CORVID.'E. 



241 



THE RAVEN. 



CoRvus coRAX, Linn^us. 



Although a diminishing species, in consequence of the hatred 

 entertained for it by sheep-farmers and the ease with which it can 

 be trapped, the Raven still maintains itself in the British Islands. 

 In the south its numbers are somewhat influenced by the prices paid 

 for young birds ; but even now, from Kent to Cornwall, and along 

 the rocky coasts of North Devon and Wales there is hardly a suitable 

 headland in or near which a pair does not at least attempt to breed 

 annually ; while nests built in trees, although far rarer than formerly, 

 are less uncommon than might be supposed at short distances 

 inland. Not long ago several pairs frequented Essex, but the Raven 

 is now rare in the eastern counties and throughout the interior of 

 England. On the hills and fells of the west and north it is still 

 to be found ; while in Scotland, and especially in the islands, it is 

 by no means uncommon, provided there are cliffs suitable for its 

 protection. In Ireland it is still resident in the wilder parts, but 

 its numbers have decreased of late years. 



The Raven is stationary in the Faroes, where pied birds (occa- 

 sionally met with in the British Islands and elsewhere) are rather 



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