OF NEW ENGLAND. 263 



to be almost entirely concealed from beneath. It is usually 

 hollowed to the depth of several inches, and is, for so large a 

 bird, a very neat structure. It is composed of various mater- 

 ials (frequently including dry grass), of which the most char- 

 acteristic are generally the sticks outside, and the lining of 

 bark (consisting of strips taken from cedars or grape-vines). 



It is, in Massachusetts, finished between the tenth of April 

 and the tenth of May, and four or five eggs are then laid. 

 These average about 1'GO X 1'25 of an inch, and are spotted 

 sometimes coarsely and sparsely, sometimes thickly and finely, 

 occasionally in both ways. The ground-color is a green of 

 varying shade ; the markings are variously brown, olive, dusky, 

 and rarely purplish. The eggs of the Raven and Fish Crow 

 differ but little except in size, the former being more than 

 an inch and three quarters long, the latter much less. The 

 Ravens usually build on cliffs. 



The eggs of the Crow often exhibit abnormal forms, among 

 which Dr. Brewer enumerates some which are green but un- 

 marked, some which are white but spotted with reddish- 

 brown, and one which has different grounds on the opposite 

 sides. Another, in my collection, has a strong bluish tinge, 

 like that of a thrush's egg, and only a few dark spots. 



(c). The Crows are common residents in Eastern Massa- 

 chusetts throughout the year. How far to the northward they 

 may be found in winter I cannot say. During that season they 

 are not uncommon near the sea, where they most readily obtain 

 food. As their habits vary with the seasons, it is interesting 

 to observe the changes. I shall therefore begin their biogra- 

 phy by detailing the life which they lead from the opening 

 of the year until the period of courtship. 



The Crows are said to suffer extremely from cold weather in 

 certain parts of the country, and even to die of starvation ; 

 but, near Boston, they seem to fare very well. At night they 

 roost in thick evergreens, to which they retire promptly at 

 evening, and from which they arise in the morning before any 

 other birds. As they are very sociable (among themselves) 

 throughout the year, they are seen often in small parties, and 





