Rensselaer Republican, Volume 22, Number 41, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 June 1890 — AN OLD MARTINET. [ARTICLE]

AN OLD MARTINET.

A Description of tbe Crow’s Military Prill l.’’, IPTtß»im«**T *T Mi rTtlTßi - Night after night I watched the crows, until at last it became certain that the old crow, with the stentorian lungs, was in absolute command and had his forces well under control. After about a week more of training, they began to show undoubted signs of esicellent discipline. At the command of the leader, a flock of a dozen or more took wing and described a much larger circle than ever before. Until they were about two hundred feet from the rest, comparative silence reigned among the remaining host; but then, suddenly, came several loud, sharp tones from the leader, and about as many more left the trees. This lime the new division separated into two equal bodies, and new off at right angles for a short distance. Then, in response to another caw, they turned in the same direction as the advanceguard, who were now some distance away. After a few moments had elapsed, the word of command was again given, and all the crows arose in a body and followed the lead of the ad-vance-guard, the old chieftain being well to the front; but I noticed that he did not fly as fast as the main body, and they gradually passed him. ‘ ‘Now, ” I thought, • ‘he may be the crow with the most acute brain, but he certainly lacks the strength of wing to keep to the front,” —for by this time he was among the stragglers bringing up the rear. But before long the air again resounded with the hoarse “Caw! Caw!” and immediately the apparently abandoned trees sent forth a very creditable rear - guard. These last crows rose and scattered themselves into open skirmishing order. Then the General at once proved to me I had been very foelish in drawing hasty conclusions concerning his wing power, for he at once forged ahead, plowing his way rapidly, until he reached the main body and took a leading position. By this time the ad-vance-guard had completed their circles preparatory to alighting upon their old perches; but the vigilant eye of their leader detected this attempt, and a caw of command sent them forth to duty again. The aid fellow was a perfect old martinet, so far as drill was concerned. Up to this time he had taken things somewhat easily, as it ha,d been only company drill; but now it was the all-important battalion drill, and therefore there was no shirking allowed. The word to halt was soon gfveu, however, and each detachment, perched j upon its camping trees, awaited orj ders. As it was perfectly understood that after drill they were to “roost at ease,” a terrible cawing commenced. It seemed that each crow meant to let them all understand ttiat ne was me best-drilled bird in the brigade. The following evening, when the reiment received the order to march, there was no sign of their halting in their flight, bu t, after scurrying around the circle once or twice, at a sign from the leader some of them left the main bod)* and flew ahead till they reached the advance-guard and the right and left wings of scouts took their places. The birds then on duty slackened their flight aud gradually rejoined the main body. The same thing was repeated by the rear-guard. It became evident that the General not only intended to guard his army, but also had arranged to relieve those who were sent out upon this special duty. In fact, no huftian general could have thought out all probhble contingencies and prepared for them better than did this “old black crow.” Next morning, after waiting for some time, the voice of the General sounded fo.th the order to march. The advance-guard at once arose with their usual “Caw!” and then in silence started due south, flying on a horizontal plane only a few feet higher than the trees the)- had left. At the word, the other guards flew out as right and left wings, but maintaining the same height iu the air as the pion - eers; —in fact, all appeared as if moving along an invisible railroad track. As soon as the advance parties had taken their posts, the General gave the signal starting the main army in motion. Before long they became a gray cloud iu £he distance, and then melted out of sight in the glowing southern sky. —Agnes Frazer Sandham, in St. Nicholas.