218 A DESCRIPTION OF 
opening, the wood echoed to the heavy blows of the mal- 
let, the tree nodded to its fall ; but still the dam per- 
sisted in sitting. 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 croaking of the Raven was formerly considered a 
note of ill omen, 
The Raven himself is hoarse, 
That croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan 
Under my battlements. 
SHAKSPEARE. 
THE CARRION CROW. (Corvus corone.) 
THIS .. bird is less in size than the raven. The bill is 
strong, thick and straight. The general colour is blac^k, 
except the bottom of the feathers, which has a greyishjint. 
His delight is to feed upon carcasses, and dead anmial*, 
or malefactors exposed on the gibbet. Like the raven, he 
has a very acute scent, and is said to smell gunpowder 
afar off. He roosts upon trees, and takes both animal 
and vegetable food. Like the rooks, the Crows are gre- 
