10 LIFE-HISTORIES OF BIRDS 



armed. Even when the weapon is carefully concealed, the 

 same distrust is manifested. There is no doubt that the 

 smell of gunpowder in this case discloses the presence of 

 the gun. We are strengthened in this belief bv the fact 

 that a piece of wood having the semblance of a gun, or 

 even an unloaded gun, has been carried in the midst of 

 flocks, without exciting distrust. 



When taken young, the Crow r is readily tamed, and be- 

 comes a verv interesting, as well as a mischievous pet. It 

 seemingly delights in mischief, often secreting objects of no 

 value to itself. It manifests surprising intelligence, and 

 seems to comprehend and to obev certain orders. Dr. 

 Brewer mentionsin tk Birds of North America," the case of 

 an individual belonging to a family residing near Boston, 

 which was allowed to roam at large, and which manifested 

 wonderful attachment. He affirms substantially that it 

 particularly delighted in the children's society, amused itself 

 by playing hide and seek with them, whom it often sur- 

 passed by its readiness in discovering the hidden object. For 

 the mistress of the house, it manifested especial attachment, 

 living to her when she came near, hovering over her head, 

 and alighting upon her shoulder. 



Strange as it may seem, it is well known that our common 

 barnyard fowls thoroughly despise the introduction of stran- 

 gers into their midst. This contempt is especially noticeable 

 when a semi-domesticated bird of an entirely different spe- 

 cies, is introduced. On the other hand, the same dislike is 

 manifested, when a tame bird is let loose among a flock of 

 its wild and untamed brethren, or when it attempts to con- 

 sort with them. A friend of ours has a pet Crow which is 

 allowed the greatest freedom. It frequently stravs from 

 home to a considerable distance, when it is often beset by a 

 score of its feral brethren, and with the greatest difficulty 

 saves itself from destruction. When closely pressed, it calls 

 for assistance by the most vigorous and distressing cries. 

 When relieved from its great terror, by the appearance of 



