70 American Birds 



pine. But looks were deceptive, for built into that rough 

 foundation was a closely woven warm nest. Here, be- 

 tween the forest and the fallow land, the provident parents 

 had had an eye for a snug home, with an easy living close 

 by, but the gun of an angry farmer had made orphans of 

 the young birds. 



The crow is a peculiar piece of birdhood. His jetty 

 color surely was not given him for protection, so perhaps 

 his wits were. Crow wit isn't very deep, but It is certainly 

 always ready for use. He is suspicious and always sees 

 a trap in the simplest thing, yet his curiosity can't let It 

 alone. He Is always up and stirring for mischief. Let 

 a simple owl appear, and this black villain will heap a 

 load of never-suspected crimes upon the foolish night-bird, 

 and call all of his neighbors to the trial, in which he him- 

 self renders judgment. Then, after thus aiding public 

 justice, he will turn around and steal anything that strikes 

 his fancy, whether he needs It or not. He needs It — just 

 because — that's all! How can he help being a thief? He 

 can't help crow nature. Besides, he Is such a cheerful 

 bandit, with a gentle, self-confident way of taking things 

 from under your very nose. There is ever a hopeful, ex- 

 pectant expression on his face, and, even when he Is caught, 

 he puts on a don't-care look and immediately hunts up 

 more trouble. 



The crow walks the earth as If he belonged there. In 

 fact, everything that he touches belongs to him. Other 

 birds drop down and snatch food from the ground, but 

 Master Crow walks about and takes his choice as if it 

 were all put there for his selection. It Isn't Impudence; 

 It's a spirit of community rights with man. 



