THE TAME CROW. 123

Do not forget old friends or former worthy companions,
however humble, but treat them with kindness and regard.

 

THE TAME CROW.

Ir is interesting to rear up animals or birds, and to watch
their progress as they gain strength and sense, and thus
remark their various habits and tempers. Almost constantly,
when kindly treated, they return the care spent on them by
marks of affection, though some show it in a much less degree
than others.

Crows are thought wise birds, but while knowing how
to take care of themselves, they are not famous for affection.
Still a crow may become fond of its owner.

A gentleman had reared one from the nest, and it had
long dwelt with him, coming at his call, and feeding from his
hand. At length it disappeared, and he supposed that it had
been killed. About a year afterwards, as he was out walk-
ing one day, he observed a flock of crows flying overhead,
when what was his surprise to see one of them leave the
flock, fly towards him, and perch on his shoulder! He at
once knew his old friend, and spoke to it as he had been in
the habit of doing. The crow cawed in return, but kept
carefully beyond reach of his hand; showing that, having
enjoyed a free existence, it did not intend to become a pris-
oner again. A few more caws were uttered. Its companions
cawed likewise. The crow understood their call. Probably
its mate, and perhaps its young ones, were among them.
Glancing towards them, and with a farewell caw to its old