CROW. 
215 
cold, and fall sometimes dead in the fields. According 
to Wilson, in one of these severe seasons, more than 600 
Crows were shot on the carcass of a dead horse, which 
was placed at a proper shooting distance from a stable. 
The premiums obtained for these, and the price procured 
for the quills, produced to the farmer nearly the value of 
the horse when living, besides affording feathers sufficient 
to fill a bed ! 
The Crow is easily raised and domesticated, and soon 
learns to distinguish the different members of the family 
with which he is associated. He screams at the approach 
of a stranger ; learns to open the door by alighting on the 
latch ; attends regularly at meal times ; is very noisy and 
loquacious ; imitates the sound of various words which he 
hears ; is very thievish, given to hiding curiosities in 
holes and crevices, and is very fond of carrying off 
pieces of metal, corn, bread, and food of all kinds ; he is 
also particularly attached to the society of his master, 
and recollects him sometimes after a long absence. 
It is commonly believed and asserted in some parts 
of this country, that the Crows engage at times in gene- 
ral combat ; but it has never been ascertained whether 
this hostility arises from civil discord, or the opposition 
of two different species, contesting for some exclusive 
privilege of subsisting-ground. It is well known that 
Rooks often contend with each other, and drive away, by 
every persecuting means, individuals who arrive among 
them from any other rookery. 
The Crow is much smaller than the Raven, and is of a deep black 
with violet reflections. The bill and feet are also black. The iris 
hazel. (The European bird is 20 inches, or nearly.) The female is 
smaller, and the reflections of the plumage are less lively. It varies 
sometimes to yellowish or greyish white, and occasionally the plu- 
mage is more or less varied with white feathers. Sometimes one part 
or other of the body will be white or rufous grey. 
