106 Mr. Peabody on the 
by numbers, is compelled to sound a retreat. In 
this way he often officiates as a guardian of the 
domestic poultry. ; 
The crow feeds on almost every thing eatable, 
without choice or delicacy in the selection. It de- 
vours fruits, vegetables, and seeds ; snakes, frogs, 
and other reptiles are also to its taste; it does not 
despise worms, grubs, and insects; and if hungry, 
will eat the flesh of animals when so far decayed 
that even an epieure would reject it. Farmers are 
very bitter in their feeling toward the crow, but per- 
haps they would be more moderate in their resent- 
ment at his depredations, if they were aware, that 
the cut-worm. has the benefit of all their efforts to 
destroy the crow. Whether that voracious grub 
will feel any gratitude for this protection, may be 
doubted. 
The crow selects the most retired places for its 
nest, forming itof dry twigs interwoven with grass 
and plastered with mud or clay, with a lining of 
fibrous roots and feathers. The eggs are from four 
to six, of a pale green, spotted and clouded with 
olive or blackish brown. Both the male and female 
Sit, and are remarkable for their attachment to their 
young, as well as to each other. If any nest is ap- 
proached, all the crows in the neighborhood gather 
in crowds and express their disgust at the transac- 
tion. As soon as the young are able to fly, the 
parents introduce them into the community of crows; 
_ and they remain in flocks till the spring. It is need- 
less to say that they spend the winter here. 
