NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 
225 
closely approached. I heard no note beyond the usual sparrow-like chirp. It 
probably leaves the country for the south by the 1st of October, as early in 
November it is abundant throughout the United States as far south, at least, 
as Washington, where it may be found in great numbers during the winter 
months. 
Scolecophagus FERRUGiNEUs (Gm.) Sw. — Rusty Grakle, 
Quiscalus ferrugineus , Aud. Birds Amer. iv. 65 ; pi. 222. 
Scolecophagus ferrugineus , Baird, Gen. Rep. 551. 
This, the only representative of the Icterida I observed in Labrador, appears 
to be rather uncommon. I noticed nothing peculiar in its habits, very pro- 
bably, however, because my opportunities for observation were so limited. 
The only note I heard was the rough guttural “ chuck,” common to most of 
the species of the family. On the 24th of July, I came upon a family of these 
birds, in a densely wooded marshy spot. The young were at that time just 
fully fledged, and were fluttering around the vicinity of the nest. The species 
is confined to heavily wooded districts, showing evident partially for the low 
swampy or boggy localities, interspersed with pools, for which some parts of 
Labrador are so famous. 
Corvus carnivorus Bartram. — Raven. 
Corvus corax, Aud. Birds Amer. iv. 78 ; pi. 224. 
Corvus carnivorus, Baird, Gen. Rep. 560. 
This celebrated bird does not appear to be rare along the coast of Labrador.. 
The high, precipitous and almost inaccessible cliffs, which, rising abruptly 
from the sea, give to this rock-bound coast such a barren aspect, afford safe 
and convenient retreats, where it constructs its nest, and rears its young in 
perfect safety. It is so excessively watchful and wary a bird, that although 
we saw them frequently, not a single individual was shot by any of our party. 
Indeed, I know of no bird more difficult to procure than the Raven ; for in ad- 
dition to its natural sagacity, which surpasses that of almost any bird, the 
peculiar nature of the rocks it inhabits render the surprising of it almost an 
impossibility. Its voice is similar to that of the common crow, but far louder 
and rougher. Ravens are most frequently seen in pairs ; and they often de- 
scend to the sea shore, to feed on the dead fish, crabs, and other animal sub- 
stances thrown up by the waves. The eggs, when they can be procured, are 
eaten by the natives ; a species of vandalism well calculated to disturb the 
equanimity of any ardent collector or naturalist. 
At Henley Harbor, an arm of Chateaux Bay, at the northern entrance to the 
straits of Belle-Isle, there is a remarkable geological formation, known as the 
“castle.” This singular butte rises abruptly to a height of between 150 and 200 
feet above the level of the sea. The sides are either perpendicular or even 
over-hanging, the strata perfectly vertical, regular and composed of pentagonal 
prisms, remarkably distinct. The top is perfectly smooth and level, and 
covered with a rich growth of moss, lichens, and the Empetrum nigrum. The 
ascent can be effected only at one point, where the soft crumbling rock has 
been worn away by the long continued trickling of water. The whole appears 
to be in a state of rapid decomposition ; large masses of rock lie around the 
base in confusion, the strata, however, still distinctly visible. The debris 
thus accumulating at the base has raised a slope to within about fifty feet of 
the summit. A narrow but very deep channel, cut apparently by the action 
of the water, separates from it an island on which is another but less exten- 
sive formation of the same nature. This “castle” was the abode of a pair of 
Ravens, which, I was told, had resorted there regularly for several years. 
The nest was placed on a narrow ledge, inaccessible except from above by 
means of a rope. It was empty at the time I visited the place. 
1861.] 16 
