A BIRD-STORY.
[To TER EDITOR OF THE “ SPECTATOR.'] SIR,—Your correspondent, "L. L. S.," in the Spectator of May 2nd, says he would very much like to know whether any of your readers have witnessed episodes similar to one which he narrates concerning a scuffle between a squirrel and "a rook or crow." I can tell him of one which is not less curious. In a village not ten miles from town, there dwell, unless circumstances have altered since the autumn, under the same roaf and in good fellowship, a crow and a dog. The crow struck up a friendship with the dog, and the latter ultimately agreed to allow the crow to share his kennel. Se firmly established is the friendship that the dog is prepared to put up with a little badinage from the crow, who is a bird of a jocular spirit and loves to give the dog a pinch as he comes in at the door. Experience teaches wisdom, and the dog deems it wisest when he finds Monsieur Corbean home before him to enter backwards. I suppose he finds it hurts less, and no doubt he reflects that eyesight is precious and easily lost. If your correspondent wishes for further details he will be able to satisfy himself if he applies to the owner of the dog (I do not mean the crow, though he might dispute the title), who will also, I have no doubt, be pleased to supply him with refreshment (non-alcoholic, unless it be some home- made elderberry wine by which be sets great store) for a modest sum. The address is,—Mr. W. Houchen, Greenford Green, near Harrow. "L. L. S.'s" account suggests a wonder whether possibly the scuffle he describes might have been,
play, not earnest.—I am, Sir, R. W. S.
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