ROOK. 245 



summer and autumn their food is not sought 

 where this would be. a hindrance, and by the 

 time the fallows are turned up, and the fields 

 bare, the plumage near the bill is in a state not 

 to be incommoded. 



The Rook is subject to variety, entirely white, 

 of a sienna colour of different degrees of intensity, 

 and often beautifully pied. 



In the next form which is now considered as 

 entitled to a sub-generic appellation, after being 

 long since placed by Brisson as such, and again 

 withdrawn and replaced according to differing 

 views of his followers, we have a continuation of 

 the habits of the lesser or weaker true Crows, but in 

 conjunction with a lengthened tail, and very short 

 wings, of which the first quill is rather abruptly 

 narrowed towards the tip. In consequence, they 

 do not possess the power of a strong or often 

 soaring flight, as among the former, but proceed 

 in jerking curves, and with a short often repeated 

 stroke. The colours of the plumage are brighter 

 and more contrasted. They live in pairs, or 

 assemble in parties to the amount of the broods 

 of the past year. Their habits are arboreal, at 

 the same time they are partial to the vicinity of 

 cultivation. Very few species are known ; those 

 which were formerly included being now sepa- 

 rated among other genera. 



PICA, Brisson. Generic characters. Bill and 

 feet as in corvus ; tail much lengthened and 



