Teacher's Leaflet. 783 



Facts for the Teacher. — The crow is larger than any other of our common black 

 birds; the northern raven is larger than the crow but is very rarely seen. Although 

 the crow's feathers are black, yet in the sunlight a beautiful purple iridescence plays 

 over the plumage, especially about the neck" and back. In shape the crow has a 

 compact but not ungraceful body, with long powerful wings. The crow's tail is 

 medium sized and is not notched at the end. Its feet are long and strong; the track 

 shows three toes directed forward and one long one directed backward. The crow 

 does not sail through the air as does the hawk, but progresses with an almost con- 

 stant flapping of the wings. Its beak is very strong and is used for tearing the 

 flesh of its prey and for defense, and in fact for almost anything that a beak could 

 be used for. The crow's eye is all black and is very keen and intelligent. When 

 hunting for food in the field the crow usually walks but sometimes hops. The 

 raven and fish crows are the nearest relatives of the American crow and next to 

 them the jaj-s. One would hardly think that the blue-jay and the crow were re- 

 lated to look at them, but when one comes to study their habits much is to be found 

 in common. 



Lessox XXVI. 



THE HABITS 07 THE CROW. 



Purpose. — To lead the pupils to observe more closely the habits of this 

 coriimoii bird. 



(i). Where and of what material do the crows build their nests? 



(2). Describe the eggs. At what time of the year do the young crows= 

 hatch? 



(3). Do both parents take care of and feed the young? 



(4). How long do the parents care for the young after they leave the 

 nest? 



(5). What are the notes of the crow? If you have heard one gi-yc. 

 any note except " caw " describe it. 



(6). Where and how do crows live in winter? 



(7). Where do they live in summer? 



(8). Do crows post sentinels if they are feeding in the fields? If so 

 describe the action of the sentinel on the approach of people. 



(9). Upon what do the crows feed? 



(10). What food is given to the nestlings? 



(11). How do the crows work injury to the farmer? 



(12). How do the crows benefit the farmer? 



(13). Do you think the crows do more benefit than harm to the farnier 

 and fruit-grower? 



(14). Have you known of instances of the crow's fondness for shinin^" 

 or glittering articles, like pieces of crockery or tin? 



