64 JACKDAW.— MAGPIE. _^^ 



and is composed externally of branches and roots of shrubs ; 

 bones of quadrupeds, or fragments of hard substances form the 

 second layer, and the interior is lined with herbs, moss, and hair. 

 About the month of March, the female lays five or six eggs of a 

 pale bluish green colour, marked with a great many obscure 

 spots and tints. The cares of incubation, which lasts about 

 twenty days, are shared by the male. The Raven i& met with 

 in all climates ; it appears to be insensible to the vicissitudes of 

 the seasons. When other birds are overcome by the cold and 

 oppressed by hunger, it leisurely seeks its prey and hunts in the 

 coldest atmosphere. Some travellers assert that they have seen 

 Ravens that were entirely white ,- which is apparently attributa- 

 ble to the rigorous climate of northern regions. 



73. [The Crow^ — Corvus Americanus, — like the Raven, is a 

 denizen of nearly the whole world. Our native Crow is black 

 and glossy, with violet coloured reflections. It is a troublesomely 

 abundant resident in most of the settled districts of North 

 America, It is easily raised and domesticated, and soon learns 

 to distinguish the different members of the family with which it 

 is associated. 



74. \_The Fish- Crow, — Cvrius osslfragus, — keeps apart from 

 the common species, and spends its time near rivers, hovering 

 over the stream to catch up dead, and perhaps living fishes. It 

 breeds in New Jersey in tall trees, having nests and eggs very 

 similar to the preceding species.] 



75. The Jackdaw, — Corvus monedula, — is about the size of a 

 pigeon ; it is less black than the Crow, inclining even to ash- 

 colour about the neck and below. It inhabits Europe through- 

 out the year, and keeps about the tops of churches, in old towers, 

 in ruined buDdings, and sometimes, though rarely, around chim- 

 neys ; its nests are also found in the hollows of trees, and rabbit 

 burrows. The female lays five or six eggs, which are paler and 

 smaller than those of the Raven. Jackdaws are readily tamed 

 and may be taught even to pronounce words. They like to hide 

 a part of their food, and we sometimes find in their holes small 

 pieces of money which they delight in stealing. They feed on 

 grains, insects and fruits; they are particularly fond of partridge 

 egg3, and they have been known to catch fish. 



76. The Magpie, — Pica, — Corvus pica, — is a beautiful iDird, 

 of a silky black colour, with purple, blue and gold reflections : it 



73. What arc the liabits of the Crow ? 



74. Where is the Fish-Crow found ? What are its habits ? 



75. What are the characters of the Jackdaw ? What are its habits ? 



76. What art the characters of the Magpie ? What are its habila? 



I 



