CROW. 



127 



and thickly and carefully lined with large quantities of the last 

 material, wool, or the finest fibres of roots, so as to form a very 

 comfortable bed for the helpless and naked young. 



The male at this season is extremely watchful, reconnoitring 

 the neighborhood, and giving an alarm as any person happens 

 to approach towards their nest, when both retire to a distance 

 till the intruder disappears ; and m order the better to conceal 

 their brood, they remain uncommonly silent until these are in 

 a situation to follow them on the wing. The male also carries 

 food to his mate while confined to her eggs, and at times 

 relieves her by sitting in her absence. In Europe, when the 

 Raven, the Buzzard, or the Kestrel makes his appearance, the 

 pair join instantly in the attack, and sometimes, by dint of furi- 

 ous blows, destroy their enemy ; yet the Butcher Bird, more 

 alert and courageous, not only resists, but often vanquishes 

 the Crows and carries off their young. Like the Ravens, 

 endued with an unrestrained and natural affection, they con- 

 tinue the whole succeeding summer to succor and accompany 

 their offspring in all their undertakings and excursions. 



The Crow is equally omnivorous with the Raven ; insects, 

 worms, carrion, fish, grain, fruits, and in short everything 

 digestible by any or all the birds in existence, being alike 

 acceptable to this gormandizing animal. Its destruction of 

 bird-eggs is also very considerable. In Europe Crows are often 

 detected feeding their voracious young with the precious eggs 

 of the Partridge, which they very sagaciously convey by care- 

 fully piercing and sticking them expertly on the bill. They 

 also know how to break nuts and shell- fish by dropping them 

 from a great height upon the rocks below. They visit even the 

 snares and devour the birds which they find caught, attacking 

 the weak and wounded game. They also sometimes seize on 

 young chickens and Ducks, and have even been observed to 

 pounce upon Pigeons in the manner of Hawks, and with almost 

 equal success. So familiar and audacious are they in some 

 parts of the Levant that they will frequent the courts of houses, 

 and, like Harpies, alight boldly on the dishes, as the servants are 

 conveying in the dinner, and carry off the meat, if not driven 



