126 
OUR HOME BIRDS. 
“ ‘ Crows can easily be tamed, and make most amus- 
ing and even affectionate pets. In this state our un- 
popular bird soon learns to distinguish all the mem- 
bers of the family ; flies toward the gate, screaming, 
at the approach of a stranger ; learns to open a door 
by alighting on the latch ; attends regularly at the 
stated hours of dinner and breakfast, which he ap- 
pears punctually to recollect ; is extremely noisy and 
loquacious ; imitates the sounds of various words 
pretty distinctly ; is a great thief and hoarder of 
curiosities, hiding in hqles, corners, and crevices 
every loose article he can carry off, particularly 
small pieces of metal, corn, bread, and food of all 
kinds.’ ” 
“ What fun !” exclaimed Malcolm. “ I wish we 
had a crow here to hide things away.” 
“ Your puzzles and paints and tools, for instance?” 
asked his governess. “ I am afraid my patience 
would be rather taxed to have my thimble perhaps, 
or a ring or two, or a favorite ribbon or piece of lace, 
snatched off in this way.” 
“I’m afraid,” said little Edith very earnestly, 
“ that he’d carry off my dollies after I’d put ’em to 
sleep. — You won’t get a crow, will you, Malcolm? 
A little doggie is ever so much nicer!” 
There was a general laugh at Edith’s expense, but 
Miss Harson kindly assured her that her dollies 
