. The American natural history; a foundation of useful knowledge of the higher animals of North America. Natural history. THE CROW AND EAVEN 205 rather harsh and strident ; but in his native soli- tudes, where bird-sounds are so seldom heard, the voyageur is alwaj^s glad to hear his call. And surely, every perching-bird that chooses to brave the rigors of the northern winter instead of migrating is entitled both to respect and admira- tion. The plumage of the Canada Jay has a peculiar fluffy appearance, suggestive of fur. Its pre- vaihng color is ashy-gray. The nape and back of the head are bl
. The American natural history; a foundation of useful knowledge of the higher animals of North America. Natural history. THE CROW AND EAVEN 205 rather harsh and strident ; but in his native soli- tudes, where bird-sounds are so seldom heard, the voyageur is alwaj^s glad to hear his call. And surely, every perching-bird that chooses to brave the rigors of the northern winter instead of migrating is entitled both to respect and admira- tion. The plumage of the Canada Jay has a peculiar fluffy appearance, suggestive of fur. Its pre- vaihng color is ashy-gray. The nape and back of the head are black, but the forehead is marked by a large white spot. The wings and tail are of a darker gray than the bodjf. The home of this interesting birdâthe companion of the moose, as well as of forest-haunting manâextends from Nova Scotia, and northern New England, through- out Canada to Manitoba, and northward to the limit of the great forests. The Common Crow ^ needs no description. When finer birds were abundant, we cared little for him; but now that bird-life generally has so greatly diminished, we feel like welcoming him as a friend. His cheerful "Caw" is a welcome sound, and his services to the farmer overbal- ance the bad things he perpetrates. The De- partment of Agriculture, through Professor F. E. L. Beal, has officially investigated him, published the court records of his case, and pro- nounced him a bird worthy of protection. It is declared, after an examination of the stomachs of specimens, that the noxious insects destroyed by the Crowsâcut-worms, caterpillars, grass- hoppers, and also miceârepresent a saving of more grain than the bird consumes. It must be admitted, however, that the Crow does many things he should not. He is too fond of eggs, and also of young birds. He will pull up, by the roots, altogether too much newly planted corn ; which is very unfair toward the farmer. While the damage is seldom serious, it is always annoying; but when the Crow pa
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