THE HOODED CROW. 
131 
sionally hears of the “ Craas’ Court/’ it being supposed that 
tliey meet at stated periods for the purpose of trying and execut- 
ing criminals. We are gravely assured that merely a few take 
part in the proceedings, the remainder being spectators, and 
that on the breaking up of the ‘‘ court ” the bodies of the male- 
factors are found dead upon the ground. Even comparatively 
modern writers have been at some pains to revive the legend, 
and 'that too without a word of dissent from the x^opular belief. 
IMacgillivray, however, with his usual caution, concludes his 
allusion to the subject with the remark that “ some more accu- 
rate observations are wanted.” For my own part, I can only 
assert that I have watched these assemblages scores of times, 
but have observed nothing particularly worthy of mention, with 
the exception of an occasional short-lived squabble, such as is 
constantly occurring in any large flock of birds. I believe, 
however, that a considerable amount of courting takes place at 
these meetings, having noticed that pairing* takes place very 
soon after the disposal of the flock. Low, speaking of Orkney, 
takes a somewhat similar view of the case when he says, “ They 
meet in the spring in vast flocks, as if to consult on the impor- 
tant affairs of summer, and after flying about in this manner 
for eight days or so, separate into pairs and betake themselves 
to the mountains,” 
In most parts of Shetland, the Hooded Crow permits a toler- 
ably near approach, provided nothing in the shape of a gun is 
to be seen ; and when busily engaged, in stormy weather, 
watching the waves as they wash up supplies of food from the 
sea, there is seldom any difiiculty in walking up boldly within 
twenty yards of it. U nlike most birds, the Hoodies are not nearly 
so shy when in flocks as at other times; and if one of their 
number is dropped, the remainder will hover above, offering 
the easiest shot imaginable for the second barrel. When 
wounded they strike with the bill open, and are capable of 
inflicting a very severe bite ; yet so nicely can the power be 
controlled that I have seen a skylark’s egg carried away by a 
* Query, Of the immated birds ? — Eu. 
