OUTDOORS 



away, scarcely noticing the assaults of his 

 bold little tormentor. But when a hawk or 

 an eagle appears on the scene, the crow him- 

 self becomes the aggressor, and he follows 

 the larger bird pertinaciously, plucking out a 

 feather now and then, and driving his enemy 

 down wind with resistless energy. 



The hand of man is against him every- 

 where, and well might it be. 



The crow descends on the fields in count- 

 less numbers, and as he must and will live, 

 however scanty the fare, his philosophy is 

 that of the conscienceless forager. He regu- 

 lates his conduct by u the good old rule, the 

 simple plan, that they shall take who have 

 the power, and they shall keep who can." In 

 cornfields, orchards, and in meadows he gleans 

 with a sharp bill whatever may be found. He 

 does not hesitate to attack young chickens and 

 rabbits, and even puny lambs, when reduced 

 to dire need. The world owes him a living, 

 according to his code, and he collects it in 

 person. 



His is the most familiar figure in bird life, 

 because the most universal. His plumage is 

 coal black, but on the back and at the base of 

 180 



