124 
CORVID/E. 
by the tempting grassy ledges, and, unable without great care 
to turn round upon the narrow shelf, is easily frightened over 
by the Eavens, and is precipitated upon the rocks beneath. The 
mode of attacking a large animal is well known. A blow or 
two with the bill destroys the eyes, death soon follows, and 
then the meal is ready. In winter, when a pony dies near its 
owner’s cottage, the skin is removed, and too often the carcase 
is left within a few yards of the door. At these times, chiefly 
in the early morning when all is quiet, the Eavens assemble to 
the feast in considerable numbers ; indeed, I once observed as 
many as seventeen feeding upon and hovering about one such 
carcase. It is seldom, however, that on these occasions they 
are unaccompanied by birds of other species ; a random shot 
might happen to kill either Eaven, Hooded Crow, Starling, 
great black-backed or glaucous Gull, aU of which are carrion 
feeders at certain seasons. 
As soon as the young are hatched, the Eaven becomes both 
daring and crafty, and is then truly a pest to the whole country, 
stealing the ducks’ and hens’ eggs, and frequently killing the 
birds themselves. Those are generally selected which are 
straying in the open fields, so that when the robber returns again 
and again to carry off portions of the plunder, he is far out of 
shot. Early in the morning, however, the victims are often 
snatched from the very door of the cottage. At this season, 
the live stock upon the hills rec[uire to be carefully watched, 
otherwise the earliest lambs and foals are almost sure to be 
slaughtered. It is no wonder therefore that farmers feel no 
remorse in slaying both parents and nestlings by means of a 
poisoned carcase placed on a ledge of the cliff, out of the way 
of dogs, &c. The only objection to such a plan is that it causes 
destruction also to the Gulls, but this is never deemed worthy 
of consideration. 
]\Iany attempts liave been made to drive Eavens from Shet- 
land, or at least to lessen their number, but without avail. 
dTaps are almost useless, nor are guns much more effectual, 
except Cor the moment. I^oison has gone greatly out of favour 
