Dr. Edmonston in his interesting "_View of the Zetland Islands_,"
relates that the hooded Crow sometimes engages in merry meetings, but,
savage-like, concludes by a sanguinary sacrifice. The crows generally
appear in pairs, even during winter, except when attracted to a spot in
search of food, or when they assemble for the purpose of holding what is
called a _Craws' Court_. This latter institution exhibits a curious fact
in their history. Numbers are seen to assemble on a particular hill or
field, from many different parts. On some occasions, the meeting does
not appear complete before the expiration of a day or two. As soon as
all the deputies have arrived, a very general noise and croaking ensue;
and shortly after, the whole fall upon one or two individuals, whom they
persecute and beat until they kill them. When this has been
accomplished, they quietly disperse.
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