48 tNSESSORES. 



CHAPTER III. 



INSESSORES: PASSERES—OSOIJVES. 



THE CROW COMMON AND YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIE — BLUI 



JAY THE CANADA, FLORIDA, ULTAMAEINE, STELLER's, 



MEXICAN, AND PRINCE MAXIMILIAN JAY GREAT AMERICAN 



SHRIKE SOLITARY, WHITE-EYED, AND YELLOW-THROAT 



VIREO CEDAR-BIRD WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH. 



Of all the feathered inhabitants of America, with 

 which we are acquainted, the Crow is probably the 

 least of a favorite. Having little either in his ap- 

 pearance or habits to recommend him, he seems to 

 be regarded by general consent as a plundering vaga- 

 bond, toward whom neither indulgence nor mercy are 

 to be extended; and were it not that a beneficent 

 Providence has gifted him with more than common 

 sagacity, the race, in our agricultural districts at least, 

 would have long since suffered a considerable dimi- 

 nution of numbers. Watch the motions of yonder 

 sportsman with his double-barrelled gun, as he cau- 

 tiously follows the windings of that old worm-fence, 

 upon a distant stake of which are perched two or 

 three ominous-looking birds, while a dozen or more 

 of the same sort are quietly rooting up the fresh- 

 sprouted corn in an adjoining field. Well aware that 

 the watchful eye of the sentinel is ever on the look- 

 out for the approach of an enemy, he moves stealthily 



