ROOKS. 143 



sleet and rain at intervals. In the afternoon, about 

 two, seen in immense flocks closely compacted toge- 

 ther, hovering over the lands adjoining Newmarket 

 Heath, principally turnip-fields. 



For a few weeks previous to the actual time of 

 building, as early as the commencement of February, 

 and sometimes earlier, if the weather be mild, the 

 rooks remain upon their nest-trees during a great 

 part of the day, as if in contemplation of the 

 approaching season. Whilst so collected, they are 

 very clamorous, and much confusion seems to prevail 

 amongst them, as if they were trying to claim their 

 old nests, or were disputing for those already in part 

 made. At this period of the year, also, they are 

 very shy, and easily alarmed ; whereas in the 

 advanced spring, when building, and the cares 

 attendant upon bringing up the young brood, engross 

 their attention, they seem comparatively to take 

 little notice of persons passing under the trees. 



Rooks, like many other birds, have a particular 

 note which they utter when wishing to sound an 

 alarm of danger to their companions. When the 

 keeper at Bottisham Hall appears with his gun, 

 approaching the trees on which they build, if a single 

 individual see him, it immediately warns the rest of 

 the community, who with one accord rise simul- 

 taneously from the trees with loud vociferations, 

 apprehensive of danger, though as yet unper- 



