290 
CORVUS CORAX. 
plusieurs autres des especes Mexicaines se retrouvent 
dans sa partie occidentale.’ ” 
15 . CORVUS CORAX , LINNiEUS. — THE RAVEN. 
This well known bird, common to the four quarters 
of the globe, abounds in the fur countries, and visits the 
remotest islands of the polar seas. * Richardson remarks, 
“ It frequents the barren grounds even in the most intense 
winter colds, its movements being directed in a great 
measure by those of the herds of rein-deer, musk-oxen, 
and bison, which it follows, ready to assist in devouring 
such as are killed by beasts of prey or by accident. No 
sooner has a hunter slaughtered an animal, than these 
birds are seen coming from various quarters to feast on 
the offal ; and considerable numbers constantly attend 
at the fishing stations, where they shew equal boldness 
and rapacity. The experienced native, when he sees 
from afar a flock of ravens wheeling in small circles, 
knows that a party of his countrymen, well provided 
with venison, are encamped on the spot, or that a band 
of wolves are preying upon the carcass of some of the 
larger quadrupeds ; and pushes on briskly, in the certain 
prospect of having his wants supplied. The thievish 
habits of a tame raven f are well known; but it is 
remarkable, that, inhabiting in a wild state the most 
secluded and worst peopled districts of America, it 
* Captain James C. Ross remarks, that the raven was found in 
the most northern part of the Arctic regions visited by the explo- 
ratory expedition. A pair took up their residence in the high 
cliffs of Port Bowen, and occasionally approached the ships in 
search of food. During the winter, they were frequently observed 
to have a white ring round the neck, caused by the freezing of the 
vapour of their breath, and giving them a very singular appearance. 
Winter produced no effect on their plumage, nor did they differ in 
any respect from the European bird. 
Ravens have been taught to articulate short sentences as dis- 
tinctly as any parrot. One now in the possession of Mr Henslow, of 
St Albans, speaks so distinctly, that, upon first hearing it, we 
were actually deceived in thinking it was a human voice. 
