JAMES,' THE CROW.
go THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—I venture to send you the following account of the doings of a quaint member of our family, 'James,' the crow, thinking that it may interest some of your readers.— I am, Sir, &c., M. E. CHUBB.
Minster Precincts, Peterborough.
"He began his career in the Fens, on a tree overlooking the river Nene. One Bank Holiday in June two boatloads of thrickyr lads' splashed up : spying the nest, one of the boys swarmed up the slender willow and captured him and his brethren. Finding that they were only crows instead of jackdaws as they had hoped, they thought of killing them, when their teacher stepped in on behalf of James, and he at least was saved. Henceforth his home was to be changed from the broad fens to a little yard in the centre of a town. At this time he could not feed himself, but already his fighting powers were well developed, and be used his tremendously strong beak and claws to good purpose. However, he soon learnt to pick up his food and to make himself more than at home. His first duty was that of a watehbird ; as soon as the bell rang, the dog barked, and 'James' crowed, but since the dark weather commenced he has ceaAed to crow, but shows his feelings by hissing when he is angry, and talking softly in his way when he, is pleased. He has become quite the cock of the walk, both the dog, a terrier renowned for fighting, and the huge family cat being in terror of him. Indeed, he chases both of them round the yard, and once pulled the latter by the tail. The servant is fond of having what she calls 'a pantomime,' that is, getting the three animals in a room together, and watching the bird give chase to the others. The cat mews, the dog howls and hides his face in her skirts for protection, but neither of them is ever hurt. In the autumn he took a great fancy to a family of pups who lived next door, and would insist on getting over the wall as often as possible to have a game with them and their mother. She, a collie, and only a pup herself,, thought it a great joke, and danced about, shaking her head, and beating him down with her fore-paws. At last the games became so rough that they had to be stopped, for fear of 'James' coming to grief. He is very sociable, and an energetic dancer. His great delight is to come into the house, and he demands admittance by determined knocks with his beak at the back-door or scullery window. Fierce as he was when we first knew him, he now enjoys nothing more than being stroked, holding his head down and chattering the wh.le. He is very clean, and even during winter he taps impatiently at the window in order that lie may come in and have his bath. The cold-water tap is turned on for him, and he walks to and fro under it, splashing himself to his heart's content. He is a fine bird, with a strong personality, and insists on having his own way."
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