THE WESTERN CROW. 9 
boastings are responsible in large measure for the unsavory reputation in which 
he is held. It is a familiar adage in ebony circles that the proper study of 
Crow-kind is man, 
and so well has he 
pursued this study 
that he may fairly 
be said to hold his 
own in spite of fierce 
and ingenious perse- 
cution. He rejoices | 
in the name _ of | 
Taken in Oregon. Photo by Bohlman and Finicy 
WESTERN CROW AT NEST. 
outlaw, and ages of ill-treatment have only served to sharpen his wits and 
intensify his cunning. 
That the warfare waged against him is largely unnecessary, and partly 
unjust, has been pretty clearly proven of late by scientists who have investi- 
gated the Crow’s food habits. It is true that he destroys large numbers of 
eggs and nestlings, and, if allowed to, that he will occasionally invade the 
poultry yard—and for such conduct there can be no apology. It is true, also, 
that some damage is inflicted upon corn in the roasting-ear stage, and that 
corn left out thru the winter constitutes a staple article of Crow diet. But 
it is estimated that birds and eggs form only about one-half of one per cent 
of their total diet ; and in the case of grain, certainly they perform conspicuous 
services in raising the crop. Besides the articles of food mentioned, great 
