A NATURALIST. 1 1 9 



this way. During the day time, having selected a spot 

 within proper distance of the tree frequented by them 

 in the morning, I have built with brushwood and pine 

 bushes a thick, close screen, behind which one or two 

 persons might move securely without being observed. 

 Proper openings, through which to level the guns, were 

 also made, as the slightest stir or noise could not be 

 made at the time of action, without a risk of rendering 

 all the preparations fruitless. The guns were all in or- 

 der and loaded before going to bed, and at an hour or 

 two before daylight, we repaired quietly to the field and 

 stationed ourselves behind the screen, where, having 

 mounted our guns at the loop-holes to be in perfect rea- 

 diness, we waited patiently for the daybreak. Soon after 

 the gray twilight of the dawn began to displace the 

 darkness, the voice of one of our expected visitants 

 would be heard from the distant forest, and shortly after 

 a single crow would slowly sail towards the solitary tree 

 and settle on its very summit. Presently a few more 

 would arrive singly, and in a little while small flocks 

 followed. Conversation among them is at first rather 

 limited to occasional salutations, but as the flock begins 

 to grow numerous, it becomes general and very animat- 

 ed, and by this time all that may be expected on this oc- 

 casion have arrived. This may be known also, by ob- 

 serving one or more of them descend to the ground, 

 and if the gunners do not now make the best of the oc- 

 casion, it will soon be lost, as the whole gang will pre- 



