198 INSECTIVOROUS BIRDS 



as usual, but was flat on the ground. I have heard of 

 other nests in our district on or very close to the ground, 

 but have only seen one myself. The country referred to is 

 most miserably timbered, and I do not believe two pairs of 

 crows would agree to have their houses up the same stunted 

 tree." With regard to further anomalies, I have seen 

 clutches of eggs uniformly blue, and at other times to 

 consist of one hard-sat egg. One specimen of a bird had a 

 white head (South Australia). The sail area of the Raven 

 in relation to its total weight is as large as that of any 

 bird (observation of Mullenhoff). Because of the highly 

 developed larynx it is placed by Dr. Sharpe among the 

 singing birds. I venture to think a little voice-education 

 would do much good in this case, and probably efface the 

 heavy blot of prejudice against it. 



Nest. — A bulky structure like that of the previous species. 



Eggs. — Similar to those of the Crow, or perhaps a shade 

 larger ; many are smaller. 



