44 WILLIAM BARTRAM 



talents and acquirements." He is speaking, he tells us, "of a 

 particular bird of that species," which he "reared from the 

 nest." He proceeds to give an account of the developing senses 

 of this particular bird, senses which " seemed, as in man, to be 

 only the organs or instruments of his intellectual powers, and 

 of their effects, as directed towards the accomplishment of 

 various designs, and the gratification of the passions." This 

 study of his pet crow, whom Bartram named Tom, is so typical 

 of Bartram' s observation and rationalizing interpretation that 

 more or less lengthy quotation of representative passages seems 

 warranted: 



This was a bird of a happy temperament. . . . He was tractable and 

 benevolent, docile and humble, whilst his genius demonstrated extra- 

 ordinary acuteness, and lively sensations. All these good qualities were 

 greatly in his favor, for they procured him friends. . . . But what 

 seemed most extraordinary, he seemed to have the wit to select and 

 treasure up in his mind, and the sagacity to practice, that kind of 

 knowledge which procured him the most advantage and profit. 



He had great talent, and a . . . propensity to imitation . . . bragging 

 ... of his achievements. 



This bird had an excellent memory. . . . He would . . . bear cor- 

 rection with wonderful patience and humility, supplicating with piteous 

 and penitent cries and actions ... he would console himself with 

 chattering ... he would . . . approach me for forgiveness and recon- 

 ciliation ... he would . . . diffidently advance, with soft-soothing 

 expressions, and a sort of circumlocution. . . . 



Tom appeared to be influenced by a lively sense of domination (an 

 attribute prevalent in the animal creation) : but, his ambition, in this 

 respect, seemed to be moderated by a degree of reason, or reflection. . . . 



Tom (I believe from a passion of jealousy) would approach me, 

 with his usual caresses, and flattery, and after securing my notice and 

 regard, he would address the dog in some degree of complaissance, and 

 by words and action ; and, if he could obtain access to him, would tickle 

 him with his bill, jump upon him, and compose himself, for a little 

 while. It was evident, however, that this seeming sociability was mere 

 artifice to gain an opportunity to practice some mischievous trick; for 

 no sooner did he observe the old dog to be dosing, than he would be 

 sure to pinch his lips, and pluck his beard. . . . 



It would be endless to recount instances of this bird's understanding, 

 cunning, and operations, which, certainly, exhibited incontestable 

 demonstrations of a regular combination of ideas, premeditation, reflec- 

 tion, and contrivance, which influenced his operations. 



