A ZIRD'S CURIOUS WAYS. 69 



whence their name of Pyrrhocorax. They nest in troops in 

 the crevices of the most inaccessible rocks, and propagate 

 there from generation to generation. Their presence is indi- 

 cated by enormous heaps of ordure, veritable guano, which 

 might well be used for manure. Their abrupt ascents and 

 strident cries are signs of bad weather, which the mountaineer 

 knows how to profit by. 



If caught when young, these birds are easily domesticated. 

 M. Tschudi, in his " Life among the Alps," relates the history 

 of one who had been tamed. He would himself go in quest 

 of the bread, cheese, and fruits which composed his repast ; 

 then, holding in his claws the prize he had coveted, devour it 

 with avidity. What remained ot his meal he carefully con- 

 cealed in paper, and would gallantly defend the hidden trea- 

 sure against whomsoever dared to approach it, against dogs 

 as well as man. Fire had a singular attraction for him ; he 

 would extract from a lamp the burning wick, and swallow it 

 without sustaining any injury ; he would swallow even the 

 debris of the charcoal as he fluttered about the chimney. He 

 showed an excessive joy at the sight of smoke, and loudly 

 clapped his wings. Whenever he caught sight of any burning 

 coal, he did not fail to pick up immediately all the paper, rags, 

 or twigs he could lay his claws on; these he would place 

 in the stove, and amuse himself by watching the smoke they 

 gave forth. If a stranger entered the room, he gave vent to 

 the most deafening cries, though he was exceedingly gentle 

 and familiar towards persons with whom he was acquainted. 

 His friends and favourites he distinguished in a peculiar man- 



