726 
BIKD-LIFE. 
of its universal activity, cosmopolitan and other well- 
known characteristics. Hundreds of our other native 
birds are far greater scamps than the Raven; yet no 
one is aware of their existence, or mentions them: its 
name, however, is in every mouth; he is considered igno¬ 
ramus indeed who is ignorant of the Raven’s existence ! 
In Central Germany, however, this is not so much to 
be wondered at, as the Raven does not care to live on 
intimate terms with man, and always avoids his approach. 
Thus, with us it is found in sparsely-inhabited districts, 
amongst mountains, in over-hanging woods, on rocky 
iron-bound coasts, and in other localities, where it can 
live undisturbed. Towards the limits of our continent, 
namely, in the north, south and east of Europe, it lives 
on better terms with the “lord of the creation,” possibly 
because man in these regions does not so readily judge or 
criticise its innocent pleasures and actions! In Spain, 
Greece, Sweden, and Russia, it may be looked upon as a 
common bird. Besides this, it extends its range far 
beyond the limits of Europe : the inhabitants of Kamt- 
schatka can tell of it, as well as the Greenlander; the 
Arab, as the Lapp; the Finlander and native of Siberia 
have the honour of its acquaintance; and it is to be met 
with in the Himalayas. 
The localities selected by the Raven are well chosen. 
It inhabits extensive districts, taking especial care that 
the resources are varied. Places where woodland, fields 
and water, are alternately to be met with, are its favourite 
haunts, because food is abundant in such localities. The 
sea-coast or southern mountains possess these advan¬ 
tages, more than do the flat plains: in such places 
Ravens are sometimes to be met with in bands, and I 
remember once to have seen such a one in the Sierra 
