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 gratulate the clan on making so good a showing and I wish it a happy and prosperous year."

"It is a fine report," cawed the old leader from his perch in the tall maple. "I certainly hope we will have a good year. We will if my wisdom is heeded."

"Sure, sure," cawed his fellows.

"Now," said the chairman, "I will call for the report from the chairman on foraging. This is a veiy important report."

A rather rakish looking crow, whose wings had sometime been riddled with shot, flopped up to a commanding position and began his report.

"I am happy to announce," he said, "that the outlook is very good for this autumn. I can report three dead horses and two cows, which are buried so shallowly that we can easily get at them."

"Good, good," chorused the clan.

"In addition to that, there are a dozen calves and as many sheep."

He then proceeded to give the location of