Rook. OMNIVORI. CORVUS. 73 
the upper mandible not so much arched, and the glossy tint 
of its plumage more inclined to purple. 
In the adult state it is easily distinguished by the naked 
and scurfy white skin at the base of its bill and on the chin, 
produced by the abrasion of the bristly feathers, which, in 
the young bird, cover this part and the nostrils *: These 
feathers are generally worn off by constant thrusting of its 
bill into the Soil in search of worms and the larve of the dif- Food. 
ferent insects, that form its principal food. It also eats grain 
and other seeds. The Rook has erroneously been viewed in 
the light of an enemy by most husbandmen, and in several 
districts attempts have been made either to banish it, or to 
extirpate the breed. But wherever this measure has been 
carried into effect, the most serious injury to the corn and 
other crops has invariably followed, from the unchecked de- 
vastations of the grub and caterpillar. As experience is the 
sure test of utility, a change of conduct has in consequence 
been partially adopted; and some farmers now find the en- 
couragement of the breed of reoks to be greatly to their in- 
_ terest, in freeing their lands from the grub of the cockchafer 
(Melolontha vulgaris), an insect very abundant inj many of 
the southern counties. In Northumberland [ have witnessed 
its usefulness in feeding on the larvee of the insect commonly 
known by the name of Harry Longlegs (Tipula oleracea), 
which is particularly destructive to the roots of grain and 
young clovers. Rooks are strictly gregarious, not only breed- 
ing, but living and seeking their food together, during the 
whole year, in numerous societies. ‘They breed on the same 
trees, and generally occupy the same nest through successive 
years, and none but natives are permitted to become members 
of each society Ff. 
* Mr Bewicx holds this to be an original peculiarity, and not produced 
by the above mentioned cause; and says, that the same appearance has 
been observed in those brought up in a domesticated state, and not under- 
going the usual method of subsistance. I have kept Rooks till they have 
been more than a year old, without noticing any approach to this peculia- 
ity ; and, in a wild state, it is usually apparent before that period. 
+ A remarkable instance of their aversion to strangers is given by BE- 
