THE RAVEN. 45 



on the head, so fastened as to let the beak project 

 from the forehead.* 



The American Raven is a scarce bird in some dis- 

 tricts, it being seldom seen, and consequently its 

 character but little known. The European species is 

 more abundant, and is often a very familiar bird. 

 They are said to live to a great age, and the same 

 pair have been known to resort to one spot to build 

 for many successive years. 



It is remarkable for having been the first living 

 creature that left the ark after the flood ; and as an 

 instance of the great powers of wing of which it is 

 possessed, we read that while the Dove which was 

 afterward released could find no rest for the sole of 

 her foot, and returned again to the ark, the Raven 

 went to and fro upon the face of the earth until the 

 waters were dried up. 



Young Ravens may be tamed so as to become very 

 amusing pets, but require almost constant watching, 

 as they are mischievous and greatly addicted to thiev- 

 ing. A gentleman's butler having missed a number 

 of silver spoons and other articles, without a suspi- 

 cion as to who might be the thief, at last discovered 

 a tame Raven with one in his mouth, and after fol- 

 lowing him to his hiding-place, found more than a 

 dozen.*}* They are, however, gifted with some good 

 Dualities, being often possessed with a marked affec- 

 tion toward other animals, and also toward those with 

 whom they have become familiar. A curious instance 

 of attachment in a Raven is related as having occurred 



* Stanley's " Familiar History of Birds." f Ibid. 



