especially preferring those that are intersected with hills. In such localities the raven reigns supreme, hardly the eagle himself daring to contest the supremacy with so powerful, crafty, and strongbeaked a bird.

The food of the raven is almost entirely of an animal nature, and there are few living things which the raven will not eat whenever it finds an opportunity of so doing. Worms, grubs, caterpillars, and insects of all kinds are swallowed by hundreds, but the diet in which the raven most delights is dead carrion. In consequence of this taste, the raven may be found rather plentifully on the Scotch sheep-feeding grounds, where the flocks are of such immense size that the bird is sure to find a sufficiency of food among the daily dead; for its wings are large and powerful, and its daily range of flight is so great, that many thousands of sheep pass daily under its ken, and it is tolerably sure in the course of the day to find at least one dead sheep or lamb.

So strongly is the desire for attacking wounded or dying animals implanted in the breast of the raven, that the best method of attracting one of these birds within gunshot is to lie on the back on some exposed part of a hill, with the gun concealed, and close at hand. It is needful to remain perfectly quiet, because if there is the slightest sign of life the raven will not approach, for he is shy of man, and of all large animals in nature.

One of these birds struck up a great friendship for a terrier dog belonging to the landlord of an inn, and carried his friendship so far as to accompany his ally in little hunting expeditions. In these affairs the two comrades used to kill an astonishing number of hares, rabbits, and other game, each taking his own share of the work. As soon as they came to a covert, the raven would station himself outside, while the dog would enter the covert, and drive out the hares from their concealment, taking care to send them in the direction of the watchful bird. On his part, the raven always posted himself close to one of the outlets, and as soon as any living creature passed within reach, he would pounce upon it, and either destroy it at once or wait until the dog came to his assistance, when, by their united efforts, the prey was soon killed.

Another and a very amusing anecdote of the raven is related by Captain M'Clure, the wellknown Arctic voyager. Two ravens once established themselves as friends of the family in Mercer Bay, living mainly by what little scraps the men might have thrown away after meal times.

The ship's dog, however, looked upon them as his special perquisites, and exhibited considerable energy in maintaining his rights against the ravens, who, nevertheless, outwitted him in a way which amused every one. Observing that he appeared quite willing to make a mouthful of their own

sable persons, they used to throw themselves intentionally in his way just as the mess-tins were being cleared out on the dust heap outside the ship. The dog would immediately run at them, and they would just fly a few yards; the dog then made another run, and again they would appear to escape him but by an inch, and so on, until they had tempted and provoked him to the shore, a considerable distance off. Then the ravens would make a direct flight for the ship, and had generally done good execution before the mortifiedlooking dog detected the imposition that had been practised upon him, and rushed back again.

So remarkable is the cunning of this bird, and so weird-like its aspect, that the ancient Scandinavians had good cause for the trembling respect which they paid to the sullen "Bird of Odin." Their idea of the raven was, that it was accustomed to watch for Odin's return every evening, and, perched upon his shoulder, to relate all the incidents that had taken place on earth within its ken.

The raven lives to a great age; many instances are known where it has reached the age of seventy or eighty years.

Scandinavians.-The name given to the inhabitants of Scandinavia, which embraced the modern kingdoms of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

Odin. The chief god among the Scandinavians, to whom the raven was sacred; hence it was termed "Bird of Odin."

The raven's cry.-The hoarse cry of this bird has always been regarded as an evil omen. Thus in Macbeth, Lady Macbeth says—

"The raven himself is hoarse

That croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan

Under my battlements."

QUESTIONS:-1. Where may the raven be found? 2. What sort of a bird is the raven? 3. On what does the raven live? 4. In what part of Scotland may it be found? 5. Why? 6. In what way may they be attracted within gunshot? 7. How does the raven manage to kill hares and rabbits? 8. Narrate the story of the raven and the terrier dog. 9. Who was Captain M'Clure? 10. What anecdote does he relate regarding ravens? 11. What is meant when it is said that the dog maintains his rights? 12. What is the character of the voice? 13. Who were the Scandinavians? 14. Who was Odin? 15. What opinion did the Scandinavians entertain regarding the raven? 16. What is the popular notion regarding its cry? 17. Quote Lady Macbeth's words regarding this. 18. What is known regarding the age of the raven?

As we drew near the equinoctial line, I occasionally heard some talk among the officers on the subject of a visit from Old Neptune; and as there were three of the crew who had never crossed the line,

it was thought probable that the venerable sea-god would visit the brig, and shake hands with the strangers, welcoming them to his dominions.

A few days afterwards, when the latitude was determined by a meridian altitude of the sun, Captain Page ordered Collins to go aloft and take a good look around the horizon, as it was not unlikely something was in sight. Collins grinned, and went aloft. He soon hailed the deck from the fore-topsail yard, and said he saw a boat broad off on the weather-bow, with her sails spread "wing and wing," and steering directly for the brig.

"That's Old Neptune himself!" shouted Captain Page, clapping his hands. "He will soon be alongside, Mr. Abbot," continued he, speaking to the chief mate, "let the men get their dinners at

once.

We must be prepared to receive the old

gentleman!"

After dinner, Mr. Fairfield ordered those of the crew, including myself, who had never crossed the line, into the forecastle, to remove one of the water casks. We had no sooner descended the ladder than the forescuttle was closed and fastened, and we were caught like rats in a trap. Preparations of a noisy character were now made on deck for the reception of Old Neptune.

An hour-a long and tedious one it appeared to those confined below-elapsed before the old gentleman got within hail. At length we heard a great trampling on the forecastle; and, anon, a gruff