The Birds and Poets 239 



to divide the products of their fields with the feathered 

 race unless their usefulness had been demonstrated."* 



During many years of persecution the crow has 

 developed a cunning and sagacity that is remark- 

 able. He seems to be able accurately to judge, 

 upon the approach of any person, whether his 

 intentions are hostile or friendly. He pays no 

 particular attention to children or others aimlessly 

 wandering about the woods, but he immediately 

 becomes as wild as a hare when a hunter attempts 

 to approach him. This wariness and cunning 

 should be considered more of a virtue than a vice, 

 however, because, surrounded by all sorts of perils, 

 it has been necessary to his very existence. 



While the crow has never been regarded as a 

 handsome fellow, at close range he makes a very 

 pleasing appearance in his glossy black plumage 

 with its purple reflections. The poise of the head 

 and the stately, graceful gait give him a grave 

 and dignified appearance as he stalks about the 

 fields. 



Robert Burns Wilson makes him the subject of 

 a graceful and befitting sonnet: 



"Bold, amiable, ebon outlaw, grave and wise ! 

 For many a good green year hast thou withstood 

 By dangerous, planted field and haunted wood 

 All the devices of thine enemies. 

 Gleaning thy grudged bread with watchful eyes 

 And self-relying soul. Come ill or good, 



* Birds & Seasons, p. 379. 



