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
bad ones. Be careful therefore to cherish the good ones. You can never
have too many of them.