THE SUMMIT OF THE YEARS 



and put that thing through"; and Jim caws back a 

 response, and Corvus says, "I 'm off this minute." 

 I get the impression that it is convention day or gen- 

 eral training day with them. There are voices in all 

 keys of masculinity and femininity. Here and there 

 seems to be one in authority who calls at intervals, 

 " Haw-ah, haw, haw-ah!" Others utter a strident 

 "Haw!" still others a rapid, feminine call. Some 

 seem hurrying, others seem at rest, but the landscape 

 is apparently alive with crows carrying out some 

 plan of concerted action. How fond they must be of 

 one another ! What boon companions they are ! In 

 constant communication, saluting one another 

 from the trees, the ground, the air, watchful of one 

 another's safety, sharing their plunder, uniting 

 against a common enemy, noisy, sportive, preda- 

 cious, and open and aboveboard in all their ways 

 and doings how much character our ebony friend 

 possesses, in how many ways he challenges our ad- 

 miration ! 



What a contrast the crow presents to the silent, 

 solitary hawk! The hawks have but two occupa- 

 tions hunting and soaring; they have no social or 

 tribal relations, and make no show of business as 

 does the crow. The crow does not hide; he seems to 

 crave the utmost publicity; his goings and comings 

 are advertised with all the effectiveness of his 

 strident voice; but all our hawks are silent and 

 stealthy. 



104 



