8 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



of their young, and the destruction of the eggs and young of 

 other birds, have doubtless awakened the prejudice against 

 them which prevails ; yet the innumerable benefits which 

 they confer upon agriculturalists, which are nowhere equalled, 

 should waken tender sympathy and gratitude in the bosoms 

 of their persecutors. The evil which they perpetrate, is ex- 

 ceedingly limited, and lasts but for a short period ; whereas, 

 the good which they accomplish, is enormous, and continues 

 during their entire sojourn with us. 



That wariness and distrust which the Crow evinces, are 

 strangers to its nature, and have only been developed by the 

 long and bitter persecutions to which it has been subjected. 

 In some localities, the happiness of its existence is consid- 

 erably marred by the extreme and constant vigilance which 

 has to be kept up in view of the dangers to which it is ex- 

 posed ; and by the new mental attainments which have to 

 be acquired in order to adapt the conditions of life to envi- 

 roning circumstances. 



We have often been amused at the precaution which is 

 always taken, when a large flock of crows takes possession 

 of a field of newly-planted corn ; and, also in the autumn, 

 when the corn is ripe and gathered into shocks. Everything 

 seems to bear the clearest evidence of preconcerted action. 

 The pillaging party alights, although not en masse, but con- 

 siderably diffused, while upon the outskirts are stationed 

 sentinels at regular distances. These guards are placed so as to 

 command a wide field of view, and are constantly on the alert 

 for dangers. As soon as anything is seen to create alarm, a 

 hoarse caw announces its presence, and the signal is taken 

 up by the dense throng, in one vast chorus. In obedience 

 thereto, the wary band of pilferers beats a hasty retreat, and 

 retires to more peaceful quarters. As long as danger is im- 

 minent, the attack is not renewed ; but let the cause of the 

 alarm disappear, and information of the fact is soon known 

 to a few r venturesome fellows who constitute a reconnoitring 

 party, and, instantly, the vast body of plunderers is upon the 



