History and Habits of the Rook. 277 



might cheer him, but he seemed quite afraid of them and 

 avoided their company. 



After months had passed away he gradually recovered his 

 spirits, and he is now as brisk and lively a bird as you can 

 look upon. He is no longer afraid of the inmates of the 

 poultry-yard ; but though he associates with them, they have 

 not succeeded in gaining his affections. He knows all the in- 

 mates of the house, and takes with pleasure a bit of bread or 

 of cold meat from their hands. Unfortunately he is so much 

 of an epicure as to be particularly fond of a new-laid egg, and 

 when the exulting cackle of a hen proclaims that she has de- 

 posited a treasure, there is generally a race between the ser- 

 vant and the rook, each being eager to seize the prize. 



For a long time he was allowed the free use of his wings, but 

 complaints were lodged against him by the proprietors of the 

 neighbouring villas that he was in the habit of perching on the 

 roofs of their houses, and of picking the lime from the skews, 

 casting it up into the air. This frolic was an overt act of mis- 

 chief; but his accusers did not take into account that it was 

 conjoined with another act of utility, for it was only the 

 loosened pieces of lime that he removed, and chiefly, we doubt 

 not, that he might get at the vermin concealed underneath. 

 As no person w r ould become bound for his more sober de- 

 meanour when he got into his altitudes, the poor fellow was 

 condemned to have one of his wings clipped, that as a degraded 

 biped, he might, like his accusers, walk on the face of the 

 earth. It is vexing to see him, when he attempts to fly with 

 the remaining wing, falling down to the ground after being 

 provokingly twirled round. 



The only way in which he can now taste some of the de- 

 parted joys of exalted station is by mounting an old apple-tree 

 in the garden, the lowest branches being within his reach, and 

 when he has reached the highest he shows how delighted he 

 is by proud cawings and cacklings. 



He is a very cleanly bird, as his glossy plumage show T s. 

 When a pail of water is placed within his reach, he immediately 

 enters it and splashes it about with great delight. He is still 

 more delighted when there is a fall of snow, for he rolls in it, 

 flaps and flutters amongst it, taking it up in his bill and throw- 

 ing it about with the greatest glee and merriment. 



Long live this kind-hearted rook ! and as we have reason 

 and revelation to guide, may we remember that we are bound 

 to surpass him in his amiable qualities. 



I am, dear Sirs, yours &c, 

 Manse of Steverston, Ayrshire, DAVID LANDSBOROUGH. 



Feb. 13, 1843. 



