RAVEN. 3 



flections by means of which they hold converse during these amatory ex- 

 cursions ! These sounds doubtless express their pure conjugal feelings, 

 confirmed and rendered more intense by long years of happiness in each 

 other's society. In this manner they may recall the pleasing remem- 

 brance of their youthful days, recount the events of their life, express the 

 pleasure they have enjoyed, and perhaps conclude with humble prayer to 

 the Author of their being for a continuation of it. 



Now, tlieir matins are over ; the happy pair are seen to glide towards 

 the earth in spiral lines ; they alight on the boldest summit of a rock, so 

 high that you can scarcely judge of their actual size ; they approach each 

 other, their bills meet, and caresses are exchanged as tender as those of 

 the gentle Turtle Dove. Far beneath, wave after wave dashes in foam 

 against the impregnable sides of the rocky tower, the very aspect of 

 which would be terrific to almost any other creatures than the sable 

 pair, which for years have resorted to it, to rear the dearly-cherished fruits 

 of their connubial love. Midway between them and the boiUng waters, 

 some shelving ledge conceals their eyry. To it they now betake them- 

 selves, to see what damage it has sustained from the peltings of the winter 

 tempests. Off they fly to the distant woods for fresh materials with which 

 to repair the breach ; or on the plain they collect the hair and fur of qua- 

 drupeds; or from the sandy beach pick up the weeds that have been 

 washed there. By degrees, the nest is enlarged and trimmed, and when 

 every thing has been rendered clean and comfortable, the female deposits 

 her eggs, and begins to sit upon them, while her brave and affectionate 

 mate protects and feeds her, and at intervals takes her place. 



All around is now silent, save the hoarse murmur of the waves, or the 

 whistling sounds produced by the flight of the waterfowl travelling towards 

 the northern regions. At length the young burst the shell, when the care- 

 ful parents, after congratulating each other on the happy event, disgorge 

 some half-macerated food, which they deposit in their tender mouths. 

 Should the most daring adventurer of the air approach, he is attacked 

 with fury and repelled. As the young grow up, they are urged to be care- 

 ful and silent : — a single false movement might precipitate them into the 

 abyss below ; a single cry during the absence of their parents might bring 

 upon them the remorseless claws of the swift Peregrine or Jerfalcon. 

 The old birds themselves seem to improve in care, diligence, and activity, 

 varying their course Avhen returning to their home, and often entering it 

 when unexpected. The young are now seen to stand on the edge of the 



