THE CARRION-CROW. 163 
the two colours of the respective species have remained pure and distinct, forms 
the most striking proof of the specific independence of the two; for, if they had 
not existed originally as two fixed primary forms, to which the mongrel offspring 
reverted, though this may have occurred only after several generations, we should 
at present know neither the one species nor the other in its pure simple 
coloration, but should meet only with unlimited gradational stages of mixtures of 
grey and black forms.” 
This argument however is not unassailable, unless it be claimed that the 
three Pheasants—P. colchicus, P. torguatus, and P. versicolor, which also interbreed 
freely and produce endless intergrades are therefore not distinct species. It must 
also be borne in mind that in some cases acknowledged sports of the same 
species when crossed do not produce intergrades, but from one clutch of eggs 
reproduce examples of each variety, as has been proved in the case of the 
Barbary Turtle-Dove, the Gouldian Finch, and the supposed fertile hybrid known 
as the Bengalee. 
In many respects the Carrion-Crow resembles the Raven, inhabiting similar 
haunts, whether among the rocky uplands, or in woods and game-coverts. In its 
predatory habits it is almost, if not quite as much dreaded, both by shepherd 
and game-keeper. Ever seeking for food from dawn till dark, the mischief done 
by a pair of this species in a single season must be enormous. ‘That this bird 
has some courage seems probable from the fact that it will sometimes dispute 
with a Gull or even a small Hawk, but it appears soon to weary of resisting a 
combined attack, otherwise the young chicks of pheasants and partridges would 
indeed fare badly. Lord Lilford observes:—‘‘ We have not a word to say in 
defence of the Carrion-Crow. His habits appear to us to be purely noxious, and 
neither his personal appearance, voice, or manners in captivity offers anything in 
extenuation of his natural evil propensities.” 
The flight of the Carrion-Crow is somewhat laboured, though at times very 
rapid, its wings regularly beating the air; when approaching the earth it usually 
wheels round in circles. On the earth it either walks; or, if in a hurry, leaps 
forward with half opened wings after the fashion of its kind. 
The time of nidification of the Carrion-Crow is from the latter half of April 
to nearly the end of May (a clutch which I purchased from a shepherd, whose 
boys had just taken them from a nest near the top of an elm-tree at Iwade near 
Sheppy, consisted of three full-sized eggs and one small yolkless one, all of which 
were quite fresh on May 25th). The nest is bulky and the same structure is 
believed to be used and added to year after year; it is either placed in a niche, 
or on a ledge of rock, or in a tall tree,—oak, elm, or pine; but in Holland it is 
