130 WOODLAND, MOOR, AND STREAM 



look at as he steps nimbly about ; the grey cowl on 

 the back of his head, and his keen, knowing grey eye 

 distinguish him at once from his larger companions. 

 His note is different, and tells that he is with them, 

 even when flying at a distance ; it is a sharp chatter- 

 ing ' Jack ! Jack ! ' Where sheep are pastured suits 

 him best as a hunting-ground ; he pays them great 

 attention, and performs a useful office for them. I 

 have seen rooks do the same service occasionally, but 

 the jackdaw makes it his business to look after the 

 comfort and welfare of the flock. I have often 

 lingered to watch his proceedings ; it is most amusing 

 to see the busy, methodical way in which he sets to 

 work to rid an animal of its insect tormentors. All 

 over its back and sides he hops and clings, the sheep 

 standing quiet all the time, and knowing perfectly 

 well that what the bird is doing is for its benefit. 

 The animal only stirs when the other sheep have 

 moved on, and then it and the jackdaw go together. 

 The bird finishes off the top part of his woolly courser 

 with the head ; first one ear is examined, then the 

 other ; even the eyelids are investigated. That being 

 done, he devotes himself to the legs and under parts. 

 Having finished this self-imposed task of sanitary 

 inspection, he flies off to find and comfort another 

 suffering member of the flock. 



