2 RAVEN.
magnitude, as differ the stars that sparkle in the expanse of the pure
heavens,—of the diversity of aspect in our western plains, our sandy
southern shores, interspersed with reedy swamps, and the cliffs that protect
our eastern coasts,—of the rapid currents of the Mexican Gulf, and
the rushing tide streams of the Bay of Fundy,—of our ocean-lakes, our
mighty rivers, our thundering cataracts, our majestic mountains, rearing
their snowy heads into the calm regions of the clear cold sky ? Would that
I could delineate to you the varied features of that loved land ! But, unwilling,
as I always am, to attempt the description of objects beyond my
comprehension, you will, I hope, allow me to tell you all that I know of
those which I have admired in youth, and studied in manhood,—for the
acquisition of which I have braved the enervating heats of the south, and
the cramping colds of the north, penetrated the tangled cane-swamp, thrid
the dubious trail of the silent forest, paddled my frail canoe in the creeks
of the marshy shore, and swept in my gallant bark o'er the swelling waves
of the ocean. And now, Kind Reader, let me resume my descriptions, and
proceed towards the completion of a task which, with reverence would I
say it, seems to have been imposed upon me by Him who called me into
existence.
In the United States, the Raven is in some measure a migratory bird,
individuals retiring to the extreme south during severe winters, but returning
towards the Middle, Western, and Northern Districts, at the first
indications of milder weather. A few are known to breed in the mountainous
portions of South Carolina, but instances of this kind are rare,
and are occasioned merely by the security afforded by inaccessible precipices,
in which they may rear their young. Their usual places of resort
are the mountains, the abrupt banks of rivers, the rocky shores of lakes,
and the cliffs of thinly-peopled or deserted islands. It is in such places
that these birds must be watched and examined, before one can judge of
their natural habits, as manifested amid their freedom from the dread of
their most dangerous enemy, the lord of the creation.
There, through the clear and rarified atmosphere, the Raven spreads
his glossy wings and tail, and, as he onward sails, rises higher and higher
each bold sweep that he makes, as if conscious that the nearer he approaches
the sun, the more splendent will become the tints of his plumage.
Intent on convincing his mate of the fervour and constancy of his love,
he now gently glides beneath her, floats in the buoyant air, or sails by her
side. Would that I could describe to you, reader, the many musical in-
RAVEN. 3
flections by means of which they hold converse during these amatory excursions
! These sounds doubtless express their pure conjugal feelings,
confirmed and rendered more intense by long years of happiness in each
other's society. In this manner they may recall the pleasing remembrance
of their youthful days, recount the events of their life, express the
pleasure they have enjoyed, and perhaps conclude with humble prayer to
the Author of their being for a continuation of it.
Now, their matins are over; the happy pair are seen to glide towards
the earth in spiral lines; they alight on the boldest summit of a rock, so
high that you can scarcely judge of their actual size; they approach each
other, their bills meet, and caresses are exchanged as tender as those of
the gentle Turtle Dove. Far beneath, wave after wave dashes in foam
against the impregnable sides of the rocky tower, the very aspect of
which would be terrific to almost any other creatures than the sable
pair, which for years have resorted to it, to rear the dearly-cherished fruits
of their connubial love. Midway between them and the boiling waters,
some shelving ledge conceals their eyry. To it they now betake themselves,
to see what damage it has sustained from the peltings of the winter
tempests. Off they fly to the distant woods for fresh materials with which
to repair the breach ; or on the plain they collect the hair and fur of quadrupeds;
or from the sandy beach pick up the weeds that have been
washed there. By degrees, the nest is enlarged and trimmed, and when
every thing has been rendered clean and comfortable, the female deposits
her eggs, and begins to sit upon them, while her brave and affectionate
mate protects and feeds her, and at intervals takes her place.
All around is now silent, save the hoarse murmur of the waves, or the
whistling sounds produced by the flight of the waterfowl travelling towards
the northern regions. At length the young burst the shell, when the careful
parents, after congratulating each other on the happy event, disgorge
some half-macerated food, which they deposit in their tender mouths.
Should the most daring adventurer of the air approach, he is attacked
with fury and repelled. As the young grow up, they are urged to be careful
and silent:—a single false movement might precipitate them into the
abyss below; a single cry during the absence of their parents might bring
upon them the remorseless claws of the swift Peregrine or Jerfalcon.
The old birds themselves seem to improve in care, diligence, and activity,
varying their course when returning to their home, and often entering it
when unexpected. The young are now seen to stand on the edge of the
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