Page:The Zoologist, 1st series, vol 1 (1843).djvu/258

230 morning, and at three o'clock in the afternoon the survivor had found a help-mate, who continued faithfully to discharge the duties of husband and father until the destruction of the young birds at a later period.

I have much pleasure in recording the following fact, which may, perhaps, serve to assist in the promulgation of those humane and enlightened views so ably advocated by Mr. Waterton in his 'Essays on Natural History.'

Some years ago a pair of ravens used to breed annually in Burton Park, about four miles from Petworth; disappearing from the neighbourhood when their young were fledged, but always returning in the ensuing spring.

The head keeper, better acquainted, it would appear, with the habits of birds than persons of his profession are apt to be, afforded them every protection. He had discovered that they were his best friends. Not a hawk, or weasel, nor indeed any winged or four-footed animal usually designated "vermin," were suffered by the ravens to approach the wood in which stood the tree containing their nest.

Although pheasants and hares abounded in the immediate vicinity, neither these nor their young were ever molested by the ravens. Their foraging expeditions were carried on at a distance, and their food consisted almost entirely of young rabbits, and the decomposed flesh of larger quadrupeds.

This state of things was not to continue. In an evil hour the nest was robbed. All the young ones were taken. The old ravens deserted the place, and have never since returned to their former abode.

Kendal, June 29, 1843.

I send you a letter, received about eighteen months ago, from Mr. Nicholson, of Cowan Head, near Kendal, containing an interesting account of a grey wagtail. In your fifth number (Zool. 136) you have published a somewhat similar statement; but as my friend suggests a different interpretation to the one 'proposed by Mr. Doubleday, I thought you might like to publish his letter.

I am, Dear Sir, Very truly yours,