CROW LIFE 



TO one with mind open to rural charm, this picturesque 

 bird, solemnly stalking about the fields, or majes- 

 tically flapping his way to the treetops, is as much 

 a part of the landscape as the fields themselves, or the trees 

 upon their borders ; and possesses an interest different from 

 that of any other creature of the feathered race. Though he 

 no longer pursues the craft of the augur, his superior intelli- 

 gence, great dignity and general air of mystery inspire 

 confidence in his abilities in that line. 



What powers were his in the old daysl Foolish maidens 

 and ignorant sailors might put their faith in the divining 

 powers of the flighty wren; others might consult the swallow 

 and the kingfisher; but it was to the "many- wintered crow" 

 that kings and the great ones of earth applied for advice, 

 and it was he who never failed them, j^ccording to Pliny, 

 he was the only bird capable of realizing the meaning of his 

 portents. 



In the early morning light the worthy successors of the 

 ancient Hugin and Munin go forth to-day in quest of news 

 of interest to their clan, just as those historic messengers 

 did in the days when the mighty Norse gods awaited their 

 return, that they might act on the intelligence gathered by 

 them during the daylight hours; and when slantuig beams 

 call forth the vesper songs of more tuneful birds, they return, 



174. 



