Nest, &c. 
68 OMNIVORI. CORVUS. Raven. 
matter, these birds assemble in troops, from all quarters, very 
soon after the slaughter of an animal, although at the time it 
takes place not one of them is to be seen on the wmg. In a 
state of freedom, the raven is very wary, and can rarely be 
taken by surprise. When young, it is easily domesticated, 
and may be taught a variety of tricks, as well as to articulate 
a few words. It is, however, always bold and mischievous, 
and displays its natural cunning in constantly pilfering. Any 
bright objects, as silver, glass, &c. are particularly alluring ; 
and these it secretes in some hole or crevice, thus establishing 
a regular depository for its thefts. Some curious anecdotes 
relative to this subject may be found in the works of authors 
on natural history *. 
It builds upon the loftiest trees, or on steep and inacces- 
sible rocks. ‘The nest is composed of sticks, lined with wool, 
hair, &c. The eggs are of an oil-green colour, blotched with. 
darker stains; are generally five or six in number, and 
scarcely exceed in size those of the carrion crow. It breeds 
very early in the year, commencing nidification about the 
middle of February. During incubation, the female is regu- 
larly attended and fed by the male bird, who also occasion- 
ally occupies her place. At this season they are very bold, 
and will not permit any hawk or other bird to approach their 
haunt with impunity. They pair for life, and return every 
year to the same spot to breed. When the young become 
fully fledged, and are able to provide for themselves, the pa- 
rent birds drive them away from the neighbourhood. In 
fine weather, ravens fly at a considerable height, and perform 
various rapid manceuvres ; and, whilst thus engaged, they ut- 
ter a peculiar and quickly repeated note, unlike their usual 
hoarse and disagreeable croak. The raven is a very long 
lived bird ; but the period of its years has never been accu- 
rately ascertained, and is, probably, a little exaggerated in 
fable. 
* See Monr. Ornith. Dict. article Raven; Wutrn’s Nat. Hist. of Sel- 
borne, &c. 
