CROW. 215 



cold, and fall sometimes dead in the fields. According 

 to Wilson, in one of these severe seasons, more than 600 

 Crows were shot on the carcass of a dead horse, which 

 was placed at a proper shooting distance from a stable. 

 The premiums obtained for these, and the price procured 

 for the quills, produced to the farmer nearly the value of 

 the horse when living, besides affording feathers sufficient 

 to fill a bed ! 



The Crow is easily raised and domesticated, and soon 

 learns to distinguish the different members of the family 

 with which he is associated. He screams at the approach 

 of a stranger ; learns to open the door by alighting on the 

 latch ; attends regularly at meal times ; is very noisy and 

 loquacious ; imitates the sound of various words which he 

 hears ; is very thievish, given to hiding curiosities in 

 holes and crevices, and is very fond of carrying off 

 pieces of metal, corn, bread, and food of all kinds ; he is 

 also particularly attached to the society of his master, 

 and recollects him sometimes after a long absence. 



It is commonly believed and asserted in some parts 

 of this country, that the Crows engage at times in gene- 

 ral combat ; but it has never been ascertained whether 

 this hostility arises from civil discord, or the opposition 

 of two different species, contesting for some exclusive 

 privilege of subsisting-ground. It is well known that 

 Rooks often contend with each other, and drive away, by 

 every persecuting means, individuals who arrive among 

 them from any other rookery. 



The Crow is much smaller than the Raven, and is of a deep black 

 with violet reflections. The bill and feet are also black. The iris 

 hazel. (The European bird is 20 inches, or nearly.) The female is 

 smaller, and the reflections of the plumage are less lively. It varies 

 sometimes to yellowish or greyish v»'hite, and occasionally the plu- 

 mage is more or less varied with white feathers. Sometimes one part 

 or other of the body will be white or rufous grey. 



