206 JACKDAWS. 



are built open, and much exposed to intruders. In the town 

 of Colombo, where they are in the habit of picking up bones 

 and other things from the streets and yards, and carrying 

 them to the tops of the houses, a battle usually takes place 

 for the plunder, to the great annoyance of the people below, 

 on whose heads they shower down the loosened tiles, leaving 

 the roofs exposed to the weather. They frequently snatch 

 bread and meat from the dining-table, even when it is sur- 

 rounded with guests, always seeming to prefer the company 

 of man, as they are continually seen hopping about near 

 houses, and rarely to be met with in woods or retired places. 

 They are, however, important benefactors to the Indians, 

 making ample compensation for their intrusion and knavery; 

 for they are all voracious devourers of carrion, and instantly 

 consume all sorts of dirt, offal, or dead vermin ; they, in fact, 

 carry off those substances which, if allowed to remain, would, 

 in that hot climate, produce the most noxious smells, and 

 probably give rise to putrid disorders. On this account they 

 are much esteemed by the natives ; their mischievous tricks 

 and impudence are put up with, and they are never suffered 

 to be shot or otherwise molested. 



In North America there is a small species, called the 

 Cinereous Crow, which also much resembles the Jackdaw, and 

 is near akin to him. It is described 1 * as very familiar, and 

 fond of frequenting habitations, both houses and tents ; and 

 so much given to pilfering, that no provisions it can come at, 

 either fresh or salt, are safe from its depredations. It is so 

 bold as to come into tents, and sit on the edge of the kettle 

 when hanging over the fire, and steal victuals out of the 

 dishes. It is very troublesome to the hunters, both English 

 and Indian, frequently following them a whole day. It will 

 perch on a tree, while the hunter is baiting his martin-traps, 

 and, as soon as his back is turned, alight on the ground, and 

 eat the baits. 



Thus, all over the world, the Jackdaw tribe is notoriously 

 given to pilfering. Whatever it sees it considers a prize, and 



* HEARNE'S Travels. 



