BRITISH BIRDS. 
67 
world, and, in times of ignorance and fuperflition, 
was confidered as ominous, foretelling future events 
by its horrid croakings, and announcing impending 
calamities : In thefe times the Raven was confider- 
ed as a bird of vaft importance, and the various 
changes and modulations of its voice were ftudied 
with the molt careful attention, and were made ufe 
of by artful and defigning men to mifiead the igno- 
rant and unwary. It is a very long-lived bird, and 
is fuppofed fometimes to live a century or more. 
It is fond of carrion, which it fcents at a great dif- 
tance ; it is faid that it will deltroy rabbits, young 
ducks, and chickens ; it has been known to feize 
oh young lambs which have been dropped in a 
weak ftate, and pick out their eyes while yet a- 
live : It will fuck the eggs of other birds ; it feeds 
alfo on earth-worms, reptiles, and even fliell-filh, 
when urged by hunger. It may be rendered very 
tame and familiar, and has been frequently taught 
to pronounce a variety of words : It is a crafty 
bird, and will frequently pick up things of value, 
fuch as rings, money, &c, and carry them to its 
hiding-place. It makes its neft early in the fpring, 
and builds in trees and the holes of rocks, laying 
five or fix eggs, of a pale blueiih green colour, 
fpotted with brown. The female fits about twen- 
ty days, and is conftantly attended by the male, 
who not only provides her with abundance of food, 
but relieves her by turns, and takes her place in 
the neft. F 2 
