CROW. 129 
their general diurnal retreats and roosts. Swallows, Blackbirds, 
Rice Birds, and Crows seem always to prefer the low shelter of 
reed-flats. On the River Delaware, in Pennsylvania, there are 
two of these remarkable Crow-roosts. The one mentioned by 
Wilson is an island near Newcastle called the Pea-Patch, — a 
low, flat, alluvial spot, just elevated above high-water mark, 
and thickly covered with reeds, on which the Crows alight 
and take shelter for the night. Whether this roost be now 
occupied by these birds or not, I cannot pretend to say; but in 
December, 1829, I had occasion to observe their arrival on 
Reedy Island, just above the commencement of the bay of that 
river, in vast numbers; and as the wind wafted any beating 
vessel towards the shore, they rose in a cloud and filled the 
air with clamor. Indeed, their vigilant and restless cawing 
continued till after dark. 
Creatures of mere instinct, they foresee no perils beyond 
their actual vision; and thus, when they least expect it, are 
sometimes swept away by an unexpected destruction. Some 
years ago, during the prevalence of a sudden and violent north- 
east storm accompanied by heavy rains, the Pea-Patch Island 
was wholly inundated in the night ; and the unfortunate Crows, 
dormant and bewildered, made no attempts to escape, and 
were drowned by thousands, so that their bodies blackened the 
shores the following day for several miles in extent. 
The Crows, like many other birds, become injurious and 
formidable only in the gregarious season. At other times they 
live so scattered, and are so shy and cautious, that they are 
but seldom seen. But their armies, like all other great and 
terrific assemblies, have the power, in limited districts, of 
doing very sensible mischief to the agricultural interests of the 
community; and in consequence, the poor Crows, notwith- 
standing their obvious services in the destruction of a vast host 
of insects and their larvee, are proscribed as felons in all civil- 
ized countries, and, with the wolves, panthers, and foxes, a 
price is put upon their heads. In consequence, various means 
of ensnaring the outlaws have been had recourse to. Of the 
gun they are very cautious, and suspect its appearance at the 
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