ENEMIES OF THE GAME-REARER 



The destruction of these birds is best effected either by- 

 means of a concealed spring hawk trap, baited with eggs, 

 or else by shooting, poisoning, etc. 



The Carrion Crow {Corvus Corone) 



Although a particularly common bird in England and 

 Wales, it is much more abundant in Scotland, or at any rate, 

 certain portions of it. There seems to be a doubt as to 

 whether it is ever found in the Orkney or Shedand Isles, 

 whilst in Ireland it is an uncommon bird. The male and the 

 female are similar in plumage, being glossy black. The bill 

 and the feet are black, with greenish reflections on the head, 

 neck and wings. It will hybridise with the Hooded Crow, 

 and in many features it has a strong resemblance to the 

 Raven. The gamekeeper and the shepherd both dislike it, 

 and its destruction is keenly sought after. Its food consists 

 of young hares and rabbits, partridges, Pheasants and grouse, 

 as well as disabled sheep, lambs, etc. It emits a hoarse 

 croaking sound, and its favourite nesting-places are tall trees, 

 such as the Oak, Elm and Pine. The old nest is added to 

 from year to year, and the eggs are usually about six. 



A peculiar feature in connection with the Carrion Crow 

 is that when it pairs with the female, it is a marriage for 

 life, unless either of them meet with an untimely death. 

 Probably the reader will take exception to my usage of the 

 word untimely, with which I agree, it being impossible for 

 the destruction of the Carrion Crow to be carried out too 

 early. 



Rook {^Corvus Frugilegus) 

 The Rook is widely distributed in England, Ireland 



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