AVES— CROW. 475 



taught the bird several tricks ; but particularly to pronounce the name of the 

 Emperor Tiberius and the w-hole royal family. The tailor was beginning 

 to grow rich by those who came to see this wonderful raven, till an envious 

 neighbor, displeased at the tailors success, killed the bird, and deprived the 

 tailor of his future hopes of fortune. The Romans, however, took the poor 

 tailor's part; they punished the man who offered the injury, and gave the 

 raven all the honors of a magnificent interment. 



Birds in general live longer than quadrupeds ; and the raven is said to be 

 one of the most long lived of the number. Some of them have been known 

 to live near a hundred years. This animal, indeed, seems possessed of 

 those qualities that generally produce longevity, namely, a good appetite, 

 and great exercise. 



The raven is about two feet in length, and four in breadth of wing. Its bill 

 is strong, and very thick at the base ; it measures somewhat more than two 

 inches and a half in length, and is covered with strong hairs or bristles, 

 which extend above half its length, covering the nostrils; the general color 

 of the upper parts is a fine glossy black, reflecting a blue tint in particular 

 lights; the under parts are duller, and of a dusky hue. 



The raven is a general inhabitant of the United States, but is more com- 

 mon in the interior. It is a remarkable fact, that where they abound, the 

 common crow seldom makes his appearance. 



THE CARRION CROW.i 



This bird is about eighteen inches in length ; its breadth above two feet. 

 Crows are more numerous than ravens, and as widely spread. They live 

 mostly in woods, chiefly in pairs, and build their nests on trees: the 

 female lays five or six eggs much like those of a raven. They remain in 

 England all the year. They feed on putrid flesh of all sorts ; likewise on 

 eggs, worms, insects, and various sorts of grain. Even pigeons, rabbits, 

 chickens, and young ducks are not safe from their attacks. The crow is a 



* Corvus corone, Lin. 



