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itself is not very great, but the motion is rapid ; and if 

 it succeed in stunning the animal, it instantly digs out 

 and devours the eyes, and often goes in quest of fresh 

 prey, leaving the carcass till it can be found again by 

 the scent. When birds of prey assail it on the wing, 

 or approach its nest, in the guarding of which it is both 

 vigilant and bold, it soars in order to get above them ; 

 and if it succeeds, it shoots downwards and aims at 

 them with its bill, the stroke of which, under those 

 circumstances, suffices to break the wing or even to 

 dislocate the neck of the most powerful hawks. But 

 as both can act effectually only downwards, the struggle 

 is very generally as to who shall rise highest above the 

 surface. The kite is common in many parts frequented 

 by the raven, and as the kite is also a powerful flyer, 

 the two often rise almost beyond the reach of vision, 

 and continue the contest till one or both drop down 

 from mere exhaustion. 



Like the birds of prey, the ravens pair for life, and 

 hunt, as well as rear their young, in company ; at least 

 when one is met with, the other, whether it makes its 

 appearance or not, is seldom far distant. Notwith- 

 standing their rapacity, they are not difficult to tame ; 

 and though its native voice be one of the most un- 

 couth in nature, it can be made to articulate sounds 

 with a great deal of ease. It may be taught many 

 tricks too ; and, like the magpie and some others of 

 the tribe, it is very much addicted to thieving, not 

 food, as it is natural enough for any animal to steal, 

 and for animals that are subjected to long fasts to 

 horde, but things that are showy, as metals, and bits 

 of potter's ware. Even in the wild state, they evince 



