48 



every Indian river when it is not in flood. Many flew 

 in from hamlets on the opposite side of the broad 

 stream. Multitudes poured in from the neighbour- 

 ing fields and jungles. 



Considering that I could only see the birds which 

 entered the station at one corner, and bearing in 

 mind that a great many birds never leave the station, 

 the corvine population of that little settlement cannot 

 have been much less than fifty thousand. 



Probably over a million crows dwell in Calcutta. 



When the birds return at the sunset hour they 

 exhibit no signs of lassitude. On the contrary, they 

 seem most reluctant to retire to rest. There is much 

 cawing and changing of positions before they even- 

 tually settle down for the night on the topmost 

 branches of lofty trees. 



Crows are early risers. Before the sun has ap- 

 peared above the horizon their hoarse croaking is 

 mingled with the cheerful notes of the drongos and 

 and magpie robins. 



" Till in a gathered band of close array, 



They take their flight to seek their daily food," 



and to make themselves generally objectionable to 

 man and beast. 



