24 WILD LIFE IN CHIN'A. 



code this is laid down is, of course, unknown to us. But it 

 exists. We have all seen it being applied in its summary 

 kind whenever nesting is going on, never, be it remembered, 

 when eggs have arrived. Then nobody is to be molested. 

 But before that, a theft of twigs from an unfinished nest is 

 the signal for action by the police. The Supreme Court 

 comes into view only occasionally, but there are many well 

 authenticated cases recorded. Perhaps gentlemen of the 

 corvine bar refer to them when poor unfortunates are brought 

 up for trial. For trial there is, full, solemn, and complete. 

 A large assemblage of birds surrounds the offenders. Form- 

 alities are duly carried out. There is much discussion ap- 

 parently, and finally verdict is pronounced. If guilty, as 

 seems to be the usual thing, execution is instant. The con- 

 victs are set upon, and pecked and beaten to death. The 

 Bishop of Carlisle tells of the trial of a jackdaw by rooks. 

 He says, "First Jack made a speech which was answered by 

 a general cawing of rooks : this subsiding. Jack again took 

 up the parable, and the rooks in turn replied in chorus." 

 Finally he was acquitted and went to his home on Ely Cath- 

 edral whilst the rooks also went their way. 



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