3tf 
After the Rook has reared its progeny 
so far, that they are enabled to accompany 
the parent in his flight, they are led forth 
in small companies into the fields, and 
there taught, amidst the various tribes of 
insects, the mode of future subsistence; 
and it is at this season that our trees and 
fields most re-echo with their notes, and 
at which also the varied tones of young 
and old form that concert which the Phi- 
losopher has admired, and the Poet cele- 
brated. Among all the sounds of animated 
nature, (says Bingley) " few are more 
pleasing than the cawing of Rooks; they 
have but two or three notes, and when the 
Rook attempts a solo we cannot praise his 
song, but when be performs in concert, 
which is his chief delight, these notes 
although rough in themselves, being inter- 
mixed with those of the multitude, have, 
as it were, all their rough edges worn off, 
and become harmonious; especially when 
softened in the air, where the bird chiefly 
performs." 
Dr. Perceval relates the following; in- 
teresting anecdote of these birds. "A 
