466 SOME OF THE FAMILIAR BIRDS OF INDIA. 
of crows found in India only two are seen here. This species is 
very common but not nearly so abundant as C. splendens. I have 
never been able, however, to obtain specimens which approached 
in size the measurements given by Dr. Jerdon. The largest speci- 
men, I think, that I ever obtained, measured but nineteen inches in 
length, whereas Dr. Jerdon gives its length as twenty-one inches. 
Corvus splendens. The common Indian crow. The common In- 
dian crow is everywhere found in surprising numbers, and it 
retains all the wariness and cunning which are characteristic of its 
class. It is amusing to see its excessive caution when it has 
reason to think that one has evil designs concerning it. It stands 
with its neck stretched forward and its wings partly spread ready 
for instant flight, while its eye is cocked and it watches every in- 
dication of war or peace. The slightest hostile movement, val 
even a steady look will often send it away; but sometimes it 
seems to know that it is being imposed upon, and then it merely 
jumps upon a more distant branch of the tree, or if on the grou 
flies a few feet away. It is exceedingly quick to comprehend the 
situation of affairs, and to avail itself of any opportunity © 
secure its food. 
I once saw, in the city of Poona, an old woman sitting by the 
roadside with a basket of sweetmeats for sale. Not finding trade 
very brisk, however, she had leaned her head against a tree 
fallen asleep. The crows seemed to comprehend the case at once; 
and they began to sidle up, in their own peculiar way, to z 
themselves to the contents of the basket. Probably the © 
woman found them anything but profitable customers. e 
There seems to be an element of justice in the constitution n 
this crow, as well as in some of its congeners, at least they are 
customed occasionally to inflict punishment upon certain os ý 
members of their community. I was once fortunate enoug 
witness their administration of justice. Hearing an unus i yü 
motion among the crows in my garden I went out to see wha 
ere 
the trouble. A large number of crows were assembled and = 
+t of them was : 
pulling his feathers, while the prisoner meekly SI 
punishment without trying to escape or to retaliate. 
