THE CROW 



as they disappeared in the deep woods beyond 

 the swamp, they were making it extremely 

 warm for him. I do not know how the matter 

 ended, but I am satisfied that the bad crow 

 received severe punishment. 



I have read in books relating to natural 

 history, that crows are in the habit of play- 

 ing games. I can only say from my obser- 

 vation that crows take life very seriously. I 

 have seen nothing like play in a lifetime of 

 careful watching. 



Courting is a serious business. The male 

 rushes at his intended, mauling her, while he 

 utters loud cries, in which he rolls his r's in 

 the most approved stage style. When he has 

 forced the young lady to say " yes," they 

 are mated for life. Then he becomes tender 

 in his attentions. He will sit for a half -hour 

 or more, singing the crow love-song. It is 

 not much of a song, but it is the best he can 

 do. He draws his beak down to his breast 

 while he utters liquid notes that remind one 

 of the suction of a wooden pump. 

 153 



