THE ROOKS FROM SCOTLAND. 169 



most useful birds that ever settled on the old 

 oaks of that fair land, where, just nine-and- 

 ninety years ago, poor Charley Stuart drew 

 his ill-fated sword for the last time out of 

 its patriot scabbard, to fight for the legiti- 

 mate right of kings to the thrones of their 

 ancestors. 



« To J. M. HOG, Esq. 



"Walton Hall, March 19. 1844. 



« Sir, 



" Your communication to Mr. Dickson 

 is so much to the purpose, and contains such 

 sound arguments, that I consider a report from 

 myself would be nearly superfluous. However, 

 at your desire, I will enter briefly into the 

 subject, for I hold the rooks in great request. 



" We have innumerable quantities of these 

 birds in this part of Yorkshire, and we consider 

 them our friends. They appear in thousands 

 upon our grass lands, and destroy myriads of 

 insects. After they have done their work in 

 these enclosures, you may pick up baskets full 

 of grass plants all injured at the root by the 

 gnawing insect. We prize the birds much for 



