CROWS. 273 



evening, and from which they arise in the morning before 

 any other birds. As they are very sociable (among them- 

 selves) throughout the year, they are seen often in small 

 parties, and 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, however, 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 numbers increase 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 set- 

 ting sun. The Crows sometimes begin to build so early as 

 the middle of March. For this purpose, 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 horsehair. They 

 are so wary and cautious that it is extremely difficult to 

 watch them while building, for, on the discovery of danger, 

 they fly about in a purposely indefinite way, so that one can- 

 not learn more than the general direction in which they carry 

 their materials. If their nest be approached, when finished 

 but not occupied, the parents are soon to be seen overhead, 

 frequently cawing, but careful not to betray its situation. 

 After incubation has begun, they sit on the nest bravely, 

 generally 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 plowed lands 

 or fields for the purpose of obtaining various destructive 

 insects. But, when obliged to provide for their young, they 



