ROOK. JACKDAW. 69 



one, eacli field ventured into has some ill-fated comrade 

 gibbeted, as if the greatest felon in existence. Let him en- 

 deavour to do good by stealth, and instantly the music of a 

 clapper is ringing for his departure. Well for him, indeed, 

 that his exquisite watchfulness enables him to baffle the many 

 stratagems intended for his destruction. 



Few persons profess to observe the least particle of beauty 

 about the rook because it is so common, yet it has always 

 been a favourite with us, both from its interesting habits and 

 burnished black plumage, glowing with its various shades of 

 purple and blue. 



In many parts of Ireland young rooks are shot after a 

 certain day in June, and concocted into a dish dignified by 

 the name of a " crow pie," the merits of which is believed to 

 be considerably enhanced if eaten in ignorance of the contents. 



The evolutions of rooks on the wing are often extremely 

 curious : rising and dipping, and occasionally, when amo- 

 rously inclined, cuffing and striking each other in the air. 

 Seldom observed to more picturesque advantage than on their 

 evening return, when we see " the blackening trains of crows 

 to their repose" hastening from all sides to the shelter of the 

 rookery, which, during the continuance of the breeding season, 

 affords such a stirring scene of bustle, noise, and excitement, 

 that even the great Florentine, in his " Divina Commedia," 

 has not disdained to depict, in his own beautiful language : 



"As the rooks, at dawn of day, 

 Bestirring them to dry their feathers chill 

 Some speed their way afield, and homeward some, 

 Returning, cross their flight, while some abide 

 And wheel around their airy lodge." 



Indigenous. 



SPECIES 66. THE JACKDAW. 



Corvus monedula. Linn. 

 Corbeau choucas. Temm. 



THIS species is as well known as the rook, and only differing 

 in being held blameless for the trivial, or in most cases fancied, 

 injury it occasions. 



Choosing a habitation in towns, and being fond of society, 

 it has obtained quite an artificial character, and conducts it- 

 self in such a manner, as evidently proving the usages of soci- 

 ety have not been lost upon its observation. Watchful of 

 appearances, it affects neither the grave austerity of the raven, 



