RAVEN. 
437 
crescence near the middle of the stem. On this 
tree a pair of ravens had fixed their residence for 
such a series of years that the oak was distinguished 
by the title of “ The Raven-Tree.” Many were the 
attempts of the neighbouring youths to get at this 
aerie ; the difficulty whetted their inclinations, and 
each was ambitious of surmounting the arduous task ; 
but when they arrived at the swelling, it jutted out 
so in their way, and was so far beyond their grasp, 
that the boldest lads were deterred, and acknow- 
ledged the undertaking to be too hazardous. Thus 
the ravens continued to build, nest upon nest, in per- 
fect security, till the fatal day arrived on which the 
wood was to be levelled. This was in the month 
of February, when these birds usually sit. The 
saw was applied to the trunk, the wedges were in- 
serted into the opening, the woods echoed to the 
heavy blows of the beetle or mallet, the tree nod- 
ded to its fall ; but still the dam persisted to sit. 
At last when it gave way the bird was flung from 
her nest ; and, though her parental affection deserved 
a better fate, was whipped down by the twigs, which 
brought her dead to the ground,” 
The male is assiduous in providing his mate with 
food during the time she sits, and when the young 
brood make their first appearance he watches for 
their safety, and ventures his life to secure them 
from danger. If he sees a kite, or other rapacious 
bird, approach the nest, he immediately takes wing, 
and, getting above his foe, dashes downwards and 
strikes him violently with his bill. The contest is 
