240 



CHAPTER OF VARIETIES. 



the old nest, nor did they always build their nest on the same tree ; 

 nor was I positively certain that it was the same individuals who re- 

 turned every year to these trees, though it is probable they were, for 

 they were never molested. Knowing the predatory propensities of the 

 carrion crow on hens' eggs, young chicks, and even Turkey poults, 

 I would have shot them had they been a pair of carrion crows ; but 

 I was anxious to watch the result of what appeared to me at the time, 

 a remarkable union. 



Judging from the manners of the two birds, the almost constant 

 incubation, and carefulness exhibited, I should say that the hooded crow 

 was the female, though the carrion crow did frequently sit on the 

 eggs. After the young of the first year took wing, I perceived that 

 the one was a carrion and the other a hooded crow, and this distinctive 

 character was maintained in the young which were hatched every year, 

 as long as I remained in that part of the country. I shot the first 

 young pair, and ascertained that the hooded one was the female, and the 

 carrion was the male, which confirmed me in my conjecture of the sexes 

 of the parents. Ever after young and old were unmolested by me ; but 

 notwithstanding the increase of number every year after the first one, 

 only one pair came annually to build on these beech trees.* 



Edinburgh, 22nd March, 1833. H. S. 



The following corrections are necessary in the article on preparing 

 specimens for museums, which appeared in the last number : — 



Page 175, 3d line from bottom, for " breast," read head. 



176, 2d line from top, for " bone," read wire. 

 3d do. do. erase the word principle. 

 22d do. do. for ** hence," read once. 



,, 23d do. do. for " elastic", read inelastic. 



177, 15th do. do. for " looped," read passed. 



The accompanying sketch of a plaster head and wire skeleton, 

 prepared for a small monkey, will illustrate the mode recommended 

 for adoption in mounting mammalia. 



* Did we feel at liberty to give the name of our highly respectable correspondent, 

 our readers, we are certain, would feel no doubt of his accuracy. — Edttoh. 



