224 JACKDAWS. 



in the habit of picking up bones and other things from 

 the streets and yards, and carrying them to the tops of 

 the houses, a battle usually takes place for the plunder, 

 to the great annoyance of the people below, on whose 

 heads they shower down the loosened tiles, leaving the 

 roofs exposed to the weather. They frequently snatch 

 bread and meat from the dining-table, even when it is 

 surrounded with guests, always seeming to prefer the 

 company of man, as they are continually seen hopping 

 about near houses, and rarely to be met with in woods 

 or retired places. They are, however, important bene- 

 factors to the Indians, making ample compensation for 

 their intrusion and knavery ; for they are all voracious 

 devourers of carrion, and instantly consume all sorts of 

 dirt, offal, or dead vermin ; they, in fact, carry oif those 

 substances, which, if allowed to remain, would, in that 

 hot climate, produce the most noxious smells, and pro- 

 bably give rise to putrid disorders. On this account they 

 are much esteemed by the natives; their mischievous 

 tricks and impudence are put up with, and they are never 

 suffered to be shot or otherwise molested. 



In North America, there is a small species, called the 

 Cinereous Crow, which also much resembles the Jack- 

 daw, and is near akin to him. It is described* as very, 

 familiar, and fond of frequenting habitations, both houses 

 or tents ; and so much given to pilfering, that no provi- 

 vions it can come at, either fresh or salt, are safe from 

 its depredations. It is so bold as to came into tents, and 

 sit on the edge of the kettle when hanging over the fire, 

 and steal victuals out of the dishes. It is very trouble- 

 some to the hunters, both English and Indian, frequently 

 following them a whole day. It will perch on a tree, 

 while the hunter is baiting his martin-traps, and, as 

 soon as his back is turned, alight on the ground, and eat 

 the baits. 



Thus, all over the world, the Jackdaw tribe is notori- 

 ously given to pilfering. Whatever it sees it considers 



* HKAENE'S Travels. 



