502 CORVUS CORAX. 



and, unlike many men who assume an aspect of dignity, is 

 equally noted for sagacity and prudence. It is crafty, vigilant, 

 and sliy, so as to be with great difficulty approached, unless 

 in the breeding season, when its affectionate concern for its 

 young in a great measure overcomes its habitual dislike to the 

 proximity of man, — a dislike which is the result of prudence 

 more than of mere timidity, for under particular circumstances 

 it will not hesitate to make advances which a timorous bird 

 would no doubt deem extremely hazardous. Either from 

 natural instinct, or from observation and reflection, it appears 

 to know in some measure the power of its arch enemy ; and 

 finding that its own faculties are insufficient to enable it to 

 counteract his destructive propensities, carefully avoids coming 

 within his reach. On the other hand it eats from off the same 

 carcase as a dog, and takes its station close to an otter devom*- 

 ing its prey, doubtless because its vigilance and activity suffice 

 to enable it to elude their efforts to inflict injury upon it ; and 

 while it yields to the Eagle, it drives aw^ay the Hooded Crow 

 and the Gull. It knows the distance too at w^hich it is safe 

 from a man armed Avith a gun, and allows the shepherd and 

 his dogs to come much nearer than the sportsman. 



Many birds evince little dread of man. The Golden-crested 

 Regulus, when feeding, seems to take no notice of him, and 

 permits him to approach within a few yards or even feet ; the 

 Black Guillemot perches on the rocks wnthin perhaps ten paces 

 of him ; and the Penguin stands stupidly looking on until he 

 comes up and knocks it on the head. In all these cases it is 

 not courage, but w^ant of consideration, that is manifested. 

 The Skua and the Iceland Falcon wull boldly attack a man, 

 when excited by the apprehension of danger to their eggs or 

 young ; even the tiny Blue Titmouse w^ill attempt to bite his 

 fingers when they approach its nest. There certainly is courage 

 in the act, but in this case the courage is misapplied, being 

 inadequate to the object. The Golden Plover, the King Dot- 

 trel, and the Titling, act more wisely when they feign lame- 

 ness to draw him from their treasures, which they often secure 

 in this manner ; for although they may not thus impose upon 

 a shepherd, a farmer, a sportsman, or a " field naturalist,'' they 



