EXPULSION OF THE HOOKS 73 



habits, its high intelligence, and the confidence 

 it reposes in man ; and, finally, of that ancient 

 kindly regard and pride in it which, in some 

 degree, is felt by all persons throughout the 

 kingdom. The rook has other claims to our 

 esteem and affection which are not so generally 

 known : in a domestic state it is no whit be- 

 hind other species in the capacity for strong 

 attachments, in versatility and playfulness, and 

 that tricksy spirit found in most of the corvines, 

 which so curiously resembles, or simulates, the 

 sense of humour in ourselves. 



I recall here an incident in the life of a tame 

 rook, and by way of apology for introducing it 

 I may mention that this bird, although country 

 bred, was of London too, when his mistress 

 came to town for the season accompanied by 

 her glossy black pet. I will first relate some- 

 thing of his country life, and feel confident that 

 this digression will be pardoned by those of my 

 readers who are admirers of the rook, a bird 

 which we are accustomed to regard as of a more 

 sedate disposition than the jackdaw. 



He was picked up injured in a park in 

 Oxfordshire, taken in and nursed by the lady 

 of the house until he was well and able to 11 v 



