The Crow. 



373 



ones in April, which remain in the company of their parents 

 until the following spring, when they set up on their own 

 account. 



Crows are not so gregarious in their habits as Eooks ; they 

 keep together in winter in small flocks only, and in the 

 spring separate, and betake themselves to the districts most 

 congenial to their tastes. 



Methods of Captuee. — In winter time, clear a piece of 

 ground, and bait with pieces of raw meat, attached to short, 

 stout pieces of stick, or thick rope ; cut the latter into short 

 lengths, and besmear well with fresh-made water birdlime. 

 The birds settle on the sticks or rope in their endeavours to 

 tear away the meat, and so get entangled. 



Food and Treatment. — In a natural state, Crows feed on 

 worms, caterpillars, grubs, beetles, moles, mice, young birds 

 of most kinds, and eggs of all sorts. When in the vicinity 

 of the sea they feed on fish, moUusca, carrion, or whatever 

 of an edible nature presents itself. In confinement, they may 

 be fed on the food given to pigeons and poultry, or on any 

 refuse from the table ; but nothing appears more gratifying 

 to their taste than a piece of decayed flesh of any sort, which, 

 if hungry, they will devour in the most ravenous manner. 



Rearing the Young. — If it be intended to rear the young 

 by hand, they should be taken when ten days old, and 

 fed on soaked bread, pieces of raw bullock's liver, worms, 

 maggots, &c., the same as young Ravens. When six weeks 

 old they may be treated as adult birds. 



Distinguishing Marks of Cock and Hen. — The female is 

 not so bright in the colour of her plumage as the male, and 

 is quieter and less demonstrative in manner ; in other respects 

 there is a great similarity. 



Song.— The Crow does not sing, but utters a hoarse " Caw, 

 caw." It can, however, be taught to repeat short words, and 

 readily mimics sounds, such as those of a sheep bleating, or 

 a cow bellowing, if kept for any length of time within hearing 

 of these animals. 



Points to be Observed in Judging. — Crows are not fit 

 subjects for the show bench ; but should one be required, care 

 should be taken to select a specimen that is smart and active 

 in its movements, and in perfect plumage. 



General Remarks. — Owing to the bad character these birds 



