<SPAN name="THE_FARMER,_HIS_BOY,_AND_THE_ROOKS"></SPAN>
<h2>THE FARMER, HIS BOY, AND THE ROOKS</h2>
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<p>A Farmer had just sown a field of wheat, and was keeping a
careful watch over it, for numbers of Rooks and starlings kept
continually settling on it and eating up the grain. Along with him
went his Boy, carrying a sling: and whenever the Farmer asked for
the sling the starlings understood what he said and warned the
Rooks and they were off in a moment. So the Farmer hit on a trick.
"My lad," said he, "we must get the better of these birds somehow.
After this, when I want the sling, I won't say 'sling,' but just
'humph!' and you must then hand me the sling quickly." Presently
back came the whole flock. "Humph!" said the Farmer; but the
starlings took no notice, and he had time to sling several stones
among them, hitting one on the head, another in the legs, and
another in the wing, before they got out of range. As they made all
haste away they met some cranes, who asked them what the matter
was. "Matter?" said one of the Rooks; "it's those rascals, men,
that are the matter. Don't you go near them. They have a way of
saying one thing and meaning another which has just been the death
of several of our poor friends."</p>
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