THE CRO^V. 



THE members of the Crow family are gen- 

 erally associated with gloomy thouglits and 

 funereal events, chiefly perhaps from their dress of 

 black, that seems to array them in a garb of 

 mourning; and if it was to indicate the want of 

 many good qualities that their sable plumage was 

 bestowed upon them, it certainly was not given 

 unnecessarily. 



Thieves by nature, they make away with 

 every thing that attracts their attention, when it 

 is not too bulky for them to remove, and, with 

 the same instincts as those possessed by their 

 relatives, the Magpie and Jay, they hide their 

 booty in some chosen place of concealment. The 

 anxiously watched contents of the nest placed 

 amidst the heather on the hill-side is a great 

 treasure-trove for the wandering Crows, and many 

 a pair of Grouse have been roughly despoiled by 

 these winged robbers. 



They regard the field newly planted with corn as 

 prepared for their special benefit ; and so great is 

 their impatience, they can hardly restrain them- 

 selves from digging up the grain with their 

 strong bills until the laborers have left the 

 ground. But added to their unattractive robes 



is the discordant voice that, seemingly in mock- 

 ery of all tuneful notes, grates upon the ear at 

 every moment, as though its owner was ever de- 

 riding the warblers that make the groves re- 

 sound with their melody. 



Being also about the only featliered creatures 

 that remain in certain localities all the year, un- 

 mindful of the changing seasons, and always 

 familiar objects, swaying upon the dead limb, 

 when all nature lies lifeless beneath the white 

 robe of winter, we associate with these birds the 

 saddest period of the year, when all the flowers 

 liave drooped and died, and nature bereft of her 

 summer beauty, awaits the resurrection of the 

 spring-time. 



And they are suitable inhabitants of the gloomy 

 scene, flitting over the pure snow, their black 

 forms casting still blacker shadows, as with harsh 

 cries and labored effort they wing their way over 

 theiand. Quick of eye they are too, and cun- 

 ning withal ; nothing escapes their piercing gaze, 

 and well indeed must that object be hidden which 

 tliey pass by unnoticed. No poor wearied crea- 

 ture, sinking under the fierce blast, wounded 

 perhaps, need hope to escape these pilferers ; for 



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