations ; not omitting to tickle me about 



the neck, ears, &c. 



Tom appeared to be influenced by a lively fenfe of domina- 

 tion (an attribute prevalent in the animal creation) but never- 

 .thelefs his ambition, in this refpect, feemed to be moderated 

 by a degree of reafon or reflection. He was certainly by no 

 means tyrannical or cruel. It mull be confefTed, however, 

 that he aimed to be matter of every animal around him, in 

 order to fecure his independence and his felf preservation, and 

 for the acquifition and defence of his natural rights. Yet in 

 general he was peaceable and focial with all the animals about 

 him. 



He was the moft troublefome and teazing to a large dog 

 .whom he could never conquer. This old dog from natural 

 .fidelity and a particular attachment commonly lay down near 

 me when Iwas at reft, reading or writing under the (hade of 

 a pear-tree in the garden near the houfe. Tom (I believe 

 from a paflion of jealoufy) would approach me with his ufual 

 carefles and flattery, and after fecuring my notice and regard, 

 be would addrefs the dog in fome degree of complaifance, and 

 Jby words and actions ; and if he could obtain accefs to him, 

 would tickle him with his bill, jump upon him, and compofe 

 himfelf for a little while. It was evident, however, that this 

 feeming fociability was mere artifice (o gain an opportunity to 

 practice fome mifchievous trick, for no fooner did he perceive 

 the old dog to be dozing, than he would be fure to pinch his 

 lips, and pluck bis beard. At length, however, thefe bold 

 and hazardous achievments had nearly coft him his life, for 

 one time the dog being highly provoked, he made fo fudden 

 and tierce a fnap, that the crow narrowly efcaped with his 

 head. After this Tom was wary, and ufed every caution and 

 deliberation in his approaches, examining the dog's eyes and 

 movements, to be fure that he was really afleep, and at laft 

 would not venture nearer than his tail, and jjien by flow, 

 3 filenr, 



