CROWS AND ROOKS. 241 



The chattering was incessant, and when disturbed, 

 and under the necessity of beating a retreat, they 

 flew nearly in the same direction, as if disposed to 

 adjourn their meeting to a more retired spot, than 

 with a view to break it up. 



A singular habit, somewhat similar, little known 

 or noticed, though not uncommon, prevails also 

 among Starlings ; if carefully watched, they may be 

 seen occasionally to alight in a regular circular form. 

 A numerous flock was once seen to divide itself 

 into two companies, each forming a distinct circle. 

 If undisturbed, they will remain a considerable time 

 in the same place, uttering the same twittering note 

 upon the ground, as when perched on trees or reeds. 

 This habit is usually observable in pastures, some- 

 times, though rarely, in stubble-fields, but never 

 upon fallow or new-ploughed land. 



We have pointed out some of the broad marks of 

 distinction between the Crow and the Rook, as far 

 as relates to their food and habits; a slight reference 

 to the personal difference between them will be 

 sufficient. The beak of the Crow is more bent, and 

 rather stronger, and is never without the bristly 

 feathers that cover the base and the nostrils, as is 

 the case with the Rook, whose beak, when of full 

 growth, is easily distinguished by the naked and 

 scurfy white skin at its base, and on the chin, pro- 

 duced, as some naturalists assert, by the bristles 

 being rubbed off, owing to its constantly thrusting 

 its bill deep into the soil, in seach of worms and 

 insects. "YVe feel, however, much inclined to doubt 

 this, and would rather attribute this nakedness of 

 the base of the bill, to an original and natural pecu- 



VOL. i. R 



