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NATURAL HISTORY. 
sportsman, as they run over the snowy crust among 
the thickets. 
69. In summer, we often hear them, when perched 
on a fence, or the bough of a tree, sending forth 
their whistling notes, which, by the foretellers of 
changes in the weather, are translated into the omi- 
nous phrases of “ more wet,” and “ no more wet.” 
THE RAVEN. 
70. The Raven is the largest of the crow tribe. 
“ As black as a Raven” is an old adage, which was 
derived from its colour ; for it is of a glossy, shining 
black. It is a large, strong-bodied bird, about two 
feet in length, and four feet across its wings. 
71. In his wild state, the Raven is an active and * 
greedy plunderer. Whether his prey be living or 
in a putrescent state, he falls to with a voracious 
appetite, and afterwards flies to acquaint his fellows. 
His scent is so exquisite that he can discover car- 
rion at a surprising distance. 
Describe the Raven. What is said of him in a wild state ? 
