Of the family Corvidce there are several divisions or 
sub-families ; some of the genera of which, in the 
metallic lustre of their plumage, and the velvet-like 
process that in some species ornaments the face, 
indicate their close affinity to the Birds of Paradise. 
Of the sub-family Corvince many species are common 
in this country, such as the Baven, Crow, Magpie, etc. 
Grenerally speaking, these birds are all sober and even 
sombre in their attire, but there are a few exceptions ; 
and even in the most dull-garbed ones there is a beau- 
tiful compactness in the plumage, which appears to be 
well tempered to the elements, so that they are 
enabled to be constantly beating about and ranging far 
and wide in search of food, returning generally to 
their habitual dwellings at night. They are more 
generally distributed over the globe than most birds, 
and they appear to possess no slight degree of intel- 
ligence and cunning. Some of the species, indeed, are 
notorious for their surprising capacity of observation. 
AVild or tame, they are always prying about, and not 
only perceive what is immediately beside them, but 
have no inconsiderable amount of knowledge of what 
is going on in the world around them ; and though 
this vigilance renders them very wary of real danger, 
and very expert in avoiding it, it gives them a degree 
of self-possession much gi eater than that of most birds. 
Some of the species have for a long time been accused 
