180 HILLS AND LAKES. 



stage of decay. The great limbs of the trees outside 

 of the brooding place, were broken and hanging down, 

 being unable to sustain the weight of the thousands 

 that perched upon them, Evidently the wild animals 

 had fattened upon the unfledged birds, that had fallen 

 from the nests, for we saw hundreds of half-devoured 

 carcasses laying around. The hawks and carrion 

 birds congregated about. We heard the cawing of the 

 crows, and the hoarse croaking of the raven in every 

 direction, and saw them at a distance, devouring the 

 dead birds on the ground. We saw dozens of hawks, 

 and owls, sitting upon the trees around, gorged with 

 food, that flew lazily away as we approached. Every 

 few minutes, would be heard the roar of a flock of 

 the birds, as they started from among the trees. 



After examining to our satisfaction, this wonderful 

 exhibition of the habits, and instincts of this truly 

 American bird, we took from among the largest of 

 those in the nests, what would serve for our breakfast 

 and dinner, and turned to the lake. As we passed 

 back, we saw, just outside the roost, two gray foxes 

 stealing away into the thickets. These, and such as 

 them, were having a good time of it that season, 

 among the countless hosts of young pigeons. 



