CROW LIFE 



followed by long lines of other crows, to their usual haunts 

 on the borders of the marshes. Singly or in long lines, never 

 in loose flocks like blackbirds, they arrive from all directions, 

 till what must be the whole tribe is gathered together — a 

 united family — for the night's repose. 



As there in the treetops in the early evening, in con- 

 vention assembled, they discuss important affairs, who can 

 doubt that certain ones of their number are recognized as 

 leaders, and that they have some form of government among 

 themselves? One after another delivers himself of a 

 harangue, then the whole assemblage joins in noisy applause 

 — or is it disapproval? At other times sociability seems to be 

 the sole object of the gathering. 



As one old crow, more meditative than the rest, at the 

 close of the conclave always betakes himself to the same 

 perch, the lonely, upthrust shaft of a lightning-shattered tree 

 on the hillside, we decide that here is old Munin, who has 

 selected this perch as one favorable to meditation — a place 

 where he may ponder undisturbed over the occurrences of 

 the day. 



Others among the group have habits just as fixed and 

 noticeable. Even though approaching his perch from the 

 opposite direction, one will be seen to circle and draw near 

 it from the accustomed side; some of the more decided ones 

 will invariably remain just where they alight; others wiU 

 turn aroimd and arrange themselves on their perches indefi- 

 nitely. In the fields it will be noticed that some are socially 

 inclined and forage in groups, while others, either from per- 

 sonal choice or that of their neighbors, are more solitary. 

 Like members of the human family, each has his own indi- 

 vidual characteristics. 



While the chief charm of the crow is his intelligence, 



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