RAVENS 91 



the flat areas of the west, Wales, and Ireland can 

 show, are the trees in which Ravens once 

 nested. Once, the Raven was quite a common 

 bird. 



The Raven's haunts surely show as fair a face 

 as any spot in Britain. Unless the site is by the 

 sea-side and sometimes even then mountain 

 peaks, often snow-capped till early or even late sum- 

 mer, are always an accompaniment of the panorama. 

 In the valleys between, silvery streams tear down 

 from the heights to join somewhat sedater rivers 

 which, now gaming boisterously with gigantic, 

 engulfed boulders, now sliding in smooth currents, 

 race their never-ending way, first through deep, 

 smooth-cut gorges, then through bog and doubt- 

 ful meadow, to the far-distant ocean. It is a land 

 of rocks, rivulets and clouds, a spot beloved of 

 Dipper and Grey Wagtail, of Sandpiper and 

 Ring-Ouzel, the last three in spring and summer 

 only. In different areas, it is the fastness of 

 Kite, Buzzard, Eagle, and Peregrine, the whole 

 place a paradise to the ornithologist. 



In appearance and character alike, the Raven 

 is one of our most striking species. Its bold, 

 dignified, sturdy independence, ebon plumes, and 

 majestic flight, all lend an unwonted animation 

 and charm to any aspect, however fair ; while 

 cowardice is to the Raven almost an unknown 

 quantity. In fact, it stands pre-eminent amongst 

 the crows, as the Peregrine does in the hawk 



