PHOTOGRAPHING THE CROW 105 



left his sheep in the field across which my string ran to the foot of the camera 

 tree, and even as I looked I saw them slowly advancing towards it. 



And in a few moments, as they meandered along, their feet became entangled 

 in it, an unsolicited exposure was made, and the string was broken ! 



I now decided to abandon the idea of Crow photography for the day, and 

 having re-arranged things, set out in search of my companion. At last I found 

 him comfortably reclining in the shade of a spreading oak, and acquainted 

 him with my doleful news. 



He was most sympathetic, and even suggested that on the following day 

 he would like to take a turn in the hiding-place and see if he could not do 

 better. I ventured to suggest, as I thoughtfully regarded his enormous frame, 

 for he weighed some 15 stone, that he might perhaps find the place a little on 

 the small side. ' Oh, that'll be all right,' he answered cheerfully ; ' I shall 

 be comfortable enough.' 



And so it was arranged that, on the following day, he should lie in wait 

 and try for a photograph of the Crow. 



And in due course we arrived on the scene of action : the camera was 

 prepared, the string arranged, and everything in readiness for the great 

 effort. 



' You are sure you can get in ? ' I asked my friend as we stood at the 

 entrance of the hide. 



' Of course I can,' he replied, and therewith sank on to his hands and 

 knees with the idea of proving his statement. 



His head and shoulders slowly disappeared into the little opening, while 

 his back parts — which he seemed less able to control — almost lifted the entire 

 roof from its position ; which reminded me of the manner in which packs 

 used to catch against the roofs of low dug-outs in France. 



But at last he was safely inside, and thoroughly covered in. 



' All right ? ' I asked. 



' Yes, thanks,' he replied. 



' Got the string ? ' 



' Yes.' 



' Everjrthing in order ? ' 



' Yes.' 



' Can vou see the nest ? ' 



' No.' " 



' Well, how the dickens will you know when to pull the string ? ' 



However, having managed to discern the nest, and feeUng that everything 

 was really in readiness this time, he told me that I could go away. ' AU right,' 

 I said, ' I'm going now. Don't forget : if the Crow comes on to the nest — Pull 

 the string.' 



What happened next I do not know— except that when the Crow did 



