282 
NESTS AND EGGS OF 
are more frequently observed than in the vicinity of densely-populated 
towns. The greater abundance of carrion to be met with in the former is 
doubtless the cause of this preference. However, in California and Oregon, 
according to Dr. Newberry, they are quite as common near towns as about 
the large rivers. In our Southern States they visit cities and large vil- 
lages, and play the part of scavengers, in company with the Black Vulture. 
They are said to be so tame and unsuspicious in Kingston, Jamaica, that 
they roost upon the house-tops, or prey upon offal in the streets. In 
country places they are quite as familiar and trustful. This is evidenced 
while feeding. So intent are they upon the business before them, that the 
presence of human beings is unnoticed, and even when compelled to for- 
sake their booty, sullenly repair to a short distance, but to resume their 
repast when the annoyance has ceased. The Common Crow has been 
observed to gather around the same food, and the utmost good feeling 
prevailed. A small flock will often settle down upon a dead horse, around 
which several dogs are gathered. The snapping and snarling of these 
creatures, when they approach the latter too closely, does not cause them 
to retire, but only to step a few paces aside, when, nothing daunting, they 
continue their feeding, apparently oblivious of their whereabouts and 
surroundings. 
Although the sense of sight is rather keenly developed in these birds, 
yet that of smell is none the less so. This is an advantage, for both the 
visual and olfactory organs - are called into requisition in determining the 
presence of decaying matters. As a proof that smell leads to food-detection, 
we cannot do better than cite an instance mentioned by Dr. Hill, and 
given by Dr. Brewer in the work entitled “ North American Birds.” It 
was a case where several of these birds were attracted to the house of 
a German emigrant who was prostrated by fever, by the strong odor 
escaping from his neglected food which had become putrid. Mr. G. C. 
Taylor, whilst a resident of Kingston, sufficiently tested their power of 
smell. He wrapped the carcass of a bird in a piece of pajDer, and flung 
the parcel into the summit of a densely-leaved tree, in close proximity to 
