236 
CROWS AND ROOKS. 
leisurely to a more distant part of the field. He 
remained for some time a spectator of their singular 
assemblage, which impressed him with the opinion, 
that it was a deliberative council ; and we agree 
with him, that in this case at least, though not in 
the preceding, which occurred in the autumn, their 
object was connected with the usual pairing, which 
takes place about that time. We are the more 
strengthened in the opinion, from having witnessed 
meetings in some degree similar amongst Magpies, 
and some other birds. 
In the month of February, we recollect once seeing 
a prodigious number of Magpies in a field; some 
hopping about near the hedge, others secreted in the 
hedges, and no less than twenty-seven perched on a 
small ash-tree; at first, the presence of a fox was 
suspected, knowing it to he a constant practice with 
these birds to collect if Reynard shows himself ; hut 
as they did not appear to he hovering over any par- 
ticular spot, as if a concealed enemy was lurking 
near, we inclined to the opinion, that some private 
concerns of their own had brought them together. 
The chattering was incessant, and when disturbed, 
and under the necessity of beating a retreat, they 
flew nearly in the same direction as if disposed to 
adjourn their meeting to a more retired spot, than 
with a view to break it up. 
A singular habit, somewhat similar, little known 
or noticed, though not uncommon, prevails also 
among Starlings ; if carefully watched, they may he 
seen occasionally to alight in a regular circular form. 
A numerous flock was once seen to divide itself 
into two companies, each forming a distinct circle. 
