NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 225 



closely approached. I heard no note beyond the usual sparrow-like chirp. It 

 probably leaves the country for the south by the 1st of October, as early in 

 November it is abundant throughout the United States as far south, at least, 

 as Washington, where it may be found in great numbers during the winter 

 months. 



ScoLECOPHAGUS FEKRUGINEUS (Gm.) Sw. — Rusty Grakle, 



Quiscalus ferrugineus, Aud. Birds Amer. iv. 65 ; pi. 222. 



Scolecophagus ferrugineus, Baird, Gen. Rep. 551. 



This, the only representative of the Icteridrs I observed in Labrador, appears 

 to be rather uncommon. I noticed nothing peculiar in its habits, very pro- 

 bably, however, because my opportunities for observation were so limited. 

 The only note I heard was the rough guttural "c/utct," common to most of 

 the species of the family. On the 24th of July, I came upon a family of these 

 birds, in a densely wooded marshy spot. The young were at that time just 

 fully fledged, and were fluttering around the vicinity of the nest. The species 

 is confined to heavily wooded districts, showing evident partially for the low 

 swampy or boggy localities, interspersed with pools, for which some parts of 

 Labrador are so famous. 



CoRVDS CARNivoRUS Bartram. — Raven. 



Corvus corax, Aud. Birds Amer. iv. 78 ; pi. 224. 

 Corvus carnivorus, Baird, Gen. Rep. 560. 



This celebrated bird does not appear to be rare along the coast of Labrador, 

 The high, precipitous and almost inaccessible cliffs, which, rising abruptly 

 from the sea, give to this rock-bound coast such a barren aspect, afi'ord safe 

 and convenient retreats, where it constructs its nest, and rears its young in 

 perfect safety. It is so excessively watchful and wary a bird, that although 

 we saw them frequently, not a single individual was shot by any of our party. 

 Indeed, I know of no bird more difficult to procure than the Raven ; for in ad- 

 dition to its natural sagacity, which surpasses that of almost any bird, the 

 peculiar nature of the rocks it inhabits render the surprising of it almost an 

 impossibility. Its voice is similar to that of the common crow, but far louder 

 and rougher. Ravens are most frequently seen in pairs ; and they often de- 

 scend to the sea shore, to feed on the dead fish, crabs, and other animal sub- 

 stances thrown up by the waves. The eggs, when they can be procured, are 

 eaten by the natives ; a species of vandalism well calculated to disturb the 

 equanimity of any ardent collector or naturalist. 



At Henley Harbor, an arm of Chateaux Bay, at the northern entrance to the 

 straits of Belle-Isle, there is a remarkable geological formation, known as the 

 "castle." This singular butte rises abruptly to a height of between 150 and 200 

 feet above the level of the sea. The sides are either perpendicular or even 

 over-hanging, the strata perfectly vertical, regular and composed of pentagonal 

 prisms, remarkably distinct. The top is perfectly smooth and level, and 

 covered with a rich growth of moss, lichens, and the Empetrmn nigrum. The 

 ascent can be eflfected only at one point, where the soft crumbling rock has 

 been worn away by the long continued trickling of water. The whole appears 

 to be in a state of rapid decomposition ; large masses of rock lie around the 

 base in confusion, the strata, however, still distinctly visible. The debris 

 thus accumulating at the base has raised a slope to within about fifty feet of 

 the summit. A narrow but very deep channel, cat apparently by the action 

 of the water, separates from it an island on which is another but less exten- 

 sive formation of the same nature. This "castle" was the abode of a pair of 

 Ravens, which, I was told, had resorted there regularly for several years. 

 The nest was placed on a narrow ledge, inaccessible except from above by 

 means of a rope. It was empty at the time I visited the place. 



1861.] 16 



