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CHAPTER XXXIX. 



CROWS, HAWKS, AND OWLS. 



The Raven, although not strictly a cage-bird, on account of its size, is very often kept as a 

 pet, and should always be reared from the nest, which is generally found in forests or cliffs. His 

 proverbial glossy feathers are of the densest black, tinted with violet. Tliis bird is the largest 

 of the Crow tribe, and from the breadth of its tongue may be easily taught to talk, and will 

 then repeat words and phrases with very clear enunciation, whilst its drollery is very amusing. 

 It should be kept in a large cage, or allowed to roam the garden with clipped wings unless 

 very tame indeed, when • it may be allowed perfect freedom ; however, in that case, all glittering 

 articles of value must be kept out of sight, as the Raven has a strong propensity for thieving 

 and hiding anything bright and shining. 



The comparatively young one we have (for they live to a very great age) is now six years 

 old, and talks freely. It has been confined in a wire-fronted, wooden cage, about three feet square, 

 and always has a bone given it to attract its attention, as otherwise it devotes the whole of its 

 energies to eating the wood of its cage. It is fed chiefly upon pieces of raw meat (beef and 

 mutton being preferred), ground oats, mixed stiffly, and any table scraps (it is very fond of 

 picking a bone) ; and, in fact, nothing seems to come amiss to it, being possessed of a voracious 

 appetite and a good digestion. Whenever obtainable, give mice, birds, and small rats. 



The Carrion Crow is very similar to the Raven, only smaller in size. They generally 

 live in pairs when wild, but are now become very scarce. The one we have we reared from 

 the nest, which was found in a tree, and it is now five years old, having grown to be a pecu- 

 liarly sagacious-looking bird, cracking its beak together and ducking its head whilst uttering 

 its long-drawn-out " craw." It is fed the same as the Raven. 



The Rook, although it has few good qualities to recommend it, is capable of being made 

 a very tame pet, and should be fed and treated as the Raven. 



The Jackdaw is a very sagacious-looking bird, and from its droll antics is an especial 

 favourite amongst boys. Jack can be easily reared, and may be taught to speak a little; its 

 comical cry of "Jack," accompanied by'its mock-serious look, will always make it a cheery 

 companion ; though, like the Raven, this bird is also, unfortunately, very fond of stealing 

 (which circumstance has given us the laughable legend of the Jackdaw of Rheims), and should 

 therefore have all bright articles placed beyond reach. It will become very affectionate, and may 

 be allowed its freedom, so far as the clipping of a few wing-feathers will permit. Under these 

 circumstances Jackdaws have been known to strike up acquaintance, and ultimately firm friend- 

 ship, with a dog or cat, eating out of the same platter and reposing upon the hearthrug together, 

 although sometimes this peaceful disposition is exactly reversed. 



There is a peculiarly reverend appearance about the Jackdaw, perfectly in keeping with its 



