OUR HOME BIRDS. 
129 
some particular spot, as if the)" had all been sum- 
moned to appear. A few of the flock sit with droop- 
ing heads, and others seem as grave as judges, while 
others, again, are exceedingly active and noisy. In 
the course of an hour or so the birds disperse; and 
it is a common thing, after they have flown away, to 
find one or two left dead on the spot. These meet- 
ings will sometimes last for a couple of days before 
the business in hand is completed. Crows continue 
to arrive from all quarters during the session, and as 
soon as all are assembled a general noise ensues. 
Shortly after, the whole party fall upon one or two 
unfortunate individuals and put them to death ; 
when this execution is accomplished they quietly 
disperse. 
“I am afraid,” continued Miss Harson, “that with 
our best efforts we shall scarcely succeed in making 
the crow out a very honest bird. Our own American 
species is said to be a near relation of the English 
jackdaw, one of the most thievish creatures in ex- 
istence. It is very fond of hovering around the tents 
of hunters and campers-out, who declare that no pro- 
visions, either salt or fresh, are safe from its depre- 
dations. It is even so bold as to come into tents, 
and sit on the edge of the kettle when hanging on 
fire, and steal victuals out of the dishes. It is said 
to be very troublesome to hunters, frequently follow- 
I 
