26 
by its subterranean galleries causes so much damage to the : 
banks of canals and other artificial bodies of water, will be ; 
found here. Its habits are somewhat similar to those of the : 
beaver. 
The Common Crow {^Corvus americanus') and the Raven ' 
(Corvus carnivorus) are the leading American members of the : 
family Corvidce, represented in England by the magpie. 
The fine pair of mysterious-looking Ravens in one of the ; 
cages on this walk were the gift of William Wister, Esq., and 1 
formed the nucleus of the collection. As they are very long- ■ 
lived, it is probable that they will see greater changes in their : 
surroundings than they have yet done. They are found . 
throughout North America, although east of the Mississippi . 
they have become rare. 
The Fisher, or Pennant’s Marten {^Mustela pennantii), . 
affords an example of a very prevalent and deplorable confu- • 
sion among the vernacular names of animals, which is fhe : 
cause of most erroneous ideas with regard to the habits of: 
many species. There is no evidence whatever that this animal i 
catches fish, or that it is particularly fond of a fish diet ; yet : 
its most common name conveys the impression that these are : 
its most noticeable habits. It belongs to the large family ' 
Mustelidce, comprising the otters, weasels, skunks, &c. — all 
of which are carnivores of small or medium size, mainly living- ; 
on land, though several of them, as the mink and otter, are : 
essentially aquatic in their habits. 
No. 6.— THE EAGLE AVIARY. 
This building is divided into three compartments, contain- • 
ing Owls, Eagles, Hawks, and Vultures, — a number of these ■ 
being also scattered around the neighborhood in small cages. 
Among them are generally to be found the following : — 
The Great Horned Owl {Bubo virginianus), Nortli i 
America. 
The Screech Owl (Soops as/o), North America. 
The Barred Owl (Syrnium nebulosuni), North America. 
The Short-eared Owl {Brachyoius palustris), North i 
America, Europe, and Asia. 
