160 JACKDAW. 



and its services were acknowledged, ought to be protected 

 by every person who considers what incredible damage is 

 done to the fruits of the earth by caterpillars, &c. not- 

 withstanding the numbers that are destroyed by this in- 

 dustrious bird. 



Rooks have another claim to our protection, because 

 they seem to solicit and trust to it. They frequently build 

 their nests in trees and groves near the habitations of 

 men ; sometimes even in the midst of populous cities and 

 towns. In these aerial abodes they establish a kind of 

 fraternity, and prevent all strangers from intruding among 

 them. 



At the commencement of spring the rooks begin to 

 build or repair their nests, in which business their skill 

 and assiduity are worthy of observation. After having 

 deliberately selected a proper branch for a new nest, they 

 begin collecting materials ; and then construct the outside 

 with sticks, and line the inside with fibrous roots, the 

 whole being regularly and substantially disposed. Some- 

 times a quarrel arises, when a young couple presume to 

 intrude too near the mansion of an older pair ; this dis- 

 pute is always decided by equal numbers ; but, should a 

 stranger attempt to establish himself in the society, the 

 whole grove would instantly unite and expel him. 1 have 

 often noticed their habits in Woodstock, where a large 

 elm-tree in the very centre of the public street is annually 

 crowded with their nests, to the no small gratification of 

 the neighbouring inhabitants, who protect them with a 

 affectionate concern, in which I warmly participate* 



THE JACKDAW. 



This very common bird has a large head in proportion to 

 its body ; the hind part of which is of a fine light grey 

 colour that gives it the appearance of a cravat. The breast 

 and belly are dusky, inclining to cinereous ; and the body 

 is black, slightly glossed with blue. 



The jackdaw is a docile and loquacious bird. It fre- 

 quents steeples, ruined castles, and high cliffs, where it 



