16 THE COMMON CROW. 



1,000 feet above earth to the very tree tops and then to g^lide above 

 them on half- closed wings with a resultant momentum that is almost 

 startling in its arrowy velocity, is a favorite manoauver and when 

 two such playfellows pursue each other in this headlong swoop their 

 turnings and twistings and doubling contortions amaze the beholder. 

 * * * Until sunset this novel scene continues without interrup- 

 tion, whilst field and forest in the vicinity of their great dormitories 

 are shrouded by the thousands which have alighted; and were it not 

 for the deafening clamor, the living pall which overspreads the scene 

 might well suggest a land of mourning and death. When they settle 

 on the ground on such occasions they resemble gulls on a sand bar, 

 each standing motionless with its head toward the breeze. The whole 

 thing seems unnecessary, as they mostly do nothing but cry out to 

 their companions in the air and tumultuously applaud their hairbreadth 

 escapes and feats of daring, yet sitting quietly until the setting sun 

 warns them to make ready for the last act — going to bed. 



"If we understood Crow language, perhaps we could now recognize 

 a distinct signal from some grand master of their assembly, summoning 

 all to repose. 



"Be this as it may, a similar impulse now seizes the throng and the 

 air fairly darkens as successive companies take wing and in silence 

 betake themselves to the roost, flying low as if to avoid observation. 

 Many Crows in approaching the x)lace of preliminary gathering neces- 

 sarily fly over the roost, but not a bird enters it until the general 

 movement begins after sunset. The self-imposed discipline and obe- 

 dience of such an army puts to shame the strictest military code. 

 Think now of a miserable, weary Crow, which, having winged his way 

 thither a distance of 20 miles, arrives about sunset at the roost,* but 

 the ingathering not having yet begun, witness how like a true soldier 

 he flaps on to join his more punctual brethren who have settled half 

 a mile farther off to gossip and plume themselves before retiring. 



"On one occasion I observed large companies arriving in the roost 

 near Mer chant ville, at a time of full moon, for nearly an hour after 

 sunset. Between the intervals of arrival all would become quiet in 

 their bedchambers, but, as a more belated company drew near, their 

 cries were responded to by the roosting Crows in a different tone. 

 The fliers would hurriedly ejaculate ■ yur, yur, yur,' * * * giving 

 each utterance a rising inflection, as if inquiring anxiously of their 

 whereabouts, while those in the roost answered in a falling, drawling 

 tone by slowly repeating their usual 'caw 7 and lengthening it to 

 *ca-aw,' <ca-aw,' 'ca-aw,' as if to assure their friends they were rest- 

 ing comfortably. * * * 



"The programme of dispersion from the roost in the morning to 

 their feeding grounds is as follows : 



"After an hour's babel (for such verily is the seeming confusion of 

 tongues) a few Crows essay to take leave, but as soon as this folly is 



