e time since,
might have been seen, sailing over the village green, Old Phil, one of
the white-winged birds I have described. Abandoning the wild freedom of
his brethren, he had associated himself with the human inhabitants of
the place. His chief friend was a grocer, near whose shop he would
alight on a neighbouring wall, and receive with gratitude the bits of
cheese and other dainties which were offered him. At certain times of
the year, however, he would take his departure, and generally return
with a wife, whom he used to introduce to his old friends, that she
might partake of their hospitality. Not, indeed, that she would venture
so close to the grocer's shop, even for the sake of the cheese-parings;
but she used to enter the village, and frequently spent her time at a
pond hard by, while Old Phil went to pay his respects to the purveyor of
groceries.

THE TAME CROW.

It 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 dispositions. Almost invariably, when kindly treated, they
return the care spent on them by marks of affection, though some exhibit
it in a much less decree than others.

Crows are considered wise birds; but, while understanding how to take
care of themselves, they are not celebrated for their affectionate
disposition. 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 it to have been killed. About a year
afterwards, as he was out walking one day, he observed several 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
recognised 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 submit again to captivity. 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 at its old master, it spread its wings and
joined the flock; nor did it ever again return to its former abode.

You will find it far more easy to give up good habits than to get rid of
ba