220 THE RAVEN, &C. 



more hooked than any of the others. As for the car- 

 rion-crow and the rook, they so strongly resemble each 

 other both in make and size, that they are not easily 

 distinguished asunder ; the chief difference to be found 

 between them lies in the bill of the rook, which, by be- 

 ing thrust frequently into the ground to fetch out grubs 

 and earth-worms, is bare of feathers as far as the eyes, 

 and appears of a whitish colour : the feathers of this 

 bird have likewise a glossy purple hue ; whilst those of 

 the carrion-crow are all of a dingy black ; yet, upon 

 an inaccurate view, the similitude is so strong between 

 them, that the harmless rook, which lives upon com 

 and insects, is frequently destroyed for the carrion- 

 crow, which feeds upon young poultry, birds, and pu- 

 trid flesh. 



The habits of the raven and the carrion-crow are ex- 

 actly similar ; they both feed upon carrion ; they both 

 fly in pairs, and destroy young birds when they can 

 take them by surprise. But very different are the 

 manners of the rook, the daw, and the Cornish chough, 

 which may all be ranked in this class of birds ; they are 

 sociable and harmless, live only upon insects and 

 grain; and, instead of injuring other birds, they seem 

 to act as sentinels for the whole feathered creation. 



The raven is a strong, hardy bird, capable of endur- 

 ing the severest climes ; and though, like several other 

 creatures, it becomes white from the intensity of cold, 

 yet neither the frigid or torrid zone have any effect 

 upon its frame, as it seems wholly uninfluenced by the 

 weather's change. This bird, when taken into the ser- 

 vice of man, may be trained for fowling like the hawk ; 

 taught to fetch and carry like a spaniel ; speak like a 

 parrot ; and even sing like a human being ; yet, to 

 counterbalance these diverting qualities, he is natu- 



