264 LAND-BIRDS AND GAME-BIRDS 
occasionally in very large flocks. They obtain most of their 
food by the sea, to which they fly in the early morning. They 
there eat various shell-fish, and the refuse, such as dead fish, 
which may usually be found along the shore. They are, how- 
ever, omnivorous, eating grain, fruits, insects, and all sorts of 
flesh ; and a winter-day never passes, when they may not also 
be seen searching in the interior for such morsels as may be 
found there. On the approach or arrival of spring, their num- 
bers inciease appreciably, and mating takes place. At this 
time, they frequently amuse themselves, before roosting, by 
playing in the air, flying round and round, or chasing one 
another. This forms a picturesque sight, especially if seen 
against the glow of a setting sun. The Crows sometimes be- 
gin to build so early as the middle of March. For this pur- 
pose, they gather, chiefly from the ground, large sticks, which 
they pick up and carry in their bills. In April, when the softer 
materials are needed, they visit fields or orchards, and pluck 
the long, dry grass. In the woods they strip off the bark of 
cedars, and from the pastures often obtain cow-hair or horse- 
hair. They are so wary and cautious that it is extremely diffi- 
cult to watch them while building, for, on the discovery of 
danger, they fly about in a purposely indefinite way, so that 
one cannot learn more than the general direction in which they 
carry their materials. If their nest be approached, when fin- 
ished but not occupied, the parents are soon to be seen over- 
head, frequently cawing, but careful not to betray its situation. 
After incubation has begun, they sit on the nest bravely, gener- 
ally not leaving it until the tree is rapped. Upon this, the 
female disappears, but often, in case of further intrusion, soon 
returns with numerous sympathizing companions, who loudly 
proclaim the distress of the community. During April, the 
Crows are beneticial, and frequent ploughed lands or fields for 
the purpose of obtaining various destructive insects. But, 
when obliged to provide for. their young, they themselves be- 
come injurious and very destructive, exhibiting more than at 
other times a carnivorous taste. They do most mischief in 
destroying the young and eggs of various eminently useful 
