PLATE CCIX. 



Hook. Albin. 1L t. 2%. — Will. (Angl.) p. 123.— Lath. Gen. 

 Syn. I. p. 372. 4.— Id. Sup. p. 76. 



The Rook and Crow bear fuch a near resemblance to each other, 

 that many fuperficial obfervers have been inclined to conlider them 

 as the fame bird. Naturaliils are however allured, that notwith- 

 ftanding the two fpecies affimilate fo clofely in general appearance, 

 they are fpecifically different. 



The Rook is a trifle larger than the Crow, meafuring about twenty- 

 one inches in length. But a better diftinction prevails in the ap- 

 pearance of the fpace round the bafe of the bill and the noltrils, 

 which appear bare of feathers ; while the former part in the Crow is 

 covered with feathers, and the noltrils with briftly hairs. 



In their manners of life, the difference between the Crow and Rook 

 is very material. The Crow feeds on carrion, which the Rook re- 

 jects : the latter fubfifting wholly on feeds, worms, and infects. 



The Rook is the known attendant upon the ploughman's labour, 

 as upon the fowers, following at a little diftance behind in flocks to 

 pick up the worms turned up by the ploughfhare, or the feeds call in 

 the furrows. They are neverthelefs, upon the whole, of infinite be- 

 nefit to the hulbandman, as they deltroy myriads of thofe infect larvae, 

 which harbour in the earth, and gnaw the roots of corn, and other 

 farinaceous plarrts. 



Among 



