54 THE BIRDS OF DORSET. 



at Abbotsbury, and another at Encombe, in December 

 1870; a third at Winterbourne Kingston, January 

 1 88 1, by Mr. E. Besant ; and a fourth on December 

 8, 1885, at the same place. 



KOOK. Curvus fnujilegus, L. 



Yarrell, ii. p. 289; Hartiiuj, p. 31 ; Dresser, iv. p. 551 ; See- 

 holtm, i. p. 549; Ihls List, p. 70 ; Pidteneijs List, p. 4. 



The Rook is a common resident, extending its 

 colonies far and wide. Thousands assemble among 

 the lofty trees of Clenston and Oatclose Wood 

 during the autumn and winter months. Large and 

 small parties converge at eventide towards this centre 

 from every direction of the compass, and after a 

 short rest and apparent consultation in a neighbour- 

 ing field or down, they fly off and join their com- 

 panions for the night. The clamour of so great a 

 multitude at this time is well-nigh inconceivable. 

 They are up and about again at early morn, at which 

 time their behaviour indicates the state of the 

 weather for the ensuing day, for upon this depends 

 the extent of their wanderings ; if it is going to be 

 fine, whatever may be the forecast, they move off, 

 and are not seen again until the evening ; if, on the 

 contrary, it is going to be stormy, they do not go far 

 away. The labourers, who always take an interest 

 in the weather, and are usually very observant, say 

 when they see the Rooks hanging about the neigh- 

 bourhood, " 'Twill be bad weather to-day, for the 

 rooks do stay at home." 



