WILD LIFE IN A SOUTHERN COUNTY. 273 



close together. These are formed of the parents and 

 the young bird apparently as big and as black as 

 themselves which they feed now and then. The 

 young bird, by attending to their motions, learns 

 where to find the best food. As late as July trios 

 like this may sometimes be seen. 



Besides the young birds that have the good 

 fortune to pass unscathed through the dangers of 

 rook-shooting day, and escape being knocked over 

 afterwards, some few get off on account of having 

 been born earlier than the majority, thus possessing 

 a stronger power of flight. Some nests are known to 

 be more forward than the others ; but, although the 

 young birds may be on the point of departing, they 

 are not killed, because the noise of the firing would 

 disturb the whole settlement ; so that it becomes 

 the rook's interest to incubate a little in advance of 

 the rest. 



After a few months they are put into another terrible 

 fright on the 1st of September. Guns are going off 

 in all directions, no matter where they turn, so that 

 they find it impossible to feel at ease, and instead of 

 feeding wheel about in the air, or settle on the trees. 



The glossy plumage of the rook will sometimes, when 

 seen at a certain angle, reflect the sun's rays in such 

 a manner that instead of looking black the bird ap- 

 pears clothed in shining light it is as if the feathers 

 were polished like a mirror. In feeding they work in 

 a grave, steady way a contrast to the restless starlings 

 who so often accompany them. They do not put a 



