THE RAVEN. 



(Corviis cor ax.) 



The Raven is fully one third larger than the crow. 

 Its plumage is black, with a blue or green lustre. Tail 

 wedge-shaped ; beak large and slightly curved ; the 

 breast feathers pointed. It builds its nest in woods, 

 on the tops of high trees ; selecting most cunningly such 

 trees as cannot be climbed. The clutch consists of four 

 to six light green eggs with dark speckles. 



It flies well, and can hover in circles, and is a cunning, 

 shy bird, always ready for plunder but a splendid 

 creature. It is really sad that it should allow itself to be 

 led away to the paths of dishonesty by the sight of 

 shining objects. It attacks everything from earth-worms 

 to hares, plunders and steal nests, takes eggs and fledge- 

 lings, and also feeds on 'carrion. According to popular 

 superstition, it first pecks out the eyes of its prey. The 

 proverb says : One crow does not peck out the eyes of 

 another. 



Another proverb allegorically expresses the fact that 

 the young brood are black : It may be freely translated 

 as follows : 



" That ravens bear not doves 'tis known, 



And grapes on thorn-trees ne'er have grown." 



The Raven lives to a great age ; it becomes tame in 

 confinement, and can be easily taught. It even learns 

 to speak, and can pronounce words clearly. It is the 

 jester among the animals in the farm-yard. It some- 

 times happens that the black colouring matter is wanting 



