THE RAVEN. 
127 
suddenly and killed two. Upon several other occasions I have 
shot them in a similar manner, hut they would never come 
within reach either wlien the gun was exposed to view or 
when my eyes were open. Although so cautious in their deal- 
ings with mankind, they will fearlessly approach a pony, even 
when it is giving evident signs of life. 
A Haven will often sit until a dog is almost within reach, 
and then rise slowly and with apparent carelessness ; hut this 
indifference is only assumed, for an aggressive movement on 
the part of the dog is nearly always accompanied hy a hurried 
ascent upon that of the Haven. Sometimes, however, as in a 
case wUich occurred at Balta Sound a few years ago, the Haven’s 
impudence brings its own punishment. A dog, which had 
long been very much annoyed by one of these birds which 
frequented his master’s farm, suddenly gave up all attempt at 
retaliation, and was repeatedly seen proceeding upon his way 
with apparent unconcern, while his tormentor was evidently 
using every means to provoke the usual snarl and its accom- 
panying unsuccessful spring. Seemingly in despair of ever 
being able to grapple with his enemy, the dog could never 
again be enticed to forget his own want of wings, and conse- 
quently the Haven grew bolder and bolder, hopping along 
almost beneath his very nose, and sometimes even striking 
him with its claws. One day, however, as the dog was passing 
along a low turf wall, the Haven thought fit to repeat the 
performance, keeping most provokingly a little in advance, 
and occasionally varying the amusement with a croak or a 
sly pounce. The dog trotted along as briskly as usual, looking 
neither to the right nor to the left. Then the Haven, making 
a short circuit, again assailed him from above, and passing 
over his head, was about to alight deliberately upon the wall, 
when the dog, making a mighty bound forward, seized his 
enemy by the wing, and tore him literally to shreds. 
So much has already been said and written with regard to 
the superstitions connected with this bird from time imme- 
morial, that the subject may almost be considered exhausted. 
