186 CORVID.E. 



of size, that Starlings do to Rooks when seen in company 

 with each other. 



"The Raven's nest was placed in the fork, on the very 

 summit of one of the highest of these trees, while the hollow 

 trunks of many of them (almost all of the trees, being in- 

 ternally decayed) were tenanted by a numerous colony of 

 Jackdaws. 



" Some of the apertures through which they entered were so 

 near the ground as to enable me to reach them when on 

 horseback, while others were situated at a much greater 

 height. These conducted to the chambers in which the 

 nests were placed, and which were generally far removed from 

 the external orifice by which the birds entered their tower- 

 like habitation. 



" On thrusting an elastic rod upwards into some of these 

 passages, I found it impossible to arrive at the further extre- 

 mity of the apartment, while a few cavities of smaller 

 dimensions were within reach of my hand, and contained 

 nests constructed of short dry sticks, some of which were in a 

 yet unfinished state, while in others one or two eggs had been 

 deposited. 



" The next day I returned to the place, provided with a 

 spy-glass, for the purpose of observation. On my arrival I 

 found that the Ravens were absent, and that the jackdaws, 

 availing themselves of this, had congregated in considerable 

 numbers, and were as busily employed about their habitations 

 as a hive of bees ; some carrying materials for the completion 

 of their yet unfinished nests, others conveying food to their 

 mates, and apparently making the most of their time during 

 the absence of their tormentor. 



" There being no covert or brushwood at hand, and the 

 branches of the trees being yet leafless, I was unable to con- 

 ceal myself effectually, but having lain down at the foot of a 

 tree containing the nest, I awaited the return of the Ravens. 



