The Chorus of the Forest 



in the manner of a human lieing erying, "I^ook out! 

 Some one is coming!" Tlien there was a syUabi- 

 cated cry. consisting of ti\'e notes, that was their 

 longest utterance and was dehvered ^\'ith tucked 

 tail, half-lifted wings, and bobbing head, as if to 

 make the speech impressive by gesture as well as 

 sentiment. It scarcely would do to write of this 

 production as a song, perliaps it might be called a 

 recitative, to give it a little musical color. In very 

 truth it resembled plain conversation and was used 

 at such times and in such manner as to lead me to 

 believe that passing crows were remarking to tlieir 

 friends: "Everything is all right ^vith me. How 

 goes life Avith you?" 



I am I'ather fond of crows. Tliey are so lov- 

 ing to each other tliat tliey arouse sentiment in my 

 breast. I l)elieve they ])air for life, and both of 

 them defend their nests and young with reckless 

 bravery. Good qualities, surely! They are know- 

 ing birds and early learn to distinguish a hoe from 

 a gun. When they find you witliout firearms tliey 

 become impudent and inquisitive, and allow you to 

 ai:)proach vevy close. Tliere is proof that tliey are 

 individual birds because they are used constantly 

 as the basis of comparison by men who call each 

 other "wise as a crow," "black as a crow," "as sly," 

 and "as cunning." 



Whetlier crows are all these tilings in freedom 

 would be difficult to prove, since thejr scarcelj^ ever 



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