Old White Wing 283 



the newly mown meadows, and Old White Wing, as 

 leader, had to resign his domestic duties for more 

 pubhc ones. Each day brought its varied experiences 

 for the young. Some were well behaved, others un- 

 ruly and headstrong, and the famous old leader had 

 all he could do to get the young recruits under good 

 command before cold weather. He succeeded ad- 

 mirably, however, for Old White Wing's colony was 

 well organized and under disciphne when he brought 

 them to their roost in the hemlocks for the winter. 



It is a well known fact that crows leave the roost in 

 the morning, go to their feeding ground for the day, 

 and return toward evening. Each band has a leader, 

 and this season there had been greater care than 

 ever on the part of Old White Wing to organize small 

 bands with well trained captains. This seemed to 

 predict a severe winter. He must have noted the 

 thick corn husks, the wise muskrat, and the untiring 

 labor of the squirrels. 



There seemed to be greater hatred for the crows 

 this year than ever before, and in the latter part of 

 November Old White Wing and his band suffered 

 from a midnight raid. 



Winter came early and with deep snows. The 

 crows visited their old feeding grounds, but scanty 

 indeed was the fare they found. Some took to visiting 



