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 

 cariy 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 beneficial, 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 



