CORVIDA, 241 
THE RAVEN. 
Corvus cérAx, Linnzus. 
Although a diminishing species, in consequence of the hatred 
entertained for it by sheep-farmers and the ease with which it can 
be trapped, the Raven still maintains itself in the British Islands. 
In the south its numbers are somewhat influenced by the prices paid 
for young birds; but even now, from Kent to Cornwall, and along 
the rocky coasts of North Devon and Wales there is hardly a suitable 
headland in or near which a pair does not at least attempt to breed 
annually ; while nests built in trees, although far rarer than formerly, 
are less uncommon than might be supposed at short distances 
inland. Not long ago several pairs frequented Essex, but the Raven 
is now rare in the eastern counties and throughout the interior of 
England. On the hills and fells of the west and north it is still 
to be found; while in Scotland, and especially in the islands, it is 
by no means uncommon, provided there are cliffs suitable for its 
protection. In Ireland it is still resident in the wilder parts, but 
its numbers have decreased of late years. 
The Raven is stationary in the Feroes, where pied birds (occa- 
sionally met with in the British Islands and elsewhere) are rather 
U 
