THE RAVEN 71 



fully. The pair play together and tumble down as if 

 shot, and turn over on their backs. Then whilst his 

 mate is sitting he keeps careful watch over her and utters 

 savage croaks if any footstep approaches. He will fight 

 any large bird of prey that dares to approach his nesting 

 place. A faithful creature, he pairs for life and, says one 

 of his lovers "you will hear him utter a low gurgling 

 note of conjugal endearment which will sometimes lure 

 his mate from her charge ; and then after a little coze 

 and talk together, you will see him, unlike many hus- 

 bands, relieve her for the time of her responsibilities, 

 and take his own turn on the nest." 



The Raven is in danger of extinction in our country 

 unless better protection can be procured for him. Sheep 

 farmers have a special grudge against him. Its num- 

 bers are kept down in the South of England by the 

 prices paid for the young birds. Still they continue to 

 breed all along the south coast and from North Devon to 

 Wales, wherever there is a suitable headland. The 

 so-called Raven-trees are much few 7 er than they used to 

 be. The Raven is rare in the eastern counties and in 

 the Midlands. In Scotland it is not uncommon wherever 

 it finds suitable cliffs to build in. In Ireland its numbers 

 are fast decreasing. Its fondness for weakly ewes, lambs 

 and game make him an object of hatred in many 

 districts. 



