Page:The Way of the Wild (1923).pdf/208

 you might call an educated crow. He knew not only all that the rest of the crows did but he had a sort of crow college education besides. Thus he was able to tell the clan what the farmer would do under certain provocation. He knew traps, poison, scarecrows and firearms, so he Was a most valuable president and leader. The clan knew this and they held him in great esteem.

When it was time to open the convention, the old crow mounted to the top of a very high maple, where he was plainly seen by all the clan, and addressed them in crow language.

"It gives me great pleasure, Crow ladies and gentlemen," he said, "to call this convention to order. It is the tenth convention that I have presided over since I took the leadership of the clan. You certainly have prospered under my leadership."

"Caw, caw, caw," came from every hand. This meant, "Yes, yes, yes, we have," in crow language.

The old crow stood a little straighter on his perch and continued. "I have certainly saved