354 INSESSORES. CORVUS. ROOK. 



carried into effect, the most serious injury to the corn and 

 other crops has invariably followed, from the unchecked de- 

 vastations of the grub and caterpillar. As experience is the 

 sure test of utility, a change of conduct has in consequence 

 been partially adopted ; and some farmers now find the en- 

 couragement of the breed of Rooks to be greatly to their in- 

 terest, in freeing their lands from the grub of the cockchafer 

 (Melolontha vulgaris), an insect very abundant in many of 

 the southern counties. In Northumberland I have witnessed 

 its usefulness in feeding on the larva? of the insect commonly 

 known by the name of Harry Longlegs (Tipula oleracea), 

 which is particularly destructive to the roots of grain and 

 young clovers. Rooks are strictly gregarious, not only breed- 

 ing, but living and seeking their food together, during the 

 whole year, in numerous societies. They breed on the same 

 trees, and generally occupy'the same nest through successive 

 years, and none but natives are permitted to become members 

 of each society *. 



They frequent cultivated districts, and the loftiest trees in 

 the immediate vicinity of old country residences, are generally 

 chosen for their habitations. There are even many instances 

 of colonies being established in the middle of populous cities 

 and towns, where they have been allowed to breed unmo- 

 lested. 



Early in the spring, as the season of pairing, and the period 

 of incubation approach, the rookery exhibits an amusing scene 

 of provident industry, which is described in WHITE'S Natu- 

 ral History of Selborne, with the author's characteristic and 

 strong touches. 



During incubation the female bird is assiduously attended 

 and fed by the male, whose kind offices she receives with flut- 



* A remarkable instance of their aversion to strangers is given by BE- 

 WICK in his history of the Rook ; and a curious account of the contentions 

 between two colonies of Hooks and Herons, is narrated in HUTCHINSON'S 

 History of Cumberland. 



