ALONG ROCK-BOUND COASTS. 211 



life, so that the old nest is used season by season, 

 being patched up and renovated each spring. 

 The nest is often made in March sometimes 

 not until the end of April. It is placed upon a 

 shelf of the rocks, not always in a very inac- 

 cessible place, and is made of sticks cemented 

 with turfs, and lined with grass, roots, and wool ; 

 sometimes the lining is of moss and wool. The 

 eggs are from four to six in number, exactly 

 resembling those of the Rook in colour, but 

 nearly twice the size. The note of the Raven 

 is a hoarse pmck, which becomes more musical in 

 spring or when the birds are paying court to 

 their mates. The large size is sufficient to 

 identify the Raven, otherwise it resembles the 

 Carrion Crow in appearance, but the feathers 

 on the throat are elongated into hackles. 



With a brief notice of the ROCK DOVE AH rocky 

 (Columba livia) the list of land-birds frequenting c 

 the rocks will be brought to a close. One of the 

 most interesting facts attached to this bird is that 

 it is the original stock from which the domestic 

 Dove has been derived. Rarely or never does 

 the Rock Dove perch in trees ; it loves to nestle 

 in the ocean cliffs and caves, dashing out with 

 impetuous haste as our boat approaches, and 

 doubling quickly is soon lost to view over the 

 top of the cliffs. Rock Doves are gregarious all 

 the year round, and the colonies are large or 

 small, compact or scattered, according to the 

 nature of the haunts they frequent. This bird 

 is capable of fast and long-continued flight, and 

 often goes for miles to feed. Its note is a rich, 

 full coo, variously modulated when the bird is 

 oander sexual excitement ; but as is the case with 



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