A Tree Deserted. 265 
and ash are also used, but where there are sufficient 
elms they seem generally preferred. These trees, as 
a rule, grow higher than any others ordinarily found 
in the fields, and are more frequently seen in groups, 
rows, or avenues, thus giving the rook facilities, for 
placing a number of nests in close neighbourhood. 
The height of the elm affords greater safety, and 
the branches are perhaps better suited for their 
purpose. 
After building in an elm for many years—per- 
haps ever since the owner can remember—rooks will 
suddenly desert it. There are the old nests still; but 
no effort is made to repair them, and no new ones 
are made. The winds and storms presently loosen 
the framework, about which no care is now taken, 
and portions are blown down. Then by-and-by the 
discovery is made that the tree is rapidly dying. 
The leaves do not appear, or if they do they wither 
and turn yellow before Midsummer: gradually the 
branches decay and fall of their own weight or before 
the wind. 
No doubt if anyone had carefully examined the 
tree he would have observed signs of decay long 
before the rooks abandoned it ; but those who pass 
the, same trees day after day for years do not observe 
minute changes, or, if they do, as nature is slow in her 
movements, get so accustomed to the sight of the 
fungi about the base, and the opening in the bark 
where the decomposing touchwood shows, as to. think 
