CROW. 
127 
and thickly and carefully lined with large quantities of the last 
material, wool, or the finest fibres of roots, so as to form a very 
comfortable bed for the helpless and naked young. 
The male at this season is extremely watchful, reconnoitring 
the neighborhood, and giving an alarm as any person happens 
to approach towards their nest, when both retire to a distance 
till the intruder disappears ; and in order the better to conceal 
their brood, they remain uncommonly silent until these are in 
a situation to follow them on the wing. I'he male also carries 
food to his mate while confined to her eggs, and at times 
relieves her by sitting in her absence. In Europe, when the 
Raven, the Buzzard, or the Kestrel makes his appearance, the 
pair join mstantly in the attack, and sometimes, by dint of furi- 
ous blows, destroy their enemy ; yet the Butcher Bird, more 
alert and courageous, not only resists, but often vanquishes 
the Crows and carries off their young. Like the Ravens, 
endued with an unrestrained and natural affection, they con- 
tinue the whole succeeding summer to succor and accompany 
their offspring in all their undertakings and excursions. 
The Crow is equally omnivorous with the Raven ; insects, 
worms, carrion, fish, grain, fruits, and in short everything 
digestible by any or all the birds in existence, being alike 
acceptable to this gormandizing animal. Its destruction of 
bird-eggs is also very considerable. In Europe Crows are often 
detected feeding their voracious young with the precious eggs 
of the Partridge, which they very sagaciously convey by care- 
fully piercing and sticking them expertly on the bill. They 
also know how to break nuts and shell- fish by dropping them 
from a great height upon the rocks below. They visit even the 
snares and devour the birds which they find caught, attacking 
the weak and wounded game. They also sometimes seize on 
young chickens and Ducks, and have even been observed to 
pounce upon Pigeons in the manner of Hawks, and with almost 
equal success. So familiar and audacious are they in some 
parts of the Levant that they will frequent the courts of houses, 
and, like Harpies, alight boldly on the dishes, as the servants are 
conveying in the dinner, and carry off the meat, if not driven 
