Silverspot 



others in the band. Their parents meanwhile 

 have time to rest a little after the work of rais- 

 ing them, for now the youngsters are able to 

 feed themselves and roost on a branch in a row, 

 just like big folks. 



In a week or two the moulting season comes. 

 At this time the old crows are usually irritable 

 and nervous, but it does not stop them from be- 

 ginning to drill the youngsters, who, of course, 

 do not much enjoy the punishment and nagging 

 they get so soon after they have been mamma's 

 own darlings. But it is all for their good, as 

 the old lady said when she skinned the eels, and 

 old Silverspot is an excellent teacher. Some- 

 times he seems to make a speech to them. 

 What he says I cannot guess, but, judging by 

 the way they receive it, it must be extremely 

 witty. Each morning there is a company 

 drill, for the young ones naturally drop into 

 two or three squads according to their age and 

 strength. The rest of the day they forage with 

 their parents. 



When at length September comes we find a 

 great change. The rabble of silly little crows 

 have begun to learn sense. The delicate blue 



79 



