1886. ] Crow Roosts and Roosting Crows. 783 
The aérial evolutions of this descending multitude, coupled 
with the surging clamor of those which have already settled as 
successive reinforcements appear, and which at a distance greatly 
resembles the far-away roar of the sea, may justly awaken emo- 
tions of sublimity in the spectator. To descend almost perpen- 
dicularly from a height one thousand feet above earth to the very 
tree-tops and then to glide above them on half-closed wings with 
a resultant momentum that is almost startling in its arrowy ve- 
locity, is a favorite manceuver, and when two such playfellows 
pursue each other in this headlong swoop their turnings and 
twistings and doubling contortions amaze the beholder. It 
reminds one of lightning in feathers, but the results are surpris- 
ingly harmless, and it may better be compared toa shower of day 
meteors whose “ radiant point” lies somewhere in East Pennsyl- 
Vania, Until sunset this novel scene continues without interrup- 
tion, whilst field and forest in the vicinity of their great dormitorie 
are shrouded by the thousands which have alighted, and, were it 
not for their 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 hair-breadth escapes and feats of 
daring, yet sitting quietly until the setting sun warns them to 
make ready for the last act—“ going to bed.” 
Tf we understood crow language perhaps we could now recog- 
nize a distinct signal from some grand master of their assembly, 
summoning all to repose. Be this as it may, a sudden 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 ap- 
Proaching the places of preliminary gathering necessarily fly over 
roost, but not a bird enters it until the general movement 
begun after sunset. The self-imposed discipline and obedience 
of such an army puts to shame the strictest military code. Think 
neve of a miserable, weary crow which, having winged his way 
thither a distance of twenty miles, arrives about sunset at the 
toost; but, the ingathering not having yet begun, witness how 
= €a true soldier he flaps on to join his more punctual brethren 
