90 THE JACKDAW. 



of the Jackdaw. Many instances are on record, which go to prove 

 that this bird possesses a large share of that peculiar sagacity 

 which distinguishes several other individuals of the Crow tribe; 

 two very amusing ones are mentioned by THOMPSON, in his Note 

 Book of a Naturalist, which we think it well to quote : he says, 

 " I often witnessed the drolleries of a Rook belonging to the Ship 

 Inn, at Faversham, which was much frequented by commercial 

 travellers, whose chaises, if their stay was a brief one, were al- 

 lowed to remain in the yard. The JRook, in a listless manner, 

 and as if he had no object in view, would hop about one, and at 

 last disappear under the driving seat. In a short time the horse 

 was put to, and the traveller drove on to the next stage, when the 

 Hoot issued from his concealment, and by the most impressive 

 croaks signified his delight at his escapade. This was of constant 

 occurrence, and the landlord assured me that these jaunts cost 

 him many shillings for the back carriage. Another bird, on the 

 same road, either at Dartford or Welling, was in the habit of ac- 

 companying a coach which changed horses at his master's house 

 on its way to London, till it met the down coach, when it trans- 

 ferred itself to that vehicle and returned home." 



Over part of the European continent the Book is said to be a 

 migratory bird ; it is sometimes observed to cross the Channel 

 from this country, although it is not found in Guernsey or Jersey, 

 nor in the Shetland nor Orkney Isles. It inhabits the range of 

 country between the Black and Caspian Seas, and also, according 

 to TEMMINCK, is a dweller in Japan. 



12. THE JACKDAW. 



Corpus Monedula, LIN. Chouca, BUF. Die Dohle, BECH. 

 Description and Observations. This bird, from the circum- 

 stance of making its nest in old buildings and ruins of every 

 description, is naturally half tame ; and becomes entirely so, 

 if reared by hand. In that case it may be allowed to run about 

 the yard with the poultry. The nest generally contains from 

 four to seven green eggs, spotted with dark brown and black. 

 The Jackdaw is prized by amateurs, not so much on ac- 

 count of its speaking powers, which are not very great, as of 

 its tameness and recognition of its owner. It often becomes 

 so familiar as to accompany its possessor in his walks, and so 

 attentive, as to notice all that passes in a house especially in 

 the culinary department. Even old birds may be taught to 

 obey a call, if their wings be cut in autumn, and again in spring, 

 so that they only gradually recover the power of flight. In 

 this case, the bird will certainly return to the yard at the ap- 



