1891.
July 2
(No 3)
England.
Tintern. - on the tops of the highest arches. After remaining
here for then or fifteen minutes whistling, gabbing and
occasionally cawing in low, cracked tones - for the
Jackdaw can caw when it chooses - crowding over
another and squabbling more or less, they finally
take wing all together carrying off the local birds
with them, for as far as I could learn no Jackdaws
spend the night in this ruin. They roost on the
crests of the ridges in larches or yews, apparently
choosing a different place each night probably
because they are somewhat persecuted by the keepers.
To attain the elevation of the ridges they rise
in a great spiral and before going to bed indulge
in various beautiful evolutions sometimes soaring
in circles crossing and recrossing each others paths
like soaring Sea Gulls, sometimes whirling and
twisting over a inch or more of space in
the manner of waders. Although apparently rather 
shy they occasionally visit the apple trees directly
in front of the hotel whence they watch for an
opportunity to pounce upon and carry off pieces
of bread or other food.
  The Jackdaw is decided the prettiest and
most interesting Crow that I have ever seen. Its
gray nape contrasts pleasingly with its otherwise
sable plumage, the form is peculiarly trim and
well-proportions and all its movements are easy
and graceful. It frequently puffs out the feathers
of the head and neck giving these parts a
fluffy appearance.
  There are some birds about the house which I