XLV. GEEYBACKED CKOW. 



(Corvus 



THIS bird, sometimes called the Greybacked Crow, visits the 

 eastern counties of England annually in autumn and winter. 

 It is called there the " Eoyston Crow," and in Scotland the 

 " Hoodie." It remains here at all seasons. Like the Vulture, 

 it has a keen scent* for carrion, or rather an eye for a sick-fallen 

 beast ; and though none may be in sight when a sheep falls or 

 dies on the hill, they will soon assemble around the carcase and 

 begin their feast, even sometimes before the poor animal has 

 breathed its last. They are the plague of shepherds and game- 

 keepers, being very destructive of game and eggs, as well as of 

 young and feeble lambs in the springtime. 



We do what we can here to destroy the young in the nests, 



* It is more probably by sight than scent that the Carrion Crow or Raven 

 finds the carcase. Our neighbour, Dr Macvicar, had a tame Hoodie, and tried 

 the experiment of hiding a bit of carrion. It did not find it. High-flying birds 

 like the Raven or Vulture must have a great advantage in seeing things so far 

 below them, as no obstacle can be interposed. They also can see one another 

 from a great distance when perched on some high place on the lookout, and will 

 soon perceive if any of the fraternity have discovered a treasure, and be ready to 

 share it. In "Hiawatha" there is a fine description of vultures watching each 

 other's movements with this intent. 



Never stoops the soaring vulture 



On his quarry in the desert, 



On the sick or wounded bison ; 



But another vulture, watching 



From his high aerial look-out, 



Sees the downward plunge, and follows ; 



And a third pursues the second, 



Coming from the invisible ether, 



First a speck and then a vulture, 



Till the air is dark with pinions. 



Hiaivatha. 



95 



