THE WESTERN CROW. 



boastings are responsible in large measnre for tlie unsavory reputation in wliich 

 he is held. It is a familiar adage in ebony circles that the prriper study of 

 Crow-kind is man. 

 and so well has he 

 pursued this study 

 that he may fairly 

 be said to hold his 

 own in spite of fierce 

 and ingenious perse- 

 cution. He rejoices 

 in the name of 



Taken i 



PIiolo by Bohhnan and Fhiicy 

 WESTERN CROW AT XEST. 



outlaw, and ages of ill-treatment have only served to sharpen his wits and 

 intensify his cunning. 



That the warfare waged against liim is largely unnecessary, and partly 

 unjust, has been pretty clearly ])n)ven of late by scientists who have investi- 

 gated the Crow's food haliits. It is true that he destroys large numbers of 

 eggs and nestlings, and, if allowed to, that he will occasionally invade the 

 poultry yard — and for such conduct there can be no apology. It is true, also, 

 that some damage is inflicted upon corn in the roasting-ear stage, and that 

 corn left out thru the winter constitutes a staple article of Cro'w diet. But 

 it is estin:ated that birds and eggs form only about one-half of one per cent 

 of their ti tal diet : and in the case of grain, certainly they perform conspicuous 

 services in raising the crop. Besides the articles of food mentioned, great 



