limbs. The above represents a typical nest. The materials of construction, of course, vary somewhat 

 in different localities. 



EGGS: 



The usual complement of eggs is six, but four or five frequently constitute a set. They measure in 

 long-diameter from 1.50 to 1.90, and in short-diameter from 1.10 to 1.25 of an inch. The average size 

 in several sets is 1.18 x 1.70. 



The usual ground-color of the shell is a light greenish-blue; exceptionally it inclines to a yellow- 

 brown. The marks consist of small blotches, spots, and speckles of bistre; upon some eggs these are 

 moderately dark, upon others very faint. They may be so numerous as to almost conceal the ground- 

 color, or scattered sparingly. Occasionally, an unmarked egg is found. Marks beneath the surface are 

 somewhat purplish. An egg before me, of the usual pattern, has a ground of light greenish-blue, visible 

 between large, irregular patches of various shades of bistre. The large masses of color are formed by 

 confluent blotches, spots, and speckles. There is great diversity in coloring among the eggs of this 

 species, and it is impossible to give a description that will accurately cover each specimen. 



DIFFERENTIAL POINTS: 

 See table. 



REMARKS: 



The eggs illustrated on Plate XLY, Fig. 4, represent the variations in size, shape, color, and 

 markings that usually occur. The middle egg is the commonest pattern. 



The Common Crow, except in cases of partial or complete albinism, is so intensely and uniformly 

 black that the name has become a synonym for the color. Their coats are glossy and beautiful, and 

 give to their owners an air of gentility of the kind commonly associated with broadcloth. In intelli- 

 gence, the Crow is surpassed by none of our native birds, and equaled by few. It is possessed of a 

 mind rapid in action, deep in penetration, and logical in method. All of these qualities, together with 

 the fact that the moral code of the Crow does not exist, make it a bird feared by the feathery tribe 

 and despised by man. 



In Southern Ohio, the Crow is not as plentiful, either in summer or during migrations, as it was 

 twenty years ago. Formerly, it was not uncommon to see the air blackened with them upon their 

 journey South; but now flocks of more than a hundred are rarely seen. In December, 1882, I saw 

 several hundreds feeding along the Mill Creek bottoms, just out of Cincinnati, and I am informed by my 

 friend, Dr. W. W. Dawson, that there is within the city limits a roost which has been occupied nightly, 

 winter and summer, as far back as the memory of the oldest inhabitant can recall. 



The Crow is quiet about home, and takes great precautions not to be seen near the nest. Some- 

 times they will fight for their young, to which they always show great attachment. If the nest contains 

 only eggs, the owners will often surfer it to be robbed, without making any demonstration. The young- 

 are fed upon grubs, eggs, young poultry, mice, and whatever else in the way of meat can be procured. 

 By nature, the Crow is a thief, and hungry young at home increase their prowess and braVery. They 

 will catch young chickens, ducks, or turkeys, like a Hawk, and are more dreaded, because more cunning. 

 They will enter the barnyard and carry off eggs in a manner so sly that it is difficult to catch them. I 

 saw a female Crow take nine Guinea's eggs, in rapid succession, and fly with them to her nest, about a 

 quarter of a mile away, and, if I had not interfered, the remaining twenty would soon have gone the 

 same road. 



When taken young, they are easily tamed, and are full of cussedness and tricks of all kinds. Some 

 people like to have them about, and endure their mischievousness for their company. 



156 



